thread: Awfully Confused...

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  1. #1
    Registered User

    Dec 2008
    NSW
    227

    Awfully Confused...

    I heard on the news that all children needed to be in a rear facing capsule up to the age of 6 months. Does this include reversible car seats?

    Also I drive a carnival so does this mean from the RTA's site that the baby will have to be in the very rear of the vehicle? ( 3rd row ).

    If you can help please do as I am about to go and buy a car seat for bubs shortly...
    Thanks.. Em
    __________________

  2. #2
    Registered User
    Add NaeNae on Facebook

    Sep 2007
    South Gippsland
    3,753

    Hey Em,

    I am not sure what you mean by a reversible car seat are you talking about the ones that go from birth to say 18kg? My understanding is bubs need to be rear facing until a certain weight rather than age but they say 6 months because thats the average age for the right weight??
    Just to be on the safe side - I would recommend talking to a Vic roads approved fitter person (or equivalent) that way you are getting the best advice.

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Jun 2007
    Forster NSW
    1,444

    I'm thinking what you mean by a reversable is it does rear facing and forward facing seating positions, in which case it is fine, that is what I had for DD. Call the RTA hotline to find your nearest fitter and they will put it all in for you and when the time comes you can take it back and get them to turn the seat around for you.

    As for the forward facing position, You can sit you bub up when they are in the correct weight range and can sit unassisted, being able to comfortably hold their own head up etc, which is generally around the 6 months mark.

    They don't recommend putting bubs in the 3rd row at all, it is best having them in the 2nd row until they are at least in a booster seat (as a toddler).

    I hope this has helped, it's always easier (when the time comes) to take your car seat to the RTA fitter and they do go through a lot with you to clear up any confusion you may have.

  4. #4
    Life Subscriber

    Jul 2006
    Brisbane
    6,683

    Rear facing capsule I'm sure would include reversible seats. I have not heard anything to suggest that this has changed. And I would be leaving them rear facing for far longer than 6 months - it's much safer - have you seen the YouTube clip on this?

    Also, yes, the second row is the safest place, and that is what is referred to when they say "back". The middle seat in the row is the very safest spot if you have room to put it there.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Jun 2009
    Victoria
    116

    Not sure if it's the same in NSW but I recently purchased a car with 3 rows and was told by the dealer that it's illegal and unsafe to put a capsual/baby seat in the 3rd row?

    Was a bit suprised considering we purchased the car to fit our (soon to be) 2 plus my 2 DSS. We are planning a 3rd down the track, and since children need to be in car seats until the age of 7 it will be squashy in the 2nd row.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Apr 2008
    USA - Louisiana
    39

    I live in the US in the state of Louisiana. The law here requires babies up to 1 year be in a rear facing car seat only(the small carrier type). We can't use the the one's that can face both ways until after 1 year regardless of weight. That doesn't make much sense to me because some babies are on the large side and exceed the weight requirement for the seat.