Car Seat Buyer’s Guide

By Baby On The Move – where little things matter.

Choosing the right car seat is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child’s safety. Whether you’re buying or hiring a child restraint, this guide is designed to help you understand the key considerations, legal requirements, and best practices for keeping your child safe on the road in New Zealand.

As qualified and experienced Child Restraint Technicians, we’re here to help you feel confident in your choices – because when it comes to your little ones safety, every detail matters.

1. New Zealand Law & Best Practice

The Law:
In New Zealand, all children under seven years old must be correctly secured in an approved child restraint. If there is a child restraint available in the vehicle, they must use it when travelling until eight years old.

Best Practice:
While the law sets the minimum standard, best practice goes further to ensure the safest possible outcome for children’s safety in New Zealand:

• Keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible – ideally until at least 2 years of age or beyond. Choosing a car seat with higher height and weight limits will help you achieve this.

FACT: Children are up to five times safer when travelling rear-facing. In the event of a crash or sudden stop, a rear-facing restraint supports the head, neck, and spine, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury. At 1–2 years old, a child’s head makes up 25% of their body weight, compared to 6.5% in adults, meaning neck strength isn’t a reliable indicator of readiness for forward-facing.

• Use a 5-point harness until your child outgrows it by height or weight – ideally until around 4–5 years old. As a guide, look for harnessed seats that accommodate up to 18 kg rear-facing and up to 30 kg forward-facing.
• Only move your child to a booster seat when they are mature enough to sit correctly for the entire journey. They should be able to keep their back against the seat, knees bent over the edge, and feet flat on the floor without slouching or leaning. The seat belt must stay properly positioned across their shoulder and lap—never behind their back or under their arm. If they struggle to maintain this posture, they may still need a harnessed car seat for better support and safety.

Continue using a child restraint until your child reaches a standing height of 148 cm, usually between 10 and 12 years old. This ensures the vehicle seat belt fits safely across their thighs/pelvis and sits centered on their shoulder, without rubbing against their neck or slipping off.

2. Approved Restraint Standards in New Zealand

To be legally used in New Zealand, all child restraints – new or second-hand – must meet one of several approved safety standards. These standards ensure that car seats have been crash-tested in certified laboratories and provide reliable protection when used correctly.

Because New Zealand doesn’t manufacture or test car seats locally, we accept multiple international standards. You’ll find the certification label or sticker on the shell of the restraint, confirming it meets legal requirements.

• AS/NZS 1754 – Australian/New Zealand Standard

Restraints certified to this standard must use a top tether strap in both rear-facing and forward-facing modes, and often include a stabilising bar when rear-facing to limit seat movement. They feature a 6-point harness that secures your child at the shoulders, hips, and crotch. Buckle tongues are inserted separately for easier fastening. Restraint suitability is based on height markers and age, rather than weight. Flexible ISOFIX connectors became part of the standard from September 2014.

• FMVSS 213 NZ Standard ‘S’ marking – United States Standard

Restraints that comply with the USA standard (FMVSS 213) must, in addition to any other markings, also display the yellow NZ standard ‘S’ marking issued by Bureau Veritas. This shows the product has been produced to an approved standard for use in New Zealand.
Restraints certified to this standard use a single top tether strap in the forward-facing position only. They include a 5-point harness, securing the child at the shoulders, hips, and crotch, and often feature a chest clip (harness tie) to help keep the harness properly positioned. Buckle tongues are inserted separately, and many models include flexible ISOFIX connectors (known as LATCH in the US) for easier installation.

• ECE R44 or ECE R129 (i-Size) – European Standard

The UN ECE R129 is the newest UN car seat regulation, introduced in 2013. It is an improvement over the previous ECE R44.04 regulation, with the aim of making car seats easier to use and install, while offering enhanced side-impact protection—just to name a few of the key upgrades. Unlike the older standard which was based on weight, ECE R129 uses the child’s height as the primary guide for choosing a seat. It also introduced the i-Size category, which refers to restraints that are compatible with i-Size seating positions in approved vehicles.

