Whether it’s for everyday errands or a weekend road trip, safety of your family when on the road is top priority. Essential to this is a properly installed car seat for children to protect them in case of a car accident but installing them can be a headache. So, save yourself the twisting around in the back seat, and have a professional get it done in under half an hour. Here’s a handy list of every service on the Sunshine Coast.
Kidsafe QLD
A national body dedicated to minimising risks to children in a variety of areas, Kidsafe (part of the Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia) offers seat and restraint fitting services, as well as checking existing installations, and hiring and selling car seats. Bookings are available for various locations around Queensland, including Buderim on the Sunshine Coast, with a mobile service also available, and are made by calling 07 3854 1829, or visiting the booking site.
Installation ($40 for the first, $75 for two, mobile services for extra) takes around 30 mins per seat, and it’s also recommended that you bring two standard towels to secure the capsules. Buderim — Sunshine Coast Private Hospital - 12 Elsa Wilson Drive, Buderim QLD 4556. Appointments available every second Saturday from 9.30 am to 4 pm and by appointment only. Hervey Bay/Maryborough/Bundaberg/Gympie – by appointment only. Call 07 3854 1829 to make a booking.
Hire for Baby
With qualified professionals on hand, Hire for Baby has a child restraint fitting service at their stores across Australia, as well as having a wide variety of equipment for sale. Make an appointment at any of their Sunshine Coast stores - Noosa Heads, Eumundi, Coolum, Caloundra, Maroochydore, and Sunshine Coast Airport - or with their mobile service, and can be made by phone. For more information visit the Hire for Baby website. Fittings cost $35 plus parts, with checking an already installed seat $25 ($10 extra for any adjustments made).
Adresses:
- Noosa Heads: Eumundi, Noosa Heads QLD 4562. Call 07 3123 6236 to book.
- Coolum: by appointment only, call 07 3123 6236 to book.
- Maroochydore: mobile service by appointment, call 07 5450 6833 to book.
- Sunshine Coast Airport: by appointment only, call 07 5450 6833 to book.
- Caloundra: call 07 5641 0377 to book.
RACQ
Typically known as your roadside rescuer when flat batteries, tires, and more strike, RACQ can also assist with car seat installations in Maroochydore. Parents can visit Suncoast Automotive Services, 10 Kelly Court Maroochydore, QLD for a fitting, which also includes a demonstration on adjusting the restraint as a child grows. Bookings can be made by contacting RACQ child restraints, and cost $55 for members and $80 for non-members, payable at the time of booking.
Addresses:
- Suncoast Automotive Services, 10 Kelly Court Maroochydore, QLD. — View map
Baby Bunting Kawana
With locations all over Australia, Baby Bunting is a one-stop shop for everything for babies and children, including child restraint fittings at some stores. Pop into their Kawana store for a car seat installation ($39 Monday - Friday, $45 on Saturdays) - make an easy booking to see one of their accredited fitters, who can also answer any questions and offer demonstrations on correct use. Call 07 5437 7600 to make a booking, and visit the Baby Bunting website for more information.
Addresses:
- Baby Bunting Kawana: Shop 6C, Home Central, Sunshine Coast Kawana, 566 Kawana Way, Birtinya, 4575 — View map
Kelvin Edwards Baby Car Seat Fitting Service
Operating across the Sunshine Coast for nearly two decades, Kelvin Edwards and his team are committed to affordable, at-home car seat fittings. Find out more about his mobile services on his website and you can also follow him on Facebook. Prices start from $40, call 0414 939 209 to enquire and book.
Choosing the right seat
State legislation outlines what seat is suitable for your child’s age. However, they are based on average heights, meaning that it’s also important to consider their actual height when purchasing a seat. The law specifies that:
- Babies aged up to six months must be in a rear-facing car seat or baby capsule
- Children 6 months - 4 years must be in a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat with in-built harness.
- Children 4 - 7 years must be in a car seat with in-built harness or booster seat used with properly fastened and adjusted adult seatbelt.
Several seats that are available can be converted for multiple stages, such as rear-facing car seats that convert into forward-facing, making them suitable for 0-4 years. Seats must comply with the Australian/New Zealand Standard for child restraints (AS/NZS 1754), which has been recently updated to include ISOFIX. Look for the Australian standards approved sticker before buying your seat. For more information about child restraint requirements in Queensland, visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads website.
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