A baby 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.
Malaysia Car Seat Law
In Malaysia, the Road Transport Act requires that a child who is under 12 years old, weighs less than 36kg, or with a height less than 136cm be restrained in a child safety seat. 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 too no matter which mode of transport you use as the laws of physics still apply no matter what.
Baby Car Seat for Newborns (0 to 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, it however 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: RM909
Where to Buy: Motherhood.com.my
Doona
Features:
- Transforms from car seat to stroller in seconds
- Great for travel
- Aircraft approved
- Anti-rebound protection using the handlePrice: RM2,269
Where to Buy: Motherhood.com.my
Convertible Car Seats for Toddlers (2 to 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 onwards, 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 any untoward crash.
Quinton OneSpin+ 360 Safety Car Seat
Features:
- 360° rotate Car Seat with ISOFIX & support leg
- 3 recline positions
- 9 positions height-adjustable headrest
- Side impact protection for additional safety
Price: RM769
Where to Buy: Motherhood.com.my
Britax Allegiance US Car Seat
Features:
- Rear face up to 18kg
- Forward face up to 29kg
- Install with ISOFIX or seatbelt
Price: RM159Where to Buy: Motherhood.com.my
Combination Booster Car Seats for Pre-Schoolers (4 to 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.
SUTTON EVENFLO 3 In 1 Combination Seat
Features:
- Lightweight and compact
- 6 position headrest
- Side impact protection
Price: RM279
Where to Buy: Motherhood.com.my
Chicco Gro-Up 123 Booster Car Seat
Features:
- Harness from 9kg to 18kg
- Converts into a high back booster
- No rethread harnessPrice: RM549
Where to Buy: Motherhood.com.my
Booster Seats 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 yet. 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.
Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat
Features:
- Suitable for kids 18kg to 50kg
- High back booster converts into backless booster
- Easy-to-use vehicle belt guides
Price: RM529
Where to Buy: Motherhood.com.my
Chicco Fold & Go
Features:
- Belt positioner provides a 4th contact point to the 3-point seatbelt
- Can be easily folded for storage or travel
- Suitable for kids heighted 100cm to 150cm
Price: RM999
Where to Buy: Motherhood.com.my
With so many choices of car seats in the market, do remember that the safest baby car seat is one that fits your child, fits your car, and one that you use correctly every single time. To learn more about safe car seat use, there are groups on Facebook such as Child Passenger Safety Malaysia and Malaysian Carseat Support Group to help you find the right fit.
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