Can a Baby Car Seat Go in the Middle Seat

A convertible car seat is commonly referred to as a forward-facing car seat. All convertible car seats have their own inbuilt six-point harness system, and this harness is used from birth until your child is approximately 4 years of age, or until their shoulder reaches the upper height marker.

Convertible car seats are a very popular option for Australian families as they easily convert from a rearward facing baby seat to a forward facing car seat - and allow children to be fully harnessed for as long as they can fit in it.

When selecting your first baby car seat, one option is to start your baby in a baby capsule and progress to a convertible car seat, then a booster seat. Some parents prefer to use a convertible car seat which can change modes to allow for longer periods of use.

The main benefit of convertible car seats for ages 0 - 8 years old, is that some allow young children to face rearward for longer. Our Maxi-Cosi Vela, Euro and Moda convertible car seats allow you to keep your child rearward facing for up to 30months.

At Maxi-Cosi we believe that keeping your child fully harnessed is a safer way to travel. So it's important to understand the differences between rearward facing baby seats and forward facing baby seats before you choose your very first convertible car seat.

Rearward facing newborn car seats:

All convertible car seats must be installed rearward facing from newborn to approx. 30 months of age or until the infant's shoulders meet the middle height marker.  In an accident, a rear-facing car seat reduces impact on a baby's vulnerable head and neck. A rearward facing car seat protects your child's head and neck by spreading the forces over the whole back as illustrated below.

Forward facing car seats:

All Maxi-Cosi convertible car seats can be used in a forward-facing position with a built-in harness from approx. 30 months of age to approx. 4 years of age or until the child's shoulder reach the top shoulder height marker.

Here is an example of how to correctly install your convertible car seat into your car in the forward facing position.

Browse Car Seats Online Today

You'll always have your baby safe and sound when you're travelling in the car when you shop with Maxi-Cosi. Choose from our massive range of newborn baby car seats and other types of car seats in Australia today. Browse online or get in contact with us to know more about our products.

FAQs

At what age do kids not need a car seat?

Usually after 8 years of age, a child will be at the weight and height limit for a forward facing car seat. Depending on their growth spurts, they can move to a booster seat until they are around 12 years of age.

What are the stages of child car seats?

Rear facing or rear facing convertible baby seats are best for infants and toddlers. All infants should be riding in a rear facing baby seat until they reach the height limit stipulated by the manufacturer.

Toddlers and preschoolers - Forward facing with a harness or forward facing convertible child's car seats are best for this age group. When an infant outgrows their rear facing seat, they should move into a forward facing positioned seat that will secure them with a three or four point harness.

School aged children - A booster seat will be the most appropriate for average height and weight children in this age group. Once a child has outgrown the full forward facing car seat, they will be most comfortable in a booster with or without a back.

Does a 7-year-old need a car seat in Australia?

In Australia, children aged between 4 and 7 years old (depending on weight and height) must be seated in a forward facing kids car seat with an inbuilt harness seat belt. A booster seat is also acceptable where the height and weight of the child is appropriate. These types of seats use the adult lap sash seat belt that is already existing in the car.

What do I do if my child slouches down or to the side in the car seat?

There's an easy fix here. Roll up a blanket and place them on both sides of your child. This will help prevent your small child from slouching in their seat by providing a little extra padding. Do not place the padding behind the child unless it is specifically stipulated by the manufacturer.

Can a Baby Car Seat Go in the Middle Seat

Source: https://www.maxi-cosi.com.au/car-seats

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