As a parent, ensuring your child is safe while riding in a car is of utmost importance. Knowing and understanding car seat requirements will keep your child safe while in the car and save you from getting a ticket.
This post will be a comprehensive guide for parents about road safety on car seat requirements in Singapore. We will also provide tips on choosing your child’s right car seat for their age and how to install it in your vehicle properly.
Car Seat Requirement in Singapore
According to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) Surveillance Report, there were 3,562 cases of child road traffic injuries from 2012 to 2020. It showed that half of all children and adolescents with road traffic injuries were not in a child car restraint and found unrestrained two-thirds of infants were at the time of the incident. Studies show that the correct use of child car restraints — such as child car seats, booster seats and seat belts — can reduce the incidence of death in road traffic accidents by 50 to 70 per cent.
The law in Singapore requires securing anyone below the height of 1.35m with appropriate restraint, booster seat or adjustable seatbelt. Those 1.35m or taller are to wear a seatbelt irrespective of age. It is best not to take young babies on unnecessary car journeys. Paediatric researchers advise restricting infant car journeys to no more than half an hour. If you must travel with a baby, ensure they are in a properly secured child seat; have an adult sit next to the baby to check on its breathing, as there have been reports of deaths of infants left in a sitting position, including in car seats.
Car Seat by Age
Before buying a car seat for your child, ensure it will fit your car model. Here is a guide to choosing the right car seat for your child.
Baby Capsules
For newborns, a baby capsule is the most suitable option for safety. It should be rear-facing and have adjustable straps to ensure your baby’s head and spine are fully supported. You can use a baby capsule until six months or when your baby reaches the maximum weight limit specified by the manufacturer.
Rear-Facing Car Seat
For infants and toddlers up to 2 years old or until they reach the maximum height or weight limit of a rear-facing car seat (up to 40 pounds). Rear-facing car seats protect young children significantly because they keep their heads, neck, and spine in alignment while seated. When selecting a rear-facing seat, look for one that is easy to install and has adjustable harness straps.
Forward-Facing Car Seat
For children, at least two years old or have reached the maximum height or weight limit of a rear-facing car seat (up to 65 pounds). Forward-facing car seats protect by keeping the child’s head and torso secure in a crash. When selecting a forward-facing seat, look for one that is easy to install, has adjustable harness straps, and has energy-absorbing foam for extra protection.
Booster Seats
For children, at least four years old or have outgrown their forward-facing seat (up to 80 pounds). Booster seats help keep the lap and shoulder belts correctly positioned on a child’s body. When selecting a booster seat, look for one that is easy to install, has comfortable padding, and can be used with or without a backrest.
Seatbelt
A seatbelt is for children who have outgrown their booster seat (at least eight years old or 57 inches tall). Seatbelts should be low and snug across the hips, not the stomach. To ensure proper fit, ensure the lap belt lies across your child’s upper thighs, and the shoulder belt crosses their chest. Children should ride in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old.
Installing Car Seat
Once you’ve chosen a car seat, it is time to install it. Installing a car seat can be intimidating but doing so correctly is imperative for your child’s safety. Here are some tips on how to properly install a car seat:
- Read the manual thoroughly and ensure you understand the instructions before beginning the installation process.
- Choose the right location in your car for the car seat and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines.
- Securely install the car seat according to the manual’s instructions. Make sure it is firmly attached to your vehicle with either a lap-shoulder belt or a lower anchor and tether system.
- If using the lap-shoulder belt, ensure it is routed correctly through the car seat’s belt path and remove all of the slack from the belt before connecting it to your vehicle’s latch points.
- Make sure the car seat is level and not tilted or reclined in any way. Also, check the car seat’s harness and ensure all straps are taut, with no excess slack.
- Finally, test the installation by pushing firmly on the car seat at the belt path and ensuring it doesn’t move more than an inch side-to-side or front-to-back. If it does, the seat needs to be reinstalled.
Conclusion
No matter what car seat you choose, it is essential to read the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure that the seat is installed correctly in your vehicle. Always buckle up your child properly when they get into the car.
Parents must follow car seat requirements to keep their children safe. Following the guidelines above will help ensure your child is appropriately protected while on the road.
