The Car Checklist
Everything you need to get from A to B safely, in one list you can tick off.
Your baby needs a correctly fitted car seat for the very first trip home, so this is a list to finish early. It covers the seat itself and the baby car accessories that make drives easier. Tick items off as you go and your progress is saved on this device.
Have the car seat fitted before your due date
The seat
Capsule
A capsule is a rear-facing seat for the first months that lifts out of the car, and many click onto a pram frame with adaptors. Use it until your baby reaches the seat's shoulder height markers.
Shop all capsules →Convertible car seat
A convertible car seat stays in the car and takes your child from birth to around four years, rear-facing first and then forward-facing. You can use one from birth instead of a capsule.
Shop 0 to 4 years car seats →Capsule base
A base stays fitted in the car so the capsule clicks in and out. A second base is handy if you use two cars. Bases are brand specific.
Shop capsule bases →Pram and capsule travel system
A travel system bundles a pram with a compatible capsule, so you know the two work together from day one.
Shop travel systems →Booster seat
A booster seat is the next step once your child outgrows their forward-facing seat, usually from around four years. Go by the shoulder height markers rather than age alone.
Shop booster seats →Car accessories
Back seat mirror
A mirror on the back seat headrest lets you see a rear-facing baby from the driver's seat. Fix it firmly following the instructions.
Shop car mirrors →Window shade
Window shades cut glare and heat on your baby's side of the car. Check they do not block the driver's view.
Shop window shades →Seat protector
A seat protector sits under the car seat to guard your upholstery. Check your car seat's manual first, as some manufacturers advise against using one.
Shop seat protectors →Travel toys
A soft toy that attaches to the capsule handle can help on longer drives. Choose soft, lightweight toys for the car.
Shop travel toys →Car Checklist FAQs
Do I need a capsule or a convertible car seat for a newborn?
Either is suitable from birth. A capsule lifts out of the car and can click onto a pram, which helps when your baby is asleep, but it is outgrown within the first year or so. A convertible car seat stays in the car and lasts to around four years.
When should I fit the car seat?
Fit the car seat a few weeks before your due date, so it is ready for the trip home. Many parents have it installed or checked by an accredited child restraint fitter.
How long should my baby stay rear-facing?
Keep your baby rear-facing for as long as the seat allows, until they reach the shoulder height marker for turning forward. Australian road rules require rear-facing until at least six months, and many seats allow rear-facing well beyond that.
What are shoulder height markers?
Shoulder height markers are labels sewn into Australian car seats that show when a child is big enough to start using the seat, change modes or move to the next seat. They are a more reliable guide than age.
Can I use a second-hand car seat?
Only use a second-hand car seat if you know its full history. Check it has never been in a crash, is under ten years old, has all its parts and instructions, and carries the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1754 mark.
Will a capsule fit my pram?
A capsule fits a pram only when the two are compatible, usually with brand-specific car seat adaptors. Check the compatibility list for your pram, or choose a pram and capsule travel system that is sold together.
Looking for more options? Explore our wider range of car seats, car safety accessories and capsules and car seats.
More BLP checklists:
The Nursery Checklist The Feeding Checklist The Bath and Care Checklist The Out and About Checklist The Play and Bonding Checklist The Family Travel Checklist The Hospital Bag Checklist All checklists