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By Dr Michelle LIM, Associate Consultant and Associate Professor Tan Thiam Chye, Visiting Consultant, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital

You now have a delightful new addition to the family whom you'll be bringing out to meet family and friends. However, there are some considerations when travelling with a young child. Here are some car safety guidelines you and your partner need to be aware of:

  • Children aged 5 years and below should travel in a car seat: Infants and toddlers (aged 2 years old and below) should be kept in a rear-facing car seat. While children aged 2 to 5 should travel in a forward-facing car seat. 
  • Children aged 5 years and above should transit to a booster seat until they are 1.4m tall. Thereafter, always use a seat belt. 
  • Be safe: Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat. Also, children below 12 years should not sit in the front seat. 
  • Invest in a car seat: Your baby will need to travel in a car seat starting from the first ride your little one takes from the hospital to home. Choose a suitable one for your child's age, size and weight. Ask a shop assistant to help you to ensure it's suitable for your precious new passenger.
  • Always have your child secured in a car seat: Holding your baby on your lap does not ensure adequate safety as the neck and back muscles are still not strong enough to support weight. Even at a slow speed, your baby's unsupported head may be thrown forward, if a car seat is not prepared.
  • Install the car seat properly: The straps should be properly adjusted and the seat well-padded to give your child maximum protection.
  • Cover the seat: Car seats with metal fittings can get extremely hot under the sun, especially in perpetually sunny Singapore. Try to park under shade, or cover the seat if you have to leave your vehicle in the sun.
  • Never leave your baby unattended in the car: While your baby may be secured in the car seat and has limited mobility at this stage, it's important to be around your newborn to ensure utmost safety.

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Sources:

The New Art and Science of Pregnancy and Childbirth 2008, World Scientific

Healthy Start for your Pregnancy 2012, Health Promotion Board Singapore​