We're going to give you the run down about everything shoulder height markers! These little labels are super important and it's good to know why they exist, and how to use them properly!
Shoulder height markers are a mandatory feature under the AS/NZS 1754 law that governs child restraints. Shoulder height markers give parents and carers an easy to understand, visual reference for suitability of a car seat. These markers show when your child can start using a car seat, when the seat can be converted to the next mode of use, and when your child has outgrown the seat. You need to observe and follow these markers to ensure the child is properly and safely restrained in the car for travel.
How to use the shoulder height markers.
Understanding how to use the shoulder height markers is quite simple, and requires you to follow the instructional writing on the label. The following are some examples of labels you will find sewn in types of car seats:
Different examples of shoulder height markers.
The writing on the label identifies the action that needs to take place when the child's shoulder's reach the label. These labels are positioned during manufacturing and the Standard (AS/NZS 1754 law) allows for a variation of approximately 2cm higher or lower from its intended location. This means that the label should be seen as an indication for the desired location of shoulder position, and the dotted line does not mean that at this exact ‘line’ you must do this or that.
Keep using your child’s current car seat or booster seat until your child reaches the maximum shoulder height limits. If your child is in the next type of restraint before he’s big enough for it, it might not protect him properly if you have an accident. It's important to keep an eye on the shoulder height markers on your child's car seat as your child grows, as you may need to change the mode of use, or move on to the next type of restraint.
Clark rearward facing to the limits of the shoulder height markers.
The current road rules should be taken as minimum requirements. Even if your child is outside of the advised ‘age-group’ for a given restraint, if their shoulders are still within the applicable shoulder height markers, you should continue using the restraint as dictated by the markers.
Still need help understanding which seat is right for your child? You can measure your child's seated shoulder height to make sure you are using / buying the right seat with height markers that suit your child. We have a helpful article here on how to do this! As always, you can contact us with any other questions you have!
