Whenever a baby is travelling in a car, they must be restrained in an appropriate car seat by law.
For newborns, most parents choose a capsule-type seat for the first few months, and some choose to get a convertible seat that will last longer. Baby seats must be rear facing as long as practical, at least two years or more.
If a car seat is in an accident, whether there was someone in it or not, it should be disposed of. When disposing of a car seat, always cut the harness so that it cannot be used again.
Some people choose to buy their car seat, which should be from a reputable seller. Be very careful if you choose to buy a second hand seat, as you may not be able to tell if it’s been in an accident. Always check that the car seat is not past its expiry date and comes with a sticker showing that it is compliant with current standards.
Other people choose to rent their car seat. In the Manawatu you can rent them from the Baby Factory (pickup in Palmerston North) or from Little Buds (pickup in Feilding or Whanganui).
When choosing your car seat, make sure it fits in your car! This is especially important if choosing a larger or convertible car seat.
Make sure your car seat has been installed in your car before about 36 weeks, so that it’s ready for when baby makes their arrival!