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Car Seat Safety
The Crep Report
What is the CREP Report?
The CREP (Child Restraint Evaluation Program) is an independent Australian consumer program that crash tests and rates child car seats and booster seats.
CREP purchases child restraints from retailers and subjects them to a series of crash tests based on Australian and international standards. They publish results and ratings to help parents make more informed purchasing decisions.
Important Limitations of the CREP Report
While the CREP Report is a helpful starting point, it has several important limitations that parents should understand:
- Not all car seats are tested — Many popular models on the market are not included in their testing program.
- Testing conditions differ from real life — Crash tests are conducted in controlled laboratory conditions that may not reflect every real-world scenario.
- Does not assess proper installation — The biggest risk factor for child safety is incorrect installation, which CREP cannot test.
- Results can become outdated — Newer models and updated versions are released regularly, meaning older test results may no longer be relevant.
- Does not replace professional advice — No report can replace an experienced fitter assessing your specific car and child.
Problems with the Crep Report
Is Crep truly independent / Unbiased
A Major concern over the years is that Crep report is not as unbiased as they would like you to believe. It seems strange that one manufacturer always seems to be tested first for car seat safety and always seems to get better results than the other seats tested. As voiced and noted by MrsLexiK on essential baby in 2013. Other blogs and forums have voiced similar concerns
It is positive that the report has been updated to reflect that these are identical seats with consistent ratings. However, some seats utilizing the same shell still show differing ratings.
These models include the Safe n Sound Maxi Rider EA, Maxi Lite, and Maxi Rider AHR. Although the Maxi Lite has been discontinued and rebranded as the Maxi Rider, the CREP report suggests that the Maxi Rider Easy Adjust offers a higher level of safety than the Maxi Lite.
The Maxi Lite adheres to the 2013 safety standard, while the Easy Adjust is tested against the outdated 2010 standard. This discrepancy often leads parents to choose the Easy Adjust, which carries a 4.9 out of 5 rating in booster mode compared to just 1.9 for the Maxi Lite. To provide a fair comparison, the CREP report should be updated to reflect these differing standards, lower the Easy Adjust’s rating, and note that the seat design is at least seven years old.
Why Professional Advice Matters More Than a Report
The CREP Report is useful for comparing crash test performance, but it cannot assess the most critical factor in child safety — correct installation in your specific vehicle.
Even the highest-rated car seat can fail to protect your child if it is not installed correctly. This is where an experienced, ACRI-accredited fitter makes all the difference.
A Professional Fitter Will:
- Assess your vehicle’s unique features and seat shape
- Ensure the correct recline angle for your child’s age and weight
- Adjust the harness to the proper height and tension
- Correctly secure the top tether (a legal requirement in Australia)
- Provide a full hands-on demonstration so you feel confident using the seat
At Travel Safe Baby Capsule Hire, we’ve completed over 24,000 professional fittings since 2012. We don’t just install the seat — we make sure it’s done right for your car and your child.
Our Professional Car Seat Fitting Service
At Travel Safe Baby Capsule Hire, we believe the CREP Report should be used as a starting point, not the final decision. That’s why we offer a complete professional service that goes far beyond what any report can tell you.
What You Get With Our Service:
- One-on-one consultation to understand your needs and vehicle
- Expert recommendation of the best car seat or capsule for your child and car
- Full professional installation by ACRI-accredited technicians
- Correct harness and recline adjustment for your child
- Comprehensive safety demonstration and usage instructions
- Ongoing support if you have questions after the fitting
Over 24,000 families across Melbourne have trusted us to keep their children safe on the road.
Professional Fitting Across Melbourne
We provide mobile car seat and capsule fitting across Melbourne and surrounding suburbs. Whether you’re in Bayside, Frankston, Knox, Kingston, Glen Eira, or anywhere in between, our ACRI-accredited technicians will come to you.
Book Your Professional Fitting
Or call Anthony directly on 0466 997 233
Important Limitations of the CREP Report
The CREP Report is a valuable resource for comparing crash test performance, but it has several important limitations that parents should understand before making a decision.
Not All Seats Are Tested
Many popular and new models are not included in CREP testing, so absence of a rating doesn’t mean a seat is unsafe.
Lab Conditions vs Real Life
Tests are done in controlled environments that don’t always reflect every real-world driving situation.
Installation Is Not Tested
The biggest risk factor in child safety is incorrect installation — something no lab report can evaluate in your specific car.
Results Can Become Outdated
Newer versions and updated models are released regularly, meaning older CREP ratings may no longer be relevant.
This is exactly why we strongly recommend combining the CREP Report with a professional, in-car fitting by an ACRI-accredited technician.
Our Professional Car Seat Services in Melbourne
We don’t just sell seats — we keep your family safe with expert fitting, honest advice, and ongoing support.
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Baby Capsule Hire
Britax B-Pod Lite, B-Pod LBW & Maxi Cosi Mico Plus (Isofix & Non-Isofix)
From $75 / week • Same-day hospital delivery
Learn more about capsule hire →🛡️
Extended Rear-Facing Car Seats
Infa Secure Quattro – newborn to ~4 years (30 months rear-facing)
From $100 / month
See extended rear-facing options →🚀
Toddler & Booster Seats
Extended harnessing (up to 8 years) + Lap-sash boosters
From $75 / week • Fully harnessed options available
View toddler & booster hire →🔧
Mobile Fitting & Cleaning
ACRI-accredited installation • Professional cleaning • Family Day Care audits
Fitting from $75 • Cleaning from $55
Book mobile fitting or cleaning →Conclusion – Why Real-World Expertise Matters
The CREP Report is a helpful independent resource, but it cannot replace real-world testing in actual cars by experienced technicians. Lab results are only part of the story — the biggest safety factor is correct, easy-to-use installation every single time.
That’s why thousands of Melbourne families trust TravelSafe for professional fitting, honest advice, and premium capsule & car seat hire.
ACRI-accredited • Same-day & hospital delivery available • Over 24,000 fittings completed