Seated height NOT standing height

We hear all the time 'My child is tall so doesn't need to XYZ' While they might be tall when standing, this does not mean much in regards to car seats.

Since 2013 all Australian car seats must have shoulder height marker labels and these are used to tell parents/caregivers if their child can forward face, rearface or has out grown the seat etc.

ALWAYS follow the height marker on your seat.

How to measure SEATED HEIGHT

Sit your child against a wall and measure from floor to their shoulder (where the harness would sit)

Under 39cm your child should remain rear facing. There are many A4 extended rear facing seats on the market that hold kids rear facing on average until 3-4years old.

Between 39-51cm they should remain in a seat with an inbuilt harness. There are many type G seats that will hold kids up to on average until 8-10years old.

Pictured below shows a 2yr old (Yellow) 3yr old (Green) and 4yr old (Red) As you can see the seated height of the 2 and 4 yr old is almost the same! Yet when standing the 2yr old is much shorter.

While the 3yr old is taller in both seated height and standing height than the 4yr old! This is why it is important to follow the seats height markers and not presume based on the child's age.