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The use of child car seats and restraints is mandatory by law in Singapore. In this article, Dr Chong Shu-Ling, Staff Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), a member of the SingHealth group shares the appropriate child car seats and restraints to use.

Rear-facing car seat (age 0-2)

If your child is under two years of age, you are advised to use a rear-facing seat until his/her weight or height has reached the limit specified by the car seat manufacturer.

“The rear-facing car seat should be placed in the back seat, even when the parent is driving alone,” says Dr Chong.

Forward-facing car seat (age 2-5)

When your child’s height or weight has outgrown the limit of a rear-facing car seat, you can use a forward-facing car seat.

Booster seat and seat belt (age 5 and above)

According to the revised seat belt rules, children below the height of 1.35m must be secured in a booster seat or approved adjustable seat belts.

Should parents buy car seats for use in taxis or car sharing services like Grab or Uber?

Parents may choose either to bring along a child car seat, or alternatively to choose car sharing services that offer child car seats for children.

“Whichever method chosen, parents must be familiar with the appropriate type of child car restraint for the corresponding height and age of their child,” says Dr Chong.

Bicycle helmets and other road safety tips

• Ensure that a properly-fitted protective helmet is used by your child when riding a bicycle.
• Teach your child good road safety habits.
• If he/she walks to school, walk with them until they (and you) are comfortable that you have identified the best places to walk, cross and look out for blind spots.
• Do not allow your child to play or go on the roads unsupervised.

See previous page for the dangers of not using a child car seat and restraints.

Ref: N18