It is a given fact that safety is really one of the utmost priorities. As for Mamas, a part of taking care of their little one is finding them the best gear for their protection everywhere they go on a daily basis. This includes the use of car seats for their beans when they decide to bring them during their errand runs or even for a long trip!
The Use of Car Seats in a Normal Day
Let’s be honest – not all families here in the Philippines have a car seat that children use. It's very underrated, yet Mamas and Papas should know how important having one would be to reduce the risk of an injury of their little bean in the unfortuitous event of a collision or an accident. Car seats are designed to provide protection and to secure children while being on the road. In the event that an unlikely crash happens, when your little one is using a car seat, it can distribute the impact of the crash across different strong parts of the body. There are a lot of possibilities that may happen in a car accident so car seats should be valued even more.
Since your little ones are obviously smaller than adults, they are more susceptible to injury in case a road accident occurs. They have developing bodies and weaker neck muscles that need support. The importance of car seats can be highlighted even more. This is because it could help in preventing your child from being forcefully ejected from his or her seat and avoid being thrown out of the car. In addition, the car seat is designed to cradle the neck and head to keep the brain and spinal cord safe (Barona-Cruz, 2022).
Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act
The use of car seats for children – not just during their infancy stage but even when they become toddler – is actually recommended. In fact, there is even a law that was established in the Philippines that supports this. The Republic Act (RA) 11229 or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act was signed into law last February 2019. The said law applies to all children who are aged up to 12 years old,, and also has a height of 4’11” and below. The child car seat law in the Philippines requires the use of child restraint system (CRS), which actually refers to child safety/booster seats or car seats. This law already took effect last February 2021.
Just like any other violations, there is a corresponding fine in case your little bean was caught sitting in the car without any CRS. For instance, you get fined P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense, and P3,000 for the use of inappropriate CRS. Mamas and Papas could be fined P5,000 and have your license be suspended on the third and succeeding offenses (Blanco, 2021).
There was only some friction when this law was launched because of the timing. Since it was in the year 2021, it is believed that families were somehow struggling and buying a car seat is not really something they prioritize. Although it must be noted that previous data showed that three (3) children die from road crashes or accidents every day in the Philippines. It must be acknowledged that the government initiated laws relating to child safety, such as the old law on prohibiting children to sit in front of the vehicle and leaving them unaccompanied (Barona-Cruz, 2022). Car seats in the Philippines must certainly be valued even more.
Different Types of Car Seats
For parents who do not know where to begin with, maybe this read can help you in choosing the perfect car seat for your bean. Although we understand that there are options to choose from, we'll be checking on them closely to guide you towards the most appropriate one for your bean. Remember that factors such as age, height, and weight will be vital when choosing a car seat.
1. Infant Car Seats
To start with, there are infant car seats that are for newborns up to 12 months old, but for some it can reach up to 2 years old. From the name itself, it is actually designed for the safe transport of infants but it still depends on the height and weight of your bean. Mamas and Papas should check whether their little one still fits in this type of car seat, and if not, they may now need an upgrade to a bigger seat. This car seat has a rear-facing design and can also have another purpose which is to be a carrier (Weiss, 2021).
2. Convertible Car Seats
Another type of car seat is the convertible car seat that is ideally for little ones that have already outgrown their infant car seat. Unlike the aforementioned type of car seat, this one can be used in forward-facing or in rear-facing positions. It can be adjusted to be in a forward-facing position once your bean reaches three (3) years old. However, this differs in terms of not being portable and cannot be used as a carrier (Weiss, 2021).
3. Booster Seats
Car seats are not only for infants, but as we all know, there is an established law in the Philippines that indicates the use of car seats for kids aged 12 and below and have a height of 4’11”. These booster car seats are used in a forward-facing position only. This type of car seat has a set of buckles or harness, and can also utilize the seat belt attached in your car. This is designed for little ones aged four (4) to eight (8) years old.
Availing a Car Seat
Now that we have provided you with the different types of car seats, you can now think of what is the best one for your little bean! But wait, it does not actually stop there. It is not as simple as that when you choose the perfect car seat. So what do you really need to look for when buying a car seat?
One of the most important things to consider is the features the car seat has. For one, there should be a five-point safety harness that would secure your little one in the seat. This includes the following: one for each shoulder, one for each thