1. Home>
  2. Car Seat Buying Guide

Car Seat Buying Guide

All child restraints available at Farmers are certified for use in New Zealand.
  • It is the responsibility of the driver, and the law in New Zealand that all children under 7 years of age must use an approved child restraint when travelling in a vehicle.
  • Children aged 7 must be secured in a restraint if one is available.
  • It is recommended that a baby is kept in a rear-facing car restraint until they are at least 2 years old.
  • While not legally required, it is advised that children travel in a car restraint until they are 148cm tall.
  • The safest place for a child is in the back seat of the vehicle.
  • Rear facing car restraints should never be used in the front seat if the car has an airbag.
Car Restraint Type Birth - 12 Months 1 - 2 Years 2 - 5 Years 5 - 7 Years
Capsule ✔ ✔    
Convertible Seat ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Booster Seat     ✔ ✔

Important: The chart above should be used as a guide only, please check manufacturer's specifications to ensure the correct car restraint is used.

Shop Car Seats

Capsules
  • Capsules are used from birth to 13-15kgs (up to around 2 years old), although height limits may be exceeded before weight.
  • They are small, lightweight and feature a handle for ease of carrying.
  • Capsules should be used in the back seat and always rear facing.
  • Many capsules are sold with a base or have an optional base available. The base remains permanently fitted in the car, making transferring baby to or from the vehicle quick and easy.
  • Some capsules snap directly into a stroller and are sold as an all-in-one Travel System.

Convertible Seats
  • Convertible car seats are generally used from birth to 18kgs and even up to 36kg (varies depending on model).
  • The size of a convertible car seat varies greatly (as do cars), therefore it is important you measure how much space you have in your car before purchasing.
  • Some models convert to a booster seat, allowing it to be used for much longer.
  • When used from birth the convertible seat is rear-facing and is changed to front-facing for the toddler when the height/weight requirements are met.
  • Some convertible seats are tethered into place using an anchor strap or Isofix/Latch system, therefore the seat cannot be easily moved in and out of the car like a capsule. This should be a consideration when purchasing a car restraint for a newborn or baby.

Booster Seats
  • Booster seats may be used for children from toddler age to school age, approximately 15-36kg depending on the model and height/weight markers.
  • Booster car seats are forward-facing only. They can contain a built-in harness or use the vehicle seat belt.
  • They may also include features such as removable inserts and cup holders.
  • Models vary in width so it is important to measure how much space you have in your vehicle before purchasing.

Accessories

A variety of accessories may be available to use in your vehicle including:

  • Parts for car restraints such as belt clamps & tether extension claps.
  • Car seat mirrors to enable you to see your rear facing baby.
  • Seat inserts for added comfort and protection of upholstery.
  • Car window shades to reduce heat & glare.
  • baby on board sign.

Car Seat Buying & Installation Tips
  • Buy your car restraint at least 4 weeks before you'll need it. This will give you time to install and practice using it.
  • Ensure the car restraint meets New Zealand Standards, it must display one of the following labels.
  • Before you buy a car seat, measure the space in your car and the length of the seat belt.
  • A lock clip may be included with the car seat. This hold's the car's safety belt tight when it's used to install the seat or secure the child into a booster seat. A lock clip can be bought separately if one is not included.

Attaching child restraints in the vehicle.
  • Some child restraints attach to the vehicle using ISOFIX (also called LATCH in the USA), which is a universal system for fitting car seats that uses attachment points built into the car’s rear passenger seat frame, instead of being held by the car's safety belt. To check if your car has ISOFIX look in the back seat where the seat base joins the seat back or check your vehicle manufacturer information.
  • Some child restraints may have tether straps which must be attached to anchor points in the vehicle’s boot. Some restraints may have both ISOFIX and tether attachments. Check the restraint manufacturer information for details.
  • There are two main types of ISOFIX: 1.) Static: the car restraint has fixed connections that slide out from the seat base and do not flex. They then attach to the ISOFIX connection points in the car. 2.) Flexible: the car restraint has a strap with ISOFIX hooks attached to ether end of the strap. This allows more flexibility when installing the restraint.

Expiry Dates.
  • All child car restraints have a specific lifespan or expiry date, which caregivers need to be aware of. This information is generally shown on the underside of the restraint. It may show a year of expiry or a lifespan which starts when the restraint is removed from the box. Check the manufacturer information for details.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instruction when installing a car restraint, many provide installation videos on YouTube.
  • For help with installation, the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (nzta.govt.nz) provides a list of certified Child Restraint Technicians.

Disclaimer: This information should be used as a guide only. Each brand and model of car restraint may provide different features and be suitable for children of different heights and weights. Before purchasing, please read the manufacturer's specifications to ensure you are getting the correct car restraint for the child. For more information see: Car seats for kids | New Zealand (www.govt.nz), Child restraints | Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (nzta.govt.nz)

Shop All Car Seats