Baby's First Car Seat

WHAT’S THE LAW?
We wonder if it’s just the Young Parents team but, no, we’ve been seeing more parents doing a Britney Spears – driving with Baby on their laps, that is. For your precious one’s safety, please get a car seat and buckle him up. It’ll also save you a $120 fine and three demerit points if you’re caught.

LOOK BACK
Keep infants under one year old in the back seat, facing the rear, says Young Parents adviser Dr Chew Su Yah of National University Hospital. This offers the best possible support for his head, neck and spine in the event of an accident.

BUCKLE UP NOW
Check that the car seat is still securely held every time Junior uses it, and that the five-point harness is snug. You should have just enough room to get two fingers between the shoulder straps and his chest. Use a car seat for all journeys, however short.


BE HIS ROLE MODEL
Your fussy one may cry each time you secure him in the seat. Don’t cave in. Keep him calm and entertained with soft books, snacks and songs. Oh, and point out to him that everyone else has to buckle up, including yourself and Grandma.

DON’T STINT
It’s not necessary to buy the most expensive cat seat, but do get a new one rather than a hand-me-down. Even if you’re sure the previous owner had never been in an accident, the seat is likely to have suffered wear and tear. The manufacturer’s instructions might be missing, which will make it difficult to check if you have fitted the seat correctly. Is your child’s life worth the risk?

Read the February 2010 issue of Young Parents for our car seat recommendations.