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Installing Child Restraints
The most common question we get asked is "What is the safest car seat?", and the answer is this, The safest car seat is the one that fits your child and car correctly, and is used correctly everytime.
People often install car seats very quickly into their car, taking shortcuts that could cause serious harm to your child in the event of an accident. By taking it one step at a time, you can reduce the possibility of serious injury to your child - they will thank you for it later.
All in all, the car seat takes less than 5 minutes to correctly install, and the more you practice, the quicker it gets. I can have the car seat into and out of my car in less than 30 seconds nowadays.
Always read the instruction manual came with your car seat, if you are unsure of any aspect of using or installing your child's car seat you can either, contact the importer/reseller, or request a seat check by a Safe2Go technician, or a Plunket car seat rental staff member.
Please note: This page is to assist car seat installation and should not be used to replace information and physical checks that are carried out by technicians and other trained professionals. A correctly installed child restraint can reduce severe injuries by up to 70%. This page is a guide, not a God, for accurate information have your seat checked by a trainned professional, or follow the instruction booklet step by step.
Always have your car seat installation checked by a trained professional. Click here to contact a safe2go member in your area.
Lower tethers (aka Isofix/Latch)
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All infant capsules must always be installed facing the back of the car when being used for children less than 12 months old and weighing less than 12kgs (26lb). This is because infants ride the forces of an impact up the back of the restraint because their neck and spine are not strong enough to take the forces when forward facing - this could be fatal.
Capsules can be installed either on their own or with a removable base (for some models). Always check that the vehicle belt is threaded through the belt guides (with and without base). If the belt is not in the guide the seat belt will not hold the seat in place and the seat may fail during an accident.
Check that the vehicle belts are flat against the seat and are not twisted or caught on any of the seats straps
Installing a European capsule without base
 Isofix install not available |
European capsules require the belt to be installed over the lap area and also behind the back of the seat as shown to the left. Some models also require the handle to be engaged to the front of the capsule when installed to prevent rebounding - this acts like a stabilising bar. |
A European capsule cannot be used with lap only belt, it must be routed correctly, with the sash behind the capsule and the lap section over the front of the seat. It does not matter if your infant's feet touch the seat back, or the handle (if engaged forward), this is perfectly safe and will not harm your child, or the car seat.
Installing an American capsule without base
 Isofix install not available |
Most American capsules are sold with a base, in the event that you do not have the base, and your seat can be used without it, the install is simple. Lap portion of seat belt must be threaded through the guides on the side of the seat. Do not double thread the belt. Lap belt shown in yellow, sash portion shown in orange. |
Installing a capsule with base
 Isofix install |
Place the base on the vehicle seat. Thread seat belt through the belt guide. Pull the belt tight, removing slack from the lap portion. Some bases come with lock-offs built in, others require only the lap portion to be fed through the belt guide. Check that the buckle does not interfere with the capsule. Place capsule on top. A click should be heard, pull up on the seat to confirm base and seat are engaged. |
Some capsules (with and without base) require that the handle be down while in motion, others can be left up. Check your instuction manual for confirmaiton.
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Check that the vehicle belts are flat against the seat and are not twisted or caught on any of the seats straps
Rear facing
 Isofix install |
Place the seat so that it faces the back of the car. The belt needs to route through the front slots located under the leg area of the seat. It will pass from one side to the other, much like the capsule base. Buckle it up and remove any slack from the lap portion and then the shoulder portion. Use the seat lock-offs if fitted, restraint mode seat belt or locking clip for a secure install. Connect tether strap to tether bolt. |
Some rear facing convertibles may require use of a pool noodle (cut to size) or towel to correcly position the seat at a 45 (deg) angle for new borns. Older children can sit a little more upright.
Forward facing
 Isofix install |
Place the seat so that it faces the front of the car. Route the belt through the slots at the back of the seat. Some manufacturers require that you weave the belt from the front, to the back and back out the front. Tighten the belt removing any slack from the lap portion, and then the shoulder portion. Use seat belt lock-offs or restraint mode or locking clips. Connect tether strap to tether bolt. |
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Check that the vehicle belts are flat against the child and are not twisted or caught on any thing.
If a top tether is fitted to your child's booster seat (plastic seat base) always connect tether strap to tether bolt.
Full booster
Place the booster seat in the car. Place the child into the seat and place adult belt over child's body. Engage buckle. If your seat has a sash guide, use this on the sash portion of the belt. If you are using with a child safety harness, do the belt up first, and then tighten the harness. |
Half booster
Place the booster seat in the car. Place the child into the seat and place adult belt over child's body. Engage buckle. If your seat has a sash guide, use this on the sash portion of the belt. If you are using with a child safety harness, do the belt up first, and then tighten the harness. |
Booster seat with harness (CSH & PH)
Place the booster seat in the car. Place the child into the seat and place adult belt over child's body. Engage buckle. If your seat has a sash guide, use this on the sash portion of the belt. If you are using with a child safety harness, do the belt up first, and then tighten the harness. |
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Seat belt use
Only place a child into an adult belt once they are able to wear and fit it correctly. This means not only physical size but also mental maturity, they need to be able to sit correcly in the seat for the belt to perform well in an accident. Failure to do so could be fatal.
Follow the 5 Step Test to see if your child is able to use an adult belt, if not, continue using a child car seat or booster seat based on your child's weight and size.
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Please note:
The video above is American, while the seats are not available here in New Zealand, the methods used to install the seat and the advise given relates to NZ use. The tethering method shown in the video is not used here in NZ. All tether straps must be bolted to the rear of the car, both rear and forward facing. Only tether straps that come out from the sides of the car seat can be used rear facing. Single straps should not be used for rear facing use at all. For more information see Tether Straps & Fitting
Rear facing seat require a recline of 45 degrees for infants.
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Next: Improving your install
Jump to: Infant seat install
Toddler seat install
Booster seat install
Installation video
Related pages: Top tether strap
Lower tethers
Seat belt type
Correct child restraint use offers the best protection.
Shortcuts save time, not lives.
Don't be in a rush.