Hospital to Home is our campaign to encourage parents in Malaysia to use a car seat from day one, starting with the very first ride from hospital to home.
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It’s an exciting time, welcoming your little bundle of joy into the world. While all parents would agree that their baby’s safety is important, not many parents are aware that babies should be riding in car seats starting from when they travel from hospital to home.
reduction in fatality for infants when using a correctly installed car seat
During a sudden stop or crash, you will not be able to hold on to baby, who will likely sustain serious head and body injuries if dropped or thrown out of the car. The safest way to transport baby in the car is by using an appropriate car seat correctly.
A car seat is designed to support and protect your baby’s head, neck, and spine in the event of a sudden stop or crash. It plays a major role in reducing the severity of injuries by safely cradling your baby, spreading out the forces of the crash.
A car seat should be used from day one. Get it ready at least one month before your due date so you have time to practise and feel confident.
Infant carriers are car seats designed specifically for newborns until they are around 18 months or 13kg. These car seats are portable and extremely convenient for parents on the go. They are also equipped with many features, such as stroller compatibility, that make a new parent's life so much easier!
Convertible car seats are designed to fit growing children from small to big. They can be used from birth up to 18kg (around 4 years old). Some can even be used up to 12 years old. While these car seats allow for longer usage, compared to infant carriers, they are not portable or as convenient to use with newborns.
Designed specifically for newborns, so they tend to fit tiny babies well, including smaller or premature babies. A good fit starts with the harness at or slightly below shoulder level.
Baby is buckled into the carrier first, then it is installed in the car. This makes it easier, allows you to take your time, and it lets you move a sleeping baby from home to car and back without disturbing them.
Many infant carriers click into compatible strollers, making day-to-day errands faster and easier while keeping baby safely secured.
Most install with a 3-point seat belt, and some are compatible with an ISOFIX base that stays in the car so the carrier can click in quickly and securely.
Buckling your newborn for the first time can feel scary. Take your time and follow our step-by-step guide to get a snug, correct fit.
Set the shoulder harness to the lowest slot. Loosen the straps and drape them over the sides so they stay untwisted. Remove blankets or swaddling, then place baby in with the back fully supported.
Bring the straps over baby’s shoulders, sitting close to the neck with no twists. Pull the crotch buckle up between the legs, join the buckle tongues together, then click into the buckle until it locks.
For a 5-point harness, make sure the hip straps are not caught in the inserts. Pull up on the shoulder straps to remove slack at the hips, then pull the centre strap firmly to tighten the harness.
Make sure the straps sit close to baby’s neck. Position the shoulder pads on the shoulders and chest, under the chin. If the pads are behind the shoulders, gently slide them down to sit correctly.
At the collarbone, try to fit two fingers under the harness. If you can twist your fingers upward, the harness is too loose. Tighten again until it feels snug and secure.
Once baby is securely buckled, you may swaddle by tucking a blanket or nappy firmly around baby, keeping the harness position and tightness unchanged.
Once baby is buckled safely, install the infant carrier in the car using a 3-point seat belt or a base, and always check the manual before first use.
Most car seats are installed or used incorrectly, which can reduce protection. Learn the common mistakes parents miss and the quick fixes that matter.
A car seat is not a long-term sleeping space. It’s okay if baby falls asleep, but take baby out at least every 1.5 to 2 hours to support healthy breathing and circulation.
Buckle baby snugly first, then swaddle after. Swaddling before buckling leaves the harness loose and out of position. Avoid thick padded jackets too, since bulky layers compress in a crash and can create dangerous slack.
Skip add-ons like extra head supports. They are not tested with your car seat and can affect safety, including causing baby’s head to slump forward, which increases the risk of airway restriction.
The handlebar is a safety feature, not just a handle. Keep it in the upright position in the car so it can act as a rebound bar and help reduce extra movement in a crash.
Infant carriers must be installed rear-facing only. Babies should ride rear-facing until at least 15 months, and ideally for as long as possible. Always follow your car seat manual for correct use and installation.
Many parents worry about making the harness too tight, but the more common issue is it being too loose. Use the two-finger check at the collarbone: if you can twist your fingers upward, tighten again.
Do not install a rear-facing seat in the front passenger seat with an active airbag. Even if you want baby within sight, an airbag can be extremely dangerous in a crash. The back seat is much safer.
Shoulder harness slots should not be above baby’s shoulders. If the harness is too high, it cannot tighten securely and baby may slip out. The correct position is even with or just below the shoulder.
Keep baby safe through the final step and carry the habit into every journey after.
Watch the full Hospital to Home journey, download the booklet to keep the steps handy, or shop newborn car seats for day one and beyond.
