Keeping Your Child Safe on the Road - All About Singapore’s Car Seat Laws

Keeping Your Child Safe on the Road - All About Singapore’s Car Seat Laws

Every parent wants nothing more than a safe journey for their child — but did you know nearly half of children injured in road traffic accidents in Singapore were not wearing a seatbelt or child restraint at the time of the crash? 

That’s one startling statistic behind the ~400 child road injuries each year seen at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Research suggests that most of these injuries could have been prevented with proper use of age-appropriate car seats.

That's why choosing the right car seat — from newborn to booster — is one of the most vital safety decisions you'll make. This is especially important if you drive regularly or frequently ride-hail, your child’s safety depends on the correct seat. Read on to learn what matters when selecting car seats in Singapore.


1. Understanding Singapore’s Laws on Car Seats

In Singapore, the law states that a person below 1.35 metres in height is not allowed to travel in a motor vehicle unless they are properly secured by an approved child restraint appropriate to their height and weight, or a body restraining seat belt when seated on a booster seat cushion or when using a seat with an approved adjustable seat belt. Each car seat must also have its own dedicated seat belt for proper installation and securement. 

An “approved child restraint” refers to a child safety seat that has been crash tested and certified according to one of the five safety standards recognised by Singapore’s Traffic Police. This includes certifications from America, Britain, Australia, Europe, or Japan. Below is an updated list of the approved certifications: 


Photo: Updated list of approved child restraint standards in Singapore - Singapore Police Force


Under Singapore law, private-hire vehicles like Grab, Gojek, TADA, and Ryde are not exempt from car seat or seat belt requirements. This means that a child restraint is legally required every time a child under 1.35 metres travels in a ride-hailing vehicle. Some GrabFamily cars offer child restraints for an additional fee, but it might not always be suitable, or safe enough, for your child. For example, a booster seat is only suitable for children aged four and above, as younger children do not yet have the skeletal strength to use it safely.


2. Types of Car Seats for Your Child’s Age, Height, and Weight


Photo: Understanding Car Seat Types – JBRT


  • Rear-Facing Seats: Best for newborns and toddlers as they offer maximum protection for the head, neck, and spine. Experts recommend keeping your child rear-facing until at least 15 months, or ideally until they outgrow the maximum rear-facing weight of the seat.

  • Forward-Facing Seats: Suitable once your child outgrows the rear-facing seat (usually from age 2 or as per the car seat’s guidelines).

  • Booster Seats: Elevates the child to properly fit the seat belt until they’re big enough to use it without assistance (typically ages 4–12).

  • Seat belt: Once your child is 1.35 metres and above

Pro tip: Consider getting a car seat that’s compatible with a stroller for easy transitions – move your child from the car to the stroller (and vice versa) without waking them or having to unbuckle and rebuckle them each time.


3. Longevity


Infant car seats are typically outgrown sometime between 12 to 24 months, but the real measure is whether your child still fits within the seat’s specific limits. Always check your car seat manual, as guidelines can vary between models.

A helpful visual: if your child’s head is starting to pop out of the seat, it’s time to move on.

Interestingly, body proportions can make a big difference. A toddler with longer legs may fit comfortably in the seat for longer, while one with a longer torso might outgrow it sooner.

If you’re looking for more flexibility, some car seats offer extended rear-facing or all-in-one designs that can adapt as your child grows—from infancy all the way to booster stage.

 

4. Safety features 

 

When choosing a car seat, make sure it meets approved safety standards. Your car seat should therefore hold any one of the relevant certifications mentioned earlier (See: Updated list of approved child restraint standards in Singapore). 

To check your child restraint meets Singapore’s safety standards, you may do the following:

  • Retailer Assistance: You may approach retailers for information on the child restraint

  • Manufacturer Information: Check the child restraint manufacturer's website or product manual. They often provide information on compliance with safety standards.

  • Labels are usually displayed on the car seat itself or in the product manual. The image below shows some examples of labels that can be found on a child restraint: 


Photo: How can I check if my child restraint meets the approved standards? - Singapore Police Force


For extra protection, you can also look for seats with features like side-impact protection or energy-absorbing foam, which provide additional safety in the event of a collision. 

Practical features also make a big difference. Adjustable headrests and harnesses can grow with your child, while removable, machine-washable covers help keep the seat clean. If your family travels often or frequently uses ride-hailing services, a lightweight, portable car seat can be a real lifesaver.

 

Important Points to Keep in Mind

When buying a car seat, doing these few things can make a big difference. 

  • If possible, bring your child along and test the car seat in your car before purchasing to ensure it fits properly and is comfortable for your child. 

  • Always check the car seat’s expiry date — most seats have a lifespan of about 5 to 10 years because the materials can degrade over time and compromise safety. 

  • Avoid buying secondhand seats unless you can verify their full history. You need to be certain the seat has never been involved in an accident and still complies with current safety standards. 


Taking these extra steps can help you make a safer, more informed choice. At CradleNest, we’re here to support you in making safe, confident choices for your family. Download the CradleNest app to discover more parenting resources, and follow us on Instagram @cradlenestsg for tips, updates, and real stories from our growing community.


This article was informed by resources from the following: