A car seat is more than just a fancy accessory to carry your child. Also known as a child safety seat, it protects your child when traveling in a vehicle during an unfortunate accident and also during sudden braking.
Singapore Car Seat Law
In Singapore, the Road Traffic Act requires that a child under the height of 1.35m be properly secured in a Child Restraint System (CRS) while traveling in a vehicle. This also applies to private hire cars like Grab, but an exemption is given for traveling by taxi.
However, it is strongly advised that you use a car seat regardless on which mode of transport you use as the laws of physics still apply, no matter what.
Car Seat for Newborns (0 – 2 years old)
Did you know that babies can (and should) ride in a car seat from the day they leave the hospital? While a mother’s embrace is a safe space that newborns crave, however, it isn’t strong enough to protect your child during emergencies. We like infant carriers for this stage as they can keep baby snug and are portable enough to be removed from the car easily.
Chicco Keyfit
Features:
For babies from 1.8kg to 13kg
Suitable for small babies including premature infants
Can be installed using ISOFIX or seatbelt
Price: $432
Doona
Features:
Transforms from car seat to stroller in seconds
Great for travel
Aircraft approved
Anti-rebound protection using the handle
Price: $639
Convertible Car Seat for Toddlers (2 – 4 years old)
While infant carriers can only be used in the rear facing position, convertible car seats can be used in rear facing and forward facing. Some convertibles can also be used from birth, so you can skip the infant carrier if you prefer. While some car seats can be used forward facing from 9kg onward, it is highly recommended to keep children rear facing at least until a minimum of 2 years old as it protects your child’s neck and spine better in an unfortunate crash.
Cosco Scenera NEXT
Features:
Suitable from 2.3kg to 18kg
Ultra-lightweight at 3kg only
Travel friendly
Aircraft approved
Price: $239
Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1
Features:
Rear face up to 22kg
Forward face up to 29kg
Extension panel for extra legroom
Great for big kids
Price: $449
Combination Booster Seat for Pre-Schoolers (4 – 6 years old)
If you have a child who has outgrown rear facing already, it is highly encouraged to continue them in a five-point harness to protect them during your travels. Combination Booster car seats have a five-point harness to buckle your child in, and converts into a high back booster once your child has hit the limits of the harness.
Joie Bold
Features:
Harness up to 25kg
Adjustable headrest with no-rethread harness
3 recline positions
Side impact protection provides added security for the head, body and hips
Price: $379
Maxi-Cosi Nomad
Features:
Suitable for 9 to 18kg
Foldable, compact car seat
Great for travel
Price: $499
Booster Seat for Big Kids (5 years old and up)
Once your child has outgrown the 5-point harness, they would need to be restrained in a high back booster as they are not big enough to use a seatbelt on its own. A high back booster protects a child by lifting a child higher so that the seatbelt will be at the proper position to restrain the child, making sure the shoulder belt goes across the chest and not cutting across the neck as well as ensuring the lap belt is across the lap and not the stomach of the child.
Britax Kidfix i-Size
Features:
SecureGuard provides a 4th contact point to the 3-point seatbelt
Easy to adjust for use with multiple children
Slim and compact
Price: $499
mifold Hifold
Features:
Foldable high back booster
Lightweight with carry strap
Great for travelling
Price: $199
With so many choices of car seats in the market, do remember that the safest car seat is one that fits your child, fits your car, and one that you use correctly every single time!