Car seats under the ECE R129 or ECE R44 standards may use either a 3-point or 5-point harness system. Infant capsules typically use a 3 or 5-point harness (securing at the shoulders and crotch), while other harnessed seats use a full 5-point harness (shoulders, hips, and crotch). Most i-Size car seats feature a stability or support leg (especially in capsules and bases) to limit movement during a crash. Unlike other standards, many European restraints use rigid ISOFIX connectors and may not offer a seat belt installation option.

3. Types of Child Restraints

Different restraints suit different stages of your child’s growth:

• Capsule with Base (Infant Capsule):
  Rear-facing only, capsules are ideal for newborns up to around 6 to 12 months of age. They’re especially convenient for lifting your baby in and out of the car. When used with a base that remains installed in the vehicle, the capsule can be easily clicked in and out—eliminating the need to reinstall the restraint each time. This makes daily use more convenient and provides peace of mind, knowing the base stays securely fitted for every journey.

Please Note: Many capsules can be attached to a compatible pram to create a travel system, which is great for short outings. However, capsules are not designed for extended use, as your baby is not lying fully flat. For longer periods, it’s recommended to use a carrycot or a fully-reclining stroller seat to support healthy positioning.

Tip: We highly recommend hiring your capsule and base from us—since they’re only needed for a short time, hiring is a cost-effective and more environmentally friendly choice. Click HERE for hire options.

• Convertible Car Seat:
  A convertible car seat is a versatile option that starts rear-facing for infants and later converts to a forward-facing seat. Many models accommodate children from birth up to around 4-5 years of age, depending on the seat’s specifications. This makes it a smart long-term investment, as it grows with your child and removes the need to buy separate seats for each stage.

• All-in-One Car Seat:
  An all-in-one car seat is designed to grow with your child through multiple stages – starting as a rear-facing seat for infants, then converting to a forward-facing seat with a harness, and eventually becoming a booster seat that uses the vehicle’s seat belt. It’s a cost-effective option for long-term use. For smaller vehicles, always check that the seat fits properly in both rear and forward-facing modes to ensure safety and comfort.

• Rotational Car Seats:
  Rotational (or swivel) car seats are designed to turn on their base—typically 180° or 360°—making it easier to place your child into the seat and secure the harness. This feature is especially useful for caregivers with back or mobility concerns, or for those loading children into higher vehicles such as utes or larger SUVs.

Some models offer a 180° rotation to aid with loading, whereas others provide a full 360° rotation, allowing seamless transitions between rear and forward-facing positions while remaining installed. Many ECE R129 i-Size brands now feature “family-style” rotational base systems, where a single 360° base is compatible with both an infant capsule and a toddler seat—offering long-term value by reducing costs and simplifying transitions as children grow. Please note that the base and seats are typically sold separately.

Rotational seats are available in New Zealand under two approved standards: ECE R129 i-Size (Europe) and FMVSS 213 (USA). US-standard rotational seats often allow for extended rear and forward-facing use, especially when installed with the vehicle’s seat belt instead of ISOFIX.

As always, check the certification label, confirm vehicle compatibility, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe use.

• Harnessed Booster:
  A harnessed booster is a forward-facing car seat that uses a built-in 5-point harness to keep your child secure. It’s perfect for children who have outgrown their rear-facing seat but are not yet big enough or mature enough to safely use the adult seat belt on its own. Many harnessed boosters can later convert into a standard booster seat, so you can use them for several years as your child grows. They’re typically suitable for children aged around 2 to 8 years, depending on their height, weight, and developmental readiness.

