New law - Baby to be rear facing in car capsule until 12 months? Is this True??

[Mumma2three]

We are forward facing as of 5 months. DS was so unhappy and trying to sit up the whole time. He's also almost 9kilos. haven't heard of that law, but I do believe they are changing teh laws around car seats ,so it could be coming in soon xo

[Pandora]

The laws take effect in November.
Kidsafe or RACQ/RACV/NRMA, Vicroads etc will have info.
I must say I had not read the part about changing their position by height or weight - DS2 is about 8kilos at 3 months, there is no way he will fit rear facing til 12 months.

[mjsmummy]

as some of the other mums said, you shouldn't be pressured into putting bubs into the forwards facing postion too early, the recommended weight is over 9kgs or approx 70 cm in length, but if your car seat allows it it's a still perfectly safe to leave them in the rear facing position till they are even 10-12 kgs..it's really your as the parents choice.

the following is a snip it from the vic roads website of the new laws that are due to change in victoria on the 9th November

The new rules for using child restraints and booster seats
Starting 9 November 2009, children under seven years of age must wear a child restraint or booster seat when travelling in a car for improved safety.

The type of restraint will depend on the age of the child as follows:

Children aged under six months must wear an approved, properly fastened and adjusted, rear facing child restraint
Children aged between six months and under four years must wear an approved, properly fastened and adjusted, rear facing child restraint OR a forward facing child restraint with an in-built harness
Children aged between four years and under seven must wear an approved, properly fastened and adjusted, forward facing child restraint with an in-built harness OR an approved booster seat which is properly positioned and fastened.

There are also new laws for where children can sit in vehicles.
If a car has two or more rows of seats, then children under four years must not travel in the front seat
If all seats, other than the front seats, are being used by children under seven years, children aged between four and six years (inclusive) may travel in the front seat, provided they use an approved restraint or booster seat.

I'm a fully qualified child restraint fitter for my job, so if you have any question feel free to ask..

xx