installing car seat

Installing a child car seat isn’t an IQ test, but it can feel like one written by a committee.

In Australia, use an AS/NZS 1754-approved seat and follow both the vehicle and seat manuals; pick either ISOFIX anchors or the seatbelt—never both—and attach the top tether if the seat requires it (most AU-approved seats do).

Tighten so the seat moves less than about 2.5 cm at the belt path, keep the harness snug at the collarbone, and ditch bulky jackets.

Rear-facing remains safest for as long as the seat allows, then move to forward-facing and booster according to the seat labels and your state’s rules.

If the angle or routing still looks like modern art, visit an authorised child restraint fitting station; the fee is cheaper than regret.

Check the seat’s expiry and never use one with unknown crash history—because “she’ll be right” doesn’t apply to physics.