• Booster Seat (Using Vehicle Seatbelt):
  A booster seat positions your child so that the vehicle’s seat belt fits them safely and correctly—with the lap belt low on the hips and the shoulder belt across the chest. It’s suitable for older children, usually from around 5 years and up, who have outgrown their harnessed seat and can sit upright and still for the entire journey. Booster use is recommended until your child reaches 148 cm in height, which may be around 10 to 12 years of age.
• Backless Booster (Half Booster Seat)
  A backless booster seat, often called a half booster, performs the same essential role as a traditional booster but without the added back and head support. It helps position the lap belt low across the hips and the shoulder belt securely across the chest. While backless boosters provide a safe and practical option for older children from 6 years plus, they are best used in vehicles with high seatbacks or adjustable headrests that provide adequate head and neck support.

While convenient for travel and easy to switch between cars, a full booster remains the best option whenever possible, particularly for long trips, as it offers greater protection for the head and neck in the event of a crash.

Tip: Boosters or backless boosters with SeatFix/ISOFIX are safer because they securely anchor to the vehicle, preventing movement in a crash and ensuring stable belt positioning for your child.

4. Vehicle Fittings Needed for Installation

Understanding your vehicle is key to installing a restraint safely:

• Anchor Points:
  Anchor points are built-in fittings in your vehicle designed to secure the top tether strap of a child restraint—an essential feature in many forward-facing and some rear-facing car seats. The top tether helps limit forward movement in a crash, providing an added layer of protection. If your car seat includes a top tether strap, it must be attached to a dedicated anchor point in your vehicle. These anchor points are typically found on the rear parcel shelf, vehicle seatbacks, or floor, depending on your vehicle’s make and model. Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual to verify the location and suitability of anchor points, or reach out to our team—we’re happy to assist in identifying them and ensuring correct use.

• ISOFIX/LATCH:

The ISOFIX system (used in Europe and Australia) and the LATCH system (used in the USA) are alternative installation methods for child restraints that simplify the process and help reduce the risk of incorrect installation. These systems use built-in lower anchor points in the vehicle, located between the seat cushion and backrest (often referred to as the seat bight), which connect to corresponding attachments on the child restraint. Instead of being secured with the vehicle’s seat belt, the restraint is clicked directly into place, creating a more straightforward and often more secure installation.

ISOFIX and LATCH systems can use either rigid or flexible connectors, depending on the restraint. Many vehicles feature a label or symbol near the seat to indicate the presence of these anchor points. Some systems are used in combination with a top tether or support leg for added stability, depending on the restraint and the approved safety standard.

While these systems are becoming more common, not all vehicles in New Zealand are equipped with ISOFIX or LATCH—especially older models—so it’s important to check your vehicle owner’s manual or ask us for assistance in identifying anchor locations and ensuring compatibility with your chosen restraint.

It is important to note, once the maximum weight limit is reached for this method of installation, use the vehicle seat belt to install the car seat to ensure the maximum weight limit is being met. If a seat belt installation is not possible, selecting an alternative car seat will be necessary.

• Seat Belts

When installing a car seat with a vehicle’s seat belt, the belt must be correctly anchored, untwisted, undamaged, and securely buckled. Seat belts come in different types, and knowing how they function is key to a safe installation. Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) lock when fully extended and are suitable for most car seats without extra hardware. Emergency Locking Retractors (ELR) only lock during sudden stops or crashes, so they often require a locking clip. Static belts, found in older vehicles, have no retractor and must be manually tightened.

Some modern car seats include an internal locking system, which clamps and holds the vehicle seat belt in place within the car seat’s built-in belt path. When using a seat with this feature, additional locking methods (such as locking clips) or engaging the seatbelt’s locking mode are not required—simplifying installation and reducing error.

Some seat belts are not suitable for use with car seats, including retractable lap belts (as they can’t lock securely), inflatable seat belts, seat belts that are attached to the vehicle door, and belts on seats that face the side or rear of the vehicle. These configurations do not provide the stability or crash protection required for child safety. If you’re unsure whether your vehicle seat belts are compatible, our trained team can help assess your setup and recommend the safest options.

