As a technician that specialises in the Child Safety Seat arena you are probably finding that you are ripping through accessories such as gated bars and from time to time the local stores are out of stock.  If you’d like to manage your inventory a little better then this article will show what sort of accessories our members generally carry, and where they get them from – in bulk!

Example Accessories

These are some examples of accessories that are handy to keep in stock.  Depending on your target market you may find other items, like special needs harnesses for example from ARFA, are handy as well.

Gated Buckle
Known by a variety of names. This handy tool can be used for a variety of solutions including converting a lap/sash belt into a lap only belt, preventing belt slippage or even reducing excess webbing.

300mm OR 600mm Extension Straps
Some vehicle/seat combinations will require an extension to allow the tether to properly reach the anchor point in a vehicle.  These straps are not adjustable, and come commonly in lengths of 300mm or 600mm.

Anchor Kits
A simply anchor kit designed to engage with the upper tether anchor on a child safety seat.  Although this style is common, there are some manufacturers/vehicles that will require their own specific anchor kit due to their own designs – For example some models of Mitsubishi Pajero.

Adjustable Anchorage Straps
Designed to suit certain capsules, this adjustable upper anchorage strap can help resolve many issues relating to upper tether lengths including in some Dual Cab scenarios

SafeGrip – InfaSecure
The SafeGrip Belt Clamp is a unique, versatile accessory clip. It locks the lap portion of your lap & sash seat belt in place. As a result, this ensures a firm installation when used with a child restraint with an in-built harness. When used with a Booster Seat, the Belt Clamp locks the lap seatbelt. This enhances the Booster Seat’s anti-submarining features.  These fellahs are handy to have, even if it’s just to clamp a seat belt from retracting while working on an installation.

Lockie – Aussie Invention by ACRI Founding Member
Lockie is a seatbelt positioning device designed to be extremely easy to use.  These are distributed currently by Infa-Secure. (see below).

Bulk Purchasing

We are growing a list of manufacturers/suppliers the ACRI network has relationships with, that network members can easily purchase their accessories in bulk to reduce costs.  You may find different states will prefer certain manufacturers due to weight impacting freight charges, but this is a growing list.

ARFA – Automotive Restraint Fitters Australia

Not only is this awesome crew a long standing Australian owned, mutli-generation, family business but they are also valued Founding Members of the ACRI network with a long time association.  Now in their second generation of leadership this crew are your essential resource in this industry, supplying stock items as well as a vast specialist items you will not find anywhere else – including items for special needs.  They are the only manufacturer in Australia we are aware of that distribute three types of gated buckles.  ACRI Member ID: 12 0051 P

Website: http://automotiverestraints.com.au/home.php
Email: orders@arfa.com.au
Phone: 1800 20 70 92
Requirements: Only supply authorised fitting stations, requires an ABN – Mention you are an ACRI network member, along with your current member number.

Britax Childcare Australia

Known for their Safe-n-Sound branding in Australia and a plethora of innovative products on the Australian market.  Only recently available direct to authorised fitting stations, when enquiring ensure you mention that you are only after a “Fitting Station” price list as you are an ACRI member.  Their primary sales of safety and nursery is for retail environments only, but as an ACRI fitter you will have their support for the lines you require.  Good for standard items including Anchor Kits, Extension Straps, Gated Buckles and spares for Safe-n-Sound/Steelcraft.

Website: https://www.britax.com.au/
Phone: 1300 303 330
Price List: (Updated 28/10/2020) Britax_Fitters_Price_List.pdf
Requirements: Britax have made their pricelist available directly to ACRI members.
Expect Cash terms (Payment upfront), until a long term business relationship can be built.  Only supply authorised fitting stations, requires an ABN, mention you are an ACRI member.  The price lists is for bulk items, and cannot be ordered individually – for example gated buckles are 40 units per pack, and are unboxed/out of retail packaging.

Dorel Childcare Australia

Distributors of many infant and nursery brands including Maxi Cosi and Mother’s Choice.  Good for standard items including Anchor Kits, Extension Straps, Gated Buckles and spares for Maxi Cosi, Mother’s Choice, Fisher Price, Aunger, Go-Safe and other brands.

Website: https://australia.doreljuvenile.com/
Phone: 1300 809 526
Requirements: ABN – mention you are an ACRI member

Infa-Secure

Distributors of Infa-Secure branded products.  Good for standard items including Anchor Kits, Extensions Straps, Gated Buckles and spares for Infa products.

Website:  https://infasecure.com.au/
Phone: 1300 924 632
Requirements: ABN

Small Suppliment Purchasing

While it’s best to utilise the specialists above, there are some cases where you may need an emergency supply quickly.  It’s always good to support a local member so click here to go to our Find A Provider page to check your area for an ACRI retail member that may be able to assist with stock.  If you are an active member and would like to be listed here then get in contact with us by using the “Need a hand?” button on the bottom right hand corner of this website.  We’ll get an Audit form out to you as soon as possible so we can update your listing.

The following is a brief list of small retail outlets that may be local in your area, where you can purchase some lines of accessories.

Any local baby store, including Baby Bunting if you have a local store in your area.

NB: This site contains information intended only for the person on the ACRI membership list and is subject to legal privilege. Any duplication or copy, even in segments, infringes on copyright