Safety First

Taxi Baby explains why the car seat is a must have accessory, especially if you’re commuting via Uber, Grab or local cabs in Singapore.

- Andre Theng

Crash tests have shown that little ones who are unrestrained or worn in a carrier in a car have “exceptionally high” risk of fatal injuries. The good news: Childsafety seats can reduce fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers aged 1 to 4, according to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

What’s more? “Singaporean law says that all kids under 1.35 metres tall have to use an approved restraint when traveling in vehicles,” explains Elise Mawson, Taxi Baby Founder and Principal Child Passenger Safety Technician. While taxis are exempted from the rule, private-hire cars are not.

So, here’s the next logical question: What exactly should you be looking for when purchasing a car seat for children of different ages?

INFANT RECOS

Newborns and infants are always safer travelling rear-facing (for a long as possible or until they reach the age of 4) – five times safer, in fact. In case of an accident, everything in the car moves forward and if your kids are rear-facing, their back and head will push into the shell of the seat evenly, resulting in minimal pressure and risk of injury.