Inflatable Seat Belts:
Inflatable seat belts are designed with built-in airbags that deploy in a crash to reduce the risk of injury by spreading crash forces across a wider area of the chest, neck, and head. While they look similar to standard seat belts, they are thicker, have a distinctive latch plate, and may have “Inflatable Belt” stitched into the fabric. These belts are most commonly found in the rear outboard seats of some Ford, Lincoln, and Mercedes-Benz models, though the middle seat usually does not have one.

Not all child restraints are compatible with inflatable belts, so it’s essential to check both the vehicle owner’s manual and the car seat manual before installation. Inflatable belts with a retractable lap portion are never suitable for securing a child restraint, as they cannot be properly locked or used with a locking clip. If your vehicle has inflatable seat belts, look for ISOFIX/LATCH anchor points as a safe alternative installation method.

Tip: If you’re unsure about compatibility or how to install a car seat safely with inflatable seat belts in your vehicle, our qualified team is always here to help.

5. Placement in the Vehicle & Airbags

Where you place your child’s restraint in the vehicle can significantly affect their safety.

• Research shows that the centre seat in the back row is generally the safest position for a child restraint, as it offers the most protection from side impacts. However, this position isn’t always suitable—it may not accommodate the size or shape of the restraint, and in some vehicles, a raised or contoured seat or a centre armrest can interfere with proper installation, especially for rear-facing seats.
• If the centre seat is not practical or available, the next safest position is behind the front passenger seat. This location allows for easier access when placing or removing your child, especially when parked on the roadside—helping you load and unload safely from the footpath side of the vehicle.
• When travelling with multiple children, consider placing the baby restraint behind the driver (for easier monitoring while driving) and the toddler restraint behind the passenger seat so they can exit safely onto the footpath.
• The front passenger seat should only be used if the rear seats are unavailable or unsuitable. Never install a rear-facing restraint in front of an active front airbag, as this poses a serious risk of injury or death in a crash. If a forward-facing restraint must be installed in the front seat, always move the seat back as far as possible and check your vehicle and restraint manuals for guidance.
• Side airbags are generally safe to use with car seats, as most are designed with side-impact protection. However, the positioning and recline angle of the seat can still affect safety. If you’re unsure whether your vehicle’s airbag layout is suitable for your car seat, speak with our qualified team—we’re here to help.
• Airbag Seat Belts – See “Seat Belts” for details.

6. Buying vs Hiring – What’s Right for You?

When choosing a car seat, it’s essential to consider not only the type of seat but also how long you’ll need it. Hiring can be a fantastic solution for short-term use, especially for infant capsules, which are typically needed for just 6–12 months. We provide access to high-quality, up-to-date car seats without the full purchase cost and offer flexibility for families—whether you’re expecting a new baby, visiting from overseas, or only need a car seat temporarily.

At Baby On The Move, all hired car seats are safety-checked, cleaned, and installed by qualified Child Restraint Technicians. With 15 locally owned and operated stores across New Zealand, you’ll be dealing with a team that understands local needs and is passionate about keeping your little ones safe.

With the widest selection, expert guidance in every store, and over 25 years of commitment to child safety, Baby On The Move sets the standard for car seat hiring in New Zealand.

Buying Second-Hand Child Restraints: What You Need to Know

Purchasing a second-hand car seat may seem like an affordable choice, but it comes with important safety considerations. Unless you know the full history of the restraint, it’s difficult to guarantee that it hasn’t been damaged, dropped, or involved in a crash. Even if a seat looks fine on the outside, hidden weaknesses, such as compromised plastics or a worn harness, can affect its ability to protect your child in an accident.

