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What Are The Best Child Car Restraints and Baby Seats?

Posted July 11, 2008 in Family Friendly by Melissa Pye

Choosing the best child car restraint to transport your precious cargo is confusing, to say the least. Firstly, you need to determine the age/size of your child to determine whether it is a capsule, child seat or booster seat that you need. It’s good to know that all types of child restraints must meet the Australian Standard, one of the strictest standards in the world. However, certain models provide better protection and are easier to use than others.

The NSW Roads and Traffic Authority, NRMA and RACV conduct research on an ongoing basis to help you make the best decision. They tested over 30 restraints and have given them a ranking based on their performance and ease of use.


Ranking Scale

A= Exceptional
B=Good
C=Above average
D=Meeting the standard requirements

Baby Capsules

Baby capsules are for babies up to 9 kg or 7 cm, usually about six months old or younger.
The following baby capsules all received an A.

IGC GoSafe Cleo $189
SAFE-N-SOUND Baby Safety Capsule $246
SAFE-N-SOUND Compaq  
$299
SAFE-N-SOUND Compaq Deluxe $389

Child Seats
Child Seats are for children weighing 8-18 kgs and are between 6-9 months and five years of age.

The following seats all rated B for good protection and ease of use.  No child seats received an A rating

 

BABYLOVE Sovereign/F1-304 $280
HIPOD Madrid $269
IGC GoSafe Cleo $189
IGC GoSafe Summit $259
SAFE-N-Sound Compaq Deluxe $389
SAFE-N-Sound Discovery Plus $259
SAFE-N-Sound Explorer $349
SAFE-N-Sound Maxi Rider $359
SAFE-N-Sound Meridian $529
SAFE-N-SOUND Royale $439
SAFE-N-SOUND Safeguard $209
SAFE-N-SOUND Series 3 (discontinued)  

Booster Seats

Booster seats are for children not large enough to use a seatbelt and usually weighing between 14 and 26 kgs.

The model below was the only one to score an A for excellent performance and ease of use.

INFA Vario Kid

$130

 

For further information, click here.

Article date June 2008

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5 Posted Comments

(3 awaiting approval)
 
  • paul ryder  posted 15-10-2008 6:42 pm wrote:

    Just a quick question. We would like to know if the Maxi Cosy car seat for infants is up to Australian standards?

    Regards Paul

  • addison samuel  posted 16-12-2008 5:08 pm wrote:

    can i purchase a baby car seat from sydney Australia? if not where can i puchase one...thanks.

    Addison

  • Jan Glover  posted 06-01-2009 4:00 pm wrote:

    Great to be able to look and compare the different types of car seats for kids - especially the reversable ones. NRMA ratings are also a good idea.

  • Leon  posted 18-02-2009 5:39 pm wrote:

    Thanks for the useful information.

  • Karl  posted 27-08-2009 9:44 am wrote:

    just a quick question about the babylove f1304 car seat. Anyone have it? any good or bad comments? Thanks

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