In 2019, the government passed Republic Act 11229 or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, a law that seeks to ensure the safety of children (aged 12 and under) while they are riding public or private transportation. While its implementation was halted due to the pandemic, it is wise for parents to invest in carseats now, not only because demand is low, but it is for the safety of their little ones.
After all, according to a 2017 data from the Philippine Statistics Office, at least 3 children die every day due to road accidents. Car seats must be deemed essential, for the following reasons.
- Car seats reduces risk of injury
Citing studies, the United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said putting children in car seats cuts injury risks by up to 81 percent, compared to when they only use seatbelts. Booster seats meanwhile halves the possibility of serious injury for kids aged 4-8.
- Age-appropriate car seats make travel more safe and comfortable
According to local laws, children must be placed “in a child restraint system while the engine is running or transporting such child on any road, street or highway unless the child is at least one hundred fifty (150) centimeters or fifty-nine (59) inches in height and is properly secured using the regular seat belt.”
There are many available car seat brands in the market. When buying one, consider the age of the child who will use it, and the frequency and length of trips.
The CDC have the following guidelines:
- Rear-facing car seat from birth until age 2-4
Newborns and toddlers should be “buckled in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat,” to get the best “possible protection.” Consider the child’s weight and height when getting their car seats.
Kindersitz Baby carseat, Looping Squizz Carseat with adapter, Combi Wego Long or the Graco Snugride are rear-facing car seats you could consider, especially when you are traveling with a newborn. Want one that comes with a stroller? The Doona car seat stroller would be a good purchase.
“Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat. Front passenger airbags can injure or kill young children in a crash,” the CDC also emphasized.
- Front-facing car seats for safe travels
When your child has outgrown the rear-facing car seat age, buckle them up on a forward-facing car seat with a harness. This age is where they get quite experimental, unlocking doors, switching open the windows. You’d want to keep them stable in a car seat, especially when there is no adult companion at the back. Also remember that under Philippine laws, kids under 12 are not allowed to sit in the front passenger seat if they do not meet the height requirements.
For this age bracket, consider car seats that offer cushion support and appropriately locked seatbelts like Giant Carrier’s Zoe Car seat, Joie Tilt Car seat, Graco Car seat atomix (all under P10,000).
You may also find car seats with adjustable headrests and wide cushioned seating to ensure longer use with Chicco Unico Plus Car seat, Kinderkraft’s My Way, and the Poled Ballfix Pro Car seat.
- Booster seats for growing kids
For school-age children, it is wise to find car seats that can keep up with their fast growth. Check out Chicco’s Kidfit Belt positioning booster car seat, Combi Joykids Booster seat, Chicco GoFit Plus, or the foldable Beaba Up and Down car seat for more backseat space.
- Use only car seats that have undergone quality control
Always remember to purchase car seats only from legitimate sellers, because the RA 11229 prohibits the use of substandard car seats. As stated under section 5, “any person, company, partnership, sole proprietorship, manufacturer, distributor, and/or importer to manufacture, use, import, sell, distribute, donate, lease, advertise, promote, or otherwise market the use of substandard or expired child restraint system.”
Looking for more options that fit your budget? Check out car seat deals from Edamama, and find vouchers for added discounts.
