Parents and caregivers are invited to a free car seat safety check to ensure that local children are traveling safely in correctly fitted car restraints.
The event hosted by Kids in Safe Seats and sponsored by First National Real Estate Bundaberg.
Justin Mayberry from First National Real Estate Bundaberg said he was proud to support an event that was all about keeping kids safe on the road.
“As a local business, we care deeply about our community, and helping families ensure their car seats are fitted correctly is one simple way we can make a real difference,” he said.
With child car seat safety laws in place to protect young passengers, many parents still find it difficult to determine when their child is ready to move to the next stage.
Keeping children in each restraint type for as long as possible is the safest approach, yet incorrect use remains a common issue.
Certified child restraint installers from Kids in Safe Seats will be on-site to check car seats, provide guidance on proper installation, and offer expert advice on when to transition children to the next stage.
“Supporting families in our community is really important to us,” Elisa Mayberry from First National Real Estate Bundaberg said.
“Car seat safety can be overwhelming for parents, so being part of an event that helps keep local kids safe gives us a chance to give back in a meaningful way.”
Understanding when to change car seats
Car seat transitions are based on a combination of age, height, and weight.
The key recommendations include:
- Rear-facing seats – Babies must remain in a rear-facing seat until at least six months old, but keeping them rear-facing for longer is recommended.
- Forward-facing seats – Children must use an approved child car seat (rear-facing or forward-facing) until at least four years old.
- Booster seats – Children aged four to seven years must use a forward-facing seat with an inbuilt harness or a booster seat with a lap-sash seatbelt.
- Adult seatbelt use – While children seven and older can legally use an adult seatbelt, most do not fit safely until they reach 145 cm in height, often between 10 to 12 years old.
The 5-Step Test is recommended to determine if a child is ready to move out of a booster seat.
Incorrectly fitted or improperly used car restraints put children at risk of serious injury in a crash.
In Queensland, failing to properly restrain a child can result in a $1,209 fine and four demerit points per unrestrained child, with double demerit points for repeat offences within 12 months.
Parents encouraged to attend free safety check
Families unsure about their child’s car seat or restraint stage are encouraged to attend the Kids in Safe Seats Free Car Seat Safety Check Event to receive expert guidance.
Event details:
● Date: Saturday, 1 March 2025
● Time: 8 am – 11 am
● Location: 234 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg
● No bookings required
For more information about car seat safety and upcoming events, visit Kids in Safe Seats or contact a professional child restraint fitting service.
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