How to find carseat help in Australia?

tjstyphon · Jul 27, 2015

Does anyone have information on how to find a carseat tech in Australia? Or an organization that can help with carseat questions? A mom in Australia told me she has to FF her 11 month old because her car won't fit a RF seat. I'm not familiar with what seats are available in Australia, and her car is one that isn't available in the US so I'm not familiar with it either

ketchupqueen · Jul 27, 2015

As far as I'm aware they don't have a technician organization. (New Zealand has something.) and their government's official position is that ff at 6 months is hunky dory. Longer lasting rf seats were finally approved after a long fight but government recommendations haven't budged.

The Rear Facing Down Under group on Facebook is a good resource.

tjstyphon · Jul 27, 2015

I posted this on the group's FB page also, someone suggested I use google Australia. I was able to find a group that I passed on to her. Not sure how much help they offer, I was able to find seat checks but they charge for them there. It's so much different!

http://www.kidsafe.com.au/crguidelines

Niniel · Jul 28, 2015

This is an Australian car seat group with over 13000 members. They'll be able to help her out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/childrestraints/

The Safe n Sound Platinum SICT and Meridian SICT are the longest rf seats available(there might be a couple others as well). They take up quite a bit of room though, most Australian rf seats do, as they must be reclined all the way while RF.

http://www.britax.com.au/car-seats/platinum-sict

http://www.britax.com.au/car-seats/meridian-sict-2

Adventuredad · Jul 28, 2015

Forward facing at 11 months would be considered late in Australia. Their habits and car seat standard are unfortunately stone age. Of the thousands of emails we receive every month the most frustrated parents are from Australia.

Those who want to keep their child rear facing but simply can't since there are no seats available. This is also why so many import their rear facing seat and use it despite not being technically allowed.

1mommy · Jul 28, 2015

I think I saw a facebook page the other day, it was called "RearFacingDownUnder" or something similar, let me see if I can find it.

Found it!

http://www.kidsafeqld.com.au/

https://www.facebook.com/RearFacingDownUnder?fref=ts

But thinking about it - I think you're the one that posted these links on the Facebook CSO Page, but maybe this information can help someone else looking.

tjstyphon · Jul 28, 2015

Thanks everyone!! I had no idea Australia was so far behind until I started looking into it. Forward facing at 6 months?? Ugh. There's a Kidsafe chapter that does carseat checks and installs, but from the photo of her car that she sent me I don't see how even the most compact seat would fit in there RF. After looking at Australia's seat designations, I completely understand why people import seats! I would probably be searching the black market for one myself if I lived there

How to find carseat help in Australia?

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