Other countries aren’t so tolerant. For example in Australia, you have to use a seat that complies with the NZ/AUS standard. It’s not OK to use an American or European seat there. For that reason, you’ll need to ensure the seat you have complies with the requirements of the country you’re travelling to.
A sensible option may be to hire a seat in the country you’re visiting. This might work well if you’re travelling somewhere with reputable hireage companies (like New Zealand). But we recommend caution in some other countries, as hires may be expired or damaged seats.
If you’re planning on buying a seat when you get to your destination, you should be able to find a compliant seat fairly readily. Again be cautious of who you buy the seat from, and ensure they are a reputable retailer.
Otherwise, if you’re bringing your own seat from New Zealand, we truly stress that this is something to check before you go, to ensure the seat is legal in the country you are travelling to. Lugging around a car seat is a pain even when you can use it – it’ll be that much worse if you can’t!
Coming back
If you purchase a seat with the AUS/NZ standard or EU standard while overseas, then it can be brought back and used within New Zealand. However, a US standard seat can’t be be brought back and used within New Zealand. US seats sold in New Zealand go through extra testing in New Zealand, requiring one seat from each batch being destroyed in the process. For that reason it’s usually easier to buy US seats from New Zealand retailers (like Baby Box).
The bottom line
Travelling with a little one is always going to require some research. Double check before you go, and your trip will be that much easier.
If you have any questions at all, or want to buy a car seat for overseas travel, visit Baby Box for expert guidance at 18 Ihakara Street, Paraparaumu, Wellington, or visit their website www.babybox.co.nz
