Child restraint systems (CRS) or car seats are not only for babies, but are also needed for older children too. Here is a quick guide to help you navigate the challenges of selecting the right CRS for your child.
Facts about the Malaysian Car Seat Law you need to know.
Only car seats certified under United Nations Regulation UN R44 and UN R129 are legal in Malaysia. Look for these stickers at the back or bottom of the car seat base.
All children from newborn until 12 years old, 36 kg or below, or 136 cm need to be in an appropriate car seat when traveling in private cars.
Car seats must be installed either with the vehicle 3-point seat belt or ISOFIX anchorage system. A vehicle 2-point/lap belt only cannot be used to install any car seats.
Rear-facing car seats are not allowed to be installed in the front passenger seat if there is an active air bag present.
Every parent wants the best for their child, especially when it comes to their safety. The moment you start to browse, you will be spoilt for choice whether in a retail store or online. Before you decide, bear in mind that the “best” CRS will be the one that fits your child, vehicle, budget and most importantly, the one that you will be using correctly every time you buckle them up.
This is necessary information to have on hand, because selection of the right CRS is based on these criteria. All CRS models are tested to their respective weight and/or height limits and have different features in order to accommodate your growing child and ensure the best possible protection.
The type of CRS you choose also depends on the features available in your car. For example, you cannot select a CRS with ISOFIX installation method in a car without ISOFIX anchorage points. You can study your vehicle owner’s manual to see whether these are available and where they are located in your car. You can also find out where the airbags and other safety features are located and whether there are any restrictions on CRS installations in any particular seating positions.
Choose an installation method that matches your vehicle’s features. If you are unsure, check your vehicle manual and look for ISOFIX and top tether anchor points.
There are many types of CRS in the market. Here are some guidelines and tips you might want to consider, before deciding on the CRS that best fits your needs.
All set with the following info?
1. Your child’s weight
2. Your child’s height
3. Your child’s age
Let’s start your car seat selection challenge!
The recommended car seat that a newborn should start with. Portable, and usually pairs with compatible strollers. Use with an ISOFIX base option for convenience.
Convertible or multistage seats used in rear-facing mode up to 13/18 kg.
Tips
These are seats that are start rearward facing from newborn and then "convert" to a forward-facing seat. They can be used forward-facing until 18 kg with a 5-point harness. Some seats are certified for rear-facing until 18/25 kg.
It is recommended to use rear-facing until at least 15 months or the maximum limit of the car seat.
Tips
Forward-facing seats with a 5-point harness that convert to a high-back booster at 18 kg. For children younger than 4 years old who are 18 kg, choose a seat that harnesses longer to 25 kg.
These seats can be used from newborn to 25/36 kg, following the relevant limits for weight, height, and direction of travel.
Tips
Most children below 5 years old are not ready for a booster seat. A combination booster is recommended because it starts with a 5-point harness and converts later.
Minimum requirements for booster usage:
If your child does not meet the above requirements, use 5-point harness mode.
A booster seat is a belt-positioning seat that properly positions the vehicle seat belt across the shoulder and hips. Highback boosters offer additional support and side-impact protection. For safety, highback boosters are recommended over backless boosters, which should only be used for older children above 7 years and at least 125cm.
Tips
Is your child ready for the vehicle seat belt? Use the 5-step test:
If your child does not meet any of the criteria, they still need a booster seat.