If you’re considering a second-hand restraint, it’s essential to check the expiry date, as all car seats have a limited lifespan, typically between 6 to 10 years from the date of manufacture. This is because over time, materials can degrade, especially when exposed to New Zealand’s heat and UV rays. The seat must also have its original certification label showing that it meets one of New Zealand’s approved standards (NZ/AU, ECE, or US displaying yellow S sticker), and it should come with the original instruction manual so you can be confident in correct installation and use.

Always inspect the restraint closely for any signs of wear and tear, including cracks in the shell, frayed or twisted harnesses, and missing components. If the seat has been recalled by the manufacturer or lacks important safety features, it should not be used. For peace of mind, we strongly recommend purchasing new or hiring from a trusted provider like Baby On The Move. That way, you’ll know the seat is up to standard, in great condition, and safe for your child’s needs.

Tip: If you’re unsure, we offer a Checking & Fitting service to ensure your child’s seat is safe and installed correctly. Contact your nearest Baby On The Move store – we’re happy to help!

7. Professional Fitting Services

A properly installed car seat is essential for keeping your child safe on the road. That’s why our qualified Child Restraint Technicians at Baby On The Move are here to help.

We offer free professional installation when you buy or hire a car seat from us, ensuring it’s correctly fitted to your vehicle and adjusted to your child’s needs. If you’ve purchased your seat elsewhere, installation is available for a small fee, and bookings are essential.

Installing a car seat can feel overwhelming, especially for new parents. Our technicians don’t just fit the seat for you—they take the time to walk you through the process, so you feel confident reinstalling it yourself when needed. Whether you’re switching cars, renewing your WOF, or handling a curious older sibling’s mischief, we’ll make sure you’re prepared.

With every restraint purchase, you’ll receive three free professional installations plus ongoing free adjustments for the duration of any hire.

Our goal is to empower you to feel secure in your child’s safety—because while we’re always here to help, the driver is legally responsible for ensuring the seat is correctly installed.

We’ll make sure you get it right, every time.

8. When to Move to the Next Stage

Knowing when to move your child to the next stage of restraint is key to keeping them safe and comfortable. Always follow height and weight limits set by the manufacturer, and watch for signs that your child is outgrowing their current seat.

Here’s a quick guide to help:

• Capsule to Convertible/Rear-Facing Seat: Move to the next stage when your baby has reached the maximum height or weight limit of the capsule, or when their head is within 2–3 cm of the top of the seat shell. In some cases, your baby may still technically fit within the limits but begin to look cramped or uncomfortable—this is also a good indicator that it’s time to transition to a convertible or rear-facing seat that offers more space and support.
• Rear-Facing to Forward-Facing: Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible—ideally until at least 2 years old, or longer if they still fit within the restraint’s rear-facing limits.
• Forward-Facing to Booster: Transition when your child has outgrown the harness by height or weight and can sit maturely without slouching, leaning, or unbuckling.
• Booster to Seat Belt Only: The answer isn’t based on age alone—it depends on whether the seat belt fits correctly and your child can sit safely without additional support.

Your child is ready to move from a booster to using the vehicle seat belt alone when all of the following conditions are met:

• They can sit all the way back against the vehicle seat without slouching.
• Their knees bend comfortably at the edge of the seat, with their feet flat on the floor.
• The lap belt lies low across the top of the thighs, not riding up onto the stomach.
• The shoulder belt fits snugly across the chest, sitting between the neck and shoulder, not cutting into the neck or resting on the face.
• They can stay seated upright for the entire trip, without leaning forward, slouching, or tucking the belt under their arm.

Most children won’t pass this test until they reach a standing height of 148 cm, which for many happens between 10 and 12 years of age. Until then, continue using a booster seat to keep the seat belt positioned correctly—and your child properly protected.

Choosing the right car seat can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our friendly, experienced team of qualified Child Restraint Technicians are here to help you every step of the way—from choosing the right restraint to installing it safely and confidently.

Visit your local Baby On The Move store for personalised advice, fittings, and support—because at Baby On The Move, where little things matter, your child’s safety is our top priority.