How to find the right car seat for your children
In 2020, Malaysia passed a law that requires children measuring under 36kg in weight or 135 cm in height to be secured in a child restraint system when in a moving car. With alarming statistics on child injury in vehicular accidents in Malaysia, making installing a car seat in your car compulsory is a good decision that will minimize fatalities.
Why do I need to get a car seat for my kids?
Airbags and seatbelts in your car are built for adult-sized humans. They don’t protect children when an accident happens and may cause more damages instead. For example, normal seatbelts will rest on a 3-year-old’s neck instead of their shoulders. During a crash, the seat belt puts pressure on your child’s neck, and may even break it. Additionally, the force of inflated airbags is more than what a child can handle. This can lead to severe head injuries and death.
What should I look for in a car seat?
When researching for the right car seat for your children, price should not be the only priority. As there is no one size fits all child seat, you need to first look at the height and weight of your child. With this information, you can find a child safety seat that is perfect for your child. Additionally, parents must make sure that the car seat comes with a QR code by MIROS (Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research). This is proof that the car seat has passed the required inspection approval process.
Source: miros.gov.my
Types of child safety seat
Rearward facing
It is best to place rear-facing seats at the backseat until your infant reaches 13 kg or 83cm for the highest possible protection. The seat should recline at a 45-degree angle, and must not be placed in front of the airbag. The harness must reach your child’s shoulder level or just below.
Note: if you need to place any child seat at the front, make sure to first disable the airbags.
Forward facing
The harness for forward-facing car seats must rest just above your child’s shoulders. This type of car seat is for children weighing between 9kg to 18kg and must be at least 71cm.
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Booster seat
There are two types of booster seats. The first one comes with a 5-point harness. It is best for children weighing between 15kg to 25kg or has a height of at least 100cm. The other one is suitable for those between 25kg and 36kg or up to 135cm. The children are around 6 to 12 years old. This type makes use of the car’s seat belts to strap your children in.
Can I buy a used car seat?
If you’re planning to buy used car seats, make sure they have never been in a crash, don’t have any missing parts, and have no damages. As some sellers may not want to disclose this information, it is best to invest in brand new car seats instead. Furthermore, with the new regulations, older models may not be fit for use.
When buying a child safety seat, remember to register with the manufacturer to keep up to date with product recalls.
Maintenance tips
To maintain your child’s car seat for maximum use, make sure to store it properly according to the instructions. Avoid putting more weight than what the seat can carry. Additionally, try not to feed your child when they’re on the seat to prevent crumbs and milk from spilling. You can also deep clean the car seat for as low as RM40. By cleaning your car seat, you can prevent transferring the bad odour into your car.
