Choosing the right car seat is one of the most important decisions parents can make for their child’s safety on the road. With so many options and regulations to consider, it’s difficult to know how and where to start. This guide provides a helpful breakdown of key car seat information to help you make an informed and safe decision. 

Under New Zealand law, all children under the age of seven MUST be secured in an approved car seat appropriate for their age, weight and size. The drivers are responsible for ensuring the restraint is correctly installed and the child is properly buckled in. Children aged seven or older can use a booster seat if available. If not, they must use the car’s seatbelt. 

Things to consider when purchasing a car seat 

• Vehicle compatibility: Ensure the car seat sits at the correct angle and fits your vehicle according to the manufacturer's manual.  

• Child’s measurements: Consider your child’s weight, height and developmental stage to find the right seat for your child. 

• Safety standards: Ensure the seat meets approved standards and check for the expiry date. 

• Ease of installation: Confirm that you can achieve a correct installation every time for maximum safety. 

Car seat modes: 

Rear-facing infant car seats 

Rear-facing seats offer superior protection for infants and young toddlers in the event of a sudden stop or collision. These seats protect a child’s developing neck, head and spine by evenly distributing the force across the body of the car seat.  

It is recommended to keep your child rear-facing until they reach at least 2 years old or, once they reach the seat's maximum rear-facing limits. There are many car seat brands that allow for extended rear-facing beyond age 2. 

Forward-facing car seats 

Once a child outgrows the rear-facing limits of their seat (typically between ages 2 to 4), they must then transition to a forward-facing seat with a harness. With their hard shell exterior and additional padding and support for the growing child, these seats keep your child secure and protected in the event of sudden stops or impacts. 

Types of car seats 

Image: Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe Plus Infant car seat & base

Capsules (infant car seats) 

• Position: rear-facing only 

• Height Range: from 40 to 85cm* 

• Weight Range: from 1.8 to 13/15kg* 

• Age Range: from birth to 15 months old* 

Capsules are designed for newborns, typically used from birth up to 15 months*. These car seats should be used in the back seat in rear-facing mode only. They are super convenient and include a carry handle, making it easy to transport your resting baby without disturbing them when you need to pop them in and out of the car. Some capsules can even be clicked onto compatible strollers in and around town. 

Here are some capsule car seats that are available at babycity ®. 

*Note: These ranges are guidelines; always refer to your car seat’s manufacturer specifications for the best fit and safety. In New Zealand, the best practice is to keep children rear-facing until at least age 2. 

Image: Baby Jogger City Turn car seat 

Convertibles car seats 

• Position: rear-facing and forward-facing 

• Height Range: from 40 to 160cm (rear-facing until approx 100cm)* 

• Weight Range: from 9 to 23kg* 

• Age Range: from newborn to 6 years old* 

Convertible car seats grow with your child from birth to 23kg*, with some converting to booster seats allowing up to 54kg* (each model varies)! These seats start as a rear-facing seat for infants and then can convert to forward-facing when your child meets the seats rear-facing limit, providing a cost-effective option that spans multiple stages of your child's growth. Convertible car seats can usually go up to 6 years, while some models can go up to 10 years.  

Here are some convertible car seats that are available at babycity ®. 

*Note: These ranges are guidelines; always refer to your car seat’s manufacturer specifications for the best fit and safety. In New Zealand, the best practice is to keep children rear-facing until at least age 2. 

Image: phil&teds® columbus™ i-Size car seat 

Booster seats 

• Position: forward-facing only 

• Height Range: from 85 to 148cm* 

• Weight Range: from 11 to 36kg* 

• Age Range: from 2 to 12 years old* 

Booster seats are the next stage in car seat once your child is ready for a forward-facing seat, typically used for children ages 2 to 8 years old. They are available in both full-back and half-back designs. Full-back boosters provide head and neck support, ideal for younger children and for additional side-impact protection; while half-back boosters are more compact and are appropriate for older children if the car has built-in headrests. 

At babycity®, we offer two types of booster seats to meet your child’s needs as they grow: 

• Harnessed boosters: These seats include a 5-point harness to secure younger children. Most harnessed boosters convert to an unharnessed booster, allowing your child to eventually use the vehicle’s seatbelt as they grow. Some harnessed boosters also become half boosters, providing added versatility. The seats are typically suited for children ages 2 to 8 years*. 

• Unharnessed boosters: Great for the older child who has outgrown the harness but is still not yet tall enough to use the vehicle’s seatbelt alone. Boosters position the child so that the vehicle’s seatbelt sits correctly across the shoulder and lap, minimising the risk of injury in the unlikely event of a crash. Typically suited for children aged around 4 to 8 years. 

 Here are some Booster car seats that are available at babycity ® 

*Note: These ranges are guidelines; always refer to your car seat’s manufacturer specifications for the best fit and safety. In New Zealand, the best practice is to keep children rear-facing until at least age 2. 

Is my child safe to ride without a booster seat? 

Use the Five-Step Test to determine if your child is ready to ride without a booster seat: 

• Can they sit back against the vehicle seat? 

• Do their knees bend at the edge of the seat? 

• Does the lap belt sit low on the tops of their thighs? 

• Does the shoulder belt rest between the neck and shoulder? 

• Can they sit properly without slouching or leaning?

Car Seat Standards: 

All car seats sold in New Zealand must meet an approved standard. In New Zealand, we allow for five different car seat standards. These standard marks must be displayed in the form of a sticker or label usually found on the back of the child restraint. 

These stickers can seem overwhelming with information that is not necessarily well understood. In a nutshell this is what each standard means for you: 

i-Size (R129): This is the latest European standard that includes more rigorous testing (including side impact) to improve head and neck protection. Included in this standard is a term i-Size, which focuses on your child's height rather than their weight and age. All R-129 seats are ISOFIX equipped for the perfect fit into the car every time. Valid in NZ and the EU. 

R44/04: This is the older European standard that is based on your child’s weight. Still valid in NZ and the EU, though i-Size is the newer standard. Seats meet R44/04 are often seatbelt installable. 

FMVSS 213: This US standard is known for LATCH installation. Before a US standard car seat can be used in New Zealand, the model must be tested by the Bureau Veritas. This yellow sticker shows that this car seat is a US standard restraint which is approved for use in New Zealand. This standard is not recognised in Australia or the EU. US restraints require compliance testing as FMVSS 213 are self-certified. ‘S Mark’ certification is simply New Zealand doing their due diligence to “quality control” the process. 

AS/NZS 1754: This standard is for New Zealand and Australia, featuring upper tethers and ISOFIX in certain models. It is not recognised in the EU or US. 

Japanese Standard mark: Approved for use in New Zealand, but only on restraints built-in to vehicles. These restraints are not sold in New Zealand. 

Some good car seat safety tips: 

• Chest clip position: The chest clip should be positioned at the centre of the child's chest and level with their armpits. Note that while this feature is common on US standard car seats, are not a standard on all car seats. 

• Harness straps: Ensure they are snug. If you can pinch the straps, they are too loose. 

• Avoid bulky clothing: Dress your child in thin layers when in the car seat. Bulky clothing can interfere with proper harness fitting. In winter remove puffer and bulky items, buckle them in then use a blanket over the top for warmth. 

• Rear-facing safety: Rear-facing seats should NOT be used in the front seat, especially if there is an active airbag. 

Ready to start your car seat journey? 

At babycity®, we’re committed to child safety on the road, and we offer FREE car seat installation and check services to ensure peace of mind. Book a consultation with one of our car seat experts online or call our team today.  

Let us help you choose the right car seat for your child and your car, and get you road ready, feeling confident for your journeys ahead! 

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