Child Restraints Guide
I decided to put together this Child Restraints Guide for our customers due to the huge number of questions we are asked in-store.
As experts in child restraints, I’ll cover the most common questions – from the simple and obvious to the not-so-obvious.
Child Restraint FAQ
Is a Child Restraint really necessary?
Absolutely. Besides being required by law, a properly fitted restraint significantly improves your child’s safety in the event of a crash.
- Baby capsules – for newborns to approx. 6–12 months
- Convertible car seats – from approx. 6 months to 4 years
- Booster seats – from approx. 4 years to 7–10 years
- Birth-to-8 car seats – a longer-term solution combining all stages
- Standard seat belts – for older children once they meet height requirements
Is Professional Car Seat Fitting really needed?
Yes and No. All car seats come with instructions, but if you’re a first-time parent, we highly recommend professional fitting.
Statistics show that up to 85% of baby seats are incorrectly installed. Each car is different, many require gated buckles or specific installation techniques. Improper installation is one of the most common contributors to injury in a crash.
Do I need to keep getting it checked or re-installed?
The initial installation is just the beginning. Most families will remove and reinstall car seats multiple times as they change cars, go on holidays, use grandparents’ vehicles.
That’s why at Bubs n Grubs, we don’t just fit the seat – we also train you on how to do it yourself, properly and confidently.
Do I need to wear a seat belt during pregnancy?
Yes – it’s the law in Australia. While it may be uncomfortable, the government clearly states that wearing a seat belt while pregnant is safer for both you and your baby.
How should I wear the seat belt while pregnant?
Correct seat belt positioning during pregnancy is crucial:
- Lap belt: Across the hips, under the belly, over the thighs
- Sash belt: Between the breasts, over the shoulder, above the belly
Which Car Seat Should I Buy?
It depends on your circumstances: the type of car, whether it’s your first child, whether you’ll need to fit three restraints, legroom, budget.
One thing we know: choose a specialist baby store with hands-on experience. At Bubs n Grubs, our team are trained experts – not casual retail assistants. We help you evaluate your car and choose the best child restraint to fit your needs, budget, family plan.
Should I rent a car seat?
We don’t recommend it. While it might seem economical, the risk isn’t worth it. If a rented seat has been in a crash (even a minor one), it should never be used again – but there’s no way to guarantee that truthfully.
That’s why Bubs n Grubs does not offer rental seats. We’re not prepared to take risks with your child’s safety – even if it means missing out on a potential sale.
Can I place my baby in the front seat if there’s an airbag?
No. Never place a child restraint in front of an active airbag. This applies to both rear- and forward-facing seats. The safest position for any child is always in the back seat. We do not and will not install car seats in the front seat – ever.
Do booster seats need professional fitting?
Just like infant car seats, booster seats also benefit from correct installation. If it’s your first time using one, get help from a trained fitter and learn how to install it yourself.
In summary:
Everyone’s needs are different. The best way to choose the right child restraint for your situation is to get personalised advice from real experts.
At Bubs n Grubs, we have a highly trained team with years of experience – and we’re here to help. We’ll guide you, fit your seat, teach you how to install it safely yourself.
Right now, we have incredible deals on all child restraints with the latest in safety tech. Click the button below to view the range:
Talk Soon,
Frank
Standards & Guidance (Australia)
- Child car seats in Australia must meet: AS/NZS 1754 – Mandatory Australian standard for child restraints.
- QLD Government child restraint advice: Queensland Road Safety & Rules for Children
- Find an accredited fitter: ChildCarSeats.com.au
Safety Disclaimer
This content is general information for Australia. Always follow the product manual and ensure your child restraint complies with AS/NZS 1754. For personalised advice, consult a certified car seat fitter or contact us directly.
About the Author
Frank is a founding owner of Bubs n Grubs. He is also the sole author of the Bubs n Grubs Baby Blog. He has been personally evaluating baby products & testing them before offering them to our customers since 2009. In addition, he is consistently giving manufacturer’s feedback & product development advice, reviewing & getting customer feedback. He has been doing this since the business started in 2009. He is proud to be one of the rare baby store owners in Australia who regularly engages with customers in his store. Frank values the constant feedback and regularly seeks it out. He has been featured on the Morning Show & the Today Show on Channel 7 and Channel 9 and is a recognised expert in baby products as a result.
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