Safety first is always a priority if you’re on the road, especially for parents-to-be and parents with children. So, if you’re planning to take your child out for a ride somewhere, make sure your car is equipped with a baby car seat, so they’re strapped in for safety during the ride. This is also required under the Singapore Law that children must be strapped in booster seat cushions appropriate for their size and age.
A baby car seat or booster seat cushion is definitely important to have, so make sure you’re choosing the right one for your child. In addition, there are many types of baby car seats available for children 135m and below. Some of these can be removed and used outside the car and attached to strollers.
Here’s a guide on the car seat laws in Singapore, which baby car seats to choose from, and how to choose one depending on your child’s age and size.
Singapore’s Law on Baby Car Seats Under the Road Traffic Act
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According to KKH Child Injury Surveillance Report 2022, road traffic-related injuries are the 3rd most common cause of child injury deaths in Singapore from 2012-2020. The study hopes to increase awareness and let parents know the importance of wearing seatbelts and installing age-appropriate baby cart seats in cars to avoid child traffic road injuries.
As stated in the Road Traffic Act, it is mandated that anyone below the height of 135m must be safely strapped in the car with approved car restraints that are appropriate for their height and weight. Alternatively, seats with adjustable seatbelts can also be used. Take note that age will no longer be included in the criterion for requiring a booster seat. If the height is more than 135m, they are required to wear a seatbelt at all times. Failure to comply with the law will result in conviction of a fine of $1,000 or imprisonment up to 3 months, or both.
This is why choosing a suitable car booster or baby cart seat is important. It must be properly installed, fasten the seatbelt all the time, and never leave your child unattended inside the vehicle.
What to Consider When Buying Baby Car Seats in Singapore
Type of Baby Car Seat or Booster Seat
Each baby car seat is made to accommodate your growing child. They are created to provide the best way to keep your child safe while they are settled inside the car. The main types of booster seats are:
- Baby Capsule
These are built to suit babies from newborn to 6 months of age to help protect them, especially their heads (due to lack of head control). It is a rear-facing design capsule with a portable carrier and is held down by adjustable harnesses. This is a top pick for parents who will have it installed near the due date, so they can safely bring home the baby from the hospital after.
- Rear-Facing Car Seats
Ideal for newborns to 2 years of age, it’s designed to help with the transition of your child from rear-facing to front-facing once they are old enough.
- Forward-Facing Car Seats
These baby booster seats are designed for 2 to 5 years of age. It’s helpful for those who have not reached the ideal height required (above 135m) to be strapped in by a seatbelt safely.
- Convertible
Originating from Europe, convertible seats are designed for multi-use. Typically, these child car seats are used to safely transfer the child to the baby strollers and vice versa. These are usually ideal for newborns to 1-year-olds (up to 13kg).
- Booster Seats
Car booster seats for older children who have outgrown their capsules and baby seats are required. It is recommended to use for children above 5 years old but below 140m in height, who have outgrown their forward-facing cart seats and cannot be properly strapped in with adult seatbelts.
Safety Features and Functions
When looking for an ideal baby car seat, you should first look at how many harnesses it has to properly strap your child in. The car seat must have harnesses across the shoulders, over the waist, and in between the legs. The standard is a 5-point harness built for baby car seats. It should come with cushions, especially on the sides in case of impact, and an instruction manual to help you install it properly. Other features include being able to switch from a rear to a front-facing seat, the versatility to install it from your stroller, and portability in case you need to bring your car while inside a taxi or other transportation cars.
Compatibility with Your Car
Most cars in Singapore are built with ISOFIX (International Standard For Child Car Seat Fittings), which means your car should be built with a metal attachment in its seats to help install baby car seats easily and securely. It is the international standard for child safety seats in passenger seats. If you own a car, you should be able to identify this, so you can attach the car seat to the built-in mount. The instruction manual that comes with the baby car seats should be helpful and must be followed strictly to keep your child safe and comfortable.
5 Best Baby Car Seats in Singapore
1. Bonbijou Orbit Car Seat
Install, transition, and move easily using the Bonbijou Orbit Car Seat! A popular pick for baby car seats in Singapore, it features a 360-degree turning function that comes with 5-point harnesses and 5 reclining positions for your child’s ultimate comfort. Suitable for newborns up to 6 years of age (up to 36kg), you can change the positioning of your child as they grow. It also comes with side impact protection, soft cushion padding for comfort and ventilation, and thick seat pads and head support.
Why we love it:
- Easy to carry in and out of the car as well as easy rotation
- Keeps steady even with a child that keeps moving around
- Removable infant head support
Price: $579.00
Where to Buy: Bonbijou Singapore
2. Maxi-Cosi Opal Car Seat
Designed to transition with your child as they grow, Maxi-Cosi Opal car seat provides high comfort with adjustable width and height for optimal comfort and perfect fit each time. It can be used as a rear-facing seat then switched to front-facing with ease. It comes with anti-slip 5-point harnesses, head adjustment (6 positions), 5 position-reclining feature, and strong head and side impact protection. It’s ideal for use for newborn up to 4 years of age.
Why we love it:
- Comes with baby spinal support cushion
- Easily switches from sitting position to reclining position
- Tested and complies with Euro NCAP higher safety standards
Price: $799.00
Where to Buy: Shopee
3. Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
One of the best baby car seats in Singapore comes from Britax! It’s also one of the long-lasting car seats that is definitely worth the investment since it can adjust to your child’s growth from birth until 10 years of age. Designed with sturdy but comfortable cushion padding for optimal comfort and safety with each use. Its features include double side paddings for side impact protection, high-strength steel frame for stability, multiple head and reclining positions, and built-in cooling channels and ventilation.
Why we love it:
- Multiple features and functions
- Up to 10 years of use
- Quick and easy installation
Price: $899.00
Where to Buy: InfanTree
4. Joie Stages Fx Car Seat
One of the more affordable options for car seats in Singapore is Joie’s Stages Fx Car Seat! It grows with your child up to 7 years of age. It features multi-position and reclining functions, easy installation with ISOFIX, baby car steel for stability, breathable cushion padding, and customisable fit for comfort. It comes with 5-point harness with one motion tightening function, dual lock-offs for vehicles with 3-point seat belts, custom harness hideaway compartments.
Why we love it:
- Harnesses and headrest adjusts to accommodate child growth easily
- Comes with mesh pockets for storing items
- Built-in grow-with-me head support
Price: $499.00
Where to Buy: Shopee
5. Urban Kanga Travel Car Seat Portable and Foldable
Whether you’re travelling in a taxi, Uber or Grab car, or other transportation modes, you can bring your child with you and have them strapped for safety wherever you go. Urban Kanga Travel Car Seat is taxi-friendly and approved, that can carry 9-18kg of weight. Designed with safety features as well as long-term use and comfort!
Why we love it:
- Lightweight and portable
- Quick and easy installation with adjustable head support
- With 5-point harness and air cushions for additional safety and comfort
Price: $299.00
Where to Buy: Lazada
