If you’re a parent anywhere in the world, you probably relate to the struggle of settling your toddler in the car seat. Restraining babies is a challenge, but it is crucial for their safety.
Singaporean law requires all children under 1.35 meters to be secured in a car seat or booster seat. Well, all of this is for a reason.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers in passenger cars.
Car Seat Laws in Singapore
Singapore lives up to its name to be one of the safest, cleanest, and most efficient cities in the world. What adds to it being a safe country for children is its strict car seat laws.
In Singapore, you are legally required to use the correct car seat, or you could face fines. According to the Road Traffic Act, drivers and passengers who fail to wear a seatbelt or restraints may face penalties of up to $1000 in fines or imprisonment for a maximum of three months.
We can clearly observe the Singaporean government’s emphasis on seatbelts through the fact that it’s the driver’s responsibility to ensure that children above 1.35 meters use a standard seatbelt.
In case the driver is caught not complying with the car seat laws, they could be fined.
Child Restraint System Singapore
Singaporean law requires all citizens to comply with the child restraint system, which has the following clauses
- Passengers below 1.35 m must use a child restraint system instead of a standard seatbelt
- Children under 1.35 m must be seated in the rear seats
- Acceptable types of child restraints include the Rear-facing child seats, Forward-facing child seats, and booster seats.
Car Seat Laws for Taxis in Singapore
Taxis are exempt from the regular car seat laws. However, that does not make traveling without a car seat a safe option. Obtaining child-friendly car
Accessories are crucial for your toddler’s safety. Singapore offers numerous rental car options, allowing you to find a vehicle equipped with all the necessary child-friendly accessories and restraint systems that comply with local laws.
For extra peace of mind, many parents also bring their own portable car seats or booster seats when using taxis or ride-hailing services. While not legally required, these added precautions significantly reduce the risk of injury and ensure your child travels safely every time.
Types of Car Seats
Choosing the right car seat for your child is not just about comfort, it’s about safety and compliance with Singapore’s regulations. Car seats are categorised by age, height, and weight to ensure proper protection at every stage of your child’s development.
From rear-facing infant seats to booster seats for older children, understanding these types helps parents make informed decisions and reduce the risk of injury during travel.
Rear-Facing Infant Car Seats
These types of car seats are designed for infants (0-2 years) who require additional support for their head, neck, and spine. Rear-facing car seats are designed to protect the baby’s during sudden stops.
They are the safest because they use a 5-point harness that allows only a minimal amount of room between the strap and the chest, leaving only the space of one or two fingers behind.
It is essential to know that rear-facing seats should never be placed in the front passenger seat i front of the airbag because airbags can be fatal for infants.
Forward-Facing Car Seats
As children approach the age of two, they transition to forward-facing car seats, which allow them to look forward. These also have a 5-point harness to secure the child.
Children harnessed by this type of car seat are at a much lower risk of injury than those strapped with the standard seatbelt. As kids move into forward-facing seats, they begin to feel more independent.
This is a good time to encourage habits that boost their confidence in new situations, whether it’s learning to explore safely or adapting to small responsibilities.
Booster Seats
Children who have outgrown forward-facing car seats but are still under 1.35 meters in height are required to sit on a booster seat. These conditions are in line with Singaporean laws.
Booster seats are primarily used to help position the adult seatbelt correctly across he chest and hip. This adjustment provides enhanced protection in the event of a crash.
Top Child-Friendly Safety New Car Accessories for Parents to Know
Apart from car seats, there is a variety of child-friendly car accessories that parents should be aware of.
Ride Safer Travel Vest
To begin with, the Ride Safer Travel Vest is lightweight in contrast to car seats. It’s recommended for families who frequently travel by taxi and are unsure whether the Taxi complies with child restraint system laws.
Manufacturers approve the vest for children aged 3 and above, and weighing over 13 kg.
Seatbelt Adjuster
A seatbelt adjuster is a practical and portable travel-friendly car accessory. It works by adjusting the seatbelt correctly across a child’s body. It is essential because it minimises the chances of the seatbelt slipping away as the child moves.
Window Sunshades
With UV rays now more harmful than before, parents of toddlers and children should consider purchasing window sunshades to block these rays.
With more and more children growing up with sensitive skin in sunny climates like Singapore, a high-quality sunshade keeps the baby’s surroundings cool and comfortable.
Most sunshades for kids come with fun designs. These shades can also be easily used on taxis.
Final Thoughts
Being parents, we do everything we can to keep our little ones safe. Parents are also experiencing parenting for the first time and need guidance.
From navigating road safety to choosing the right learning support options for your child, having access to reliable resources can make parenting less overwhelming.
Investing in the right kind of safety accessory is more than just a legal requirement and is a commitment to your child’s well-being. Thoughtful accessories, such as travel vests and seatbelt adjusters, provide your child with the comfort you’d want for them.
Many families opt for Japanese used cars because they are child-friendly, allowing for all kinds of car accessories. Having the right kind of gear for your child gives you and your child confidence wherever you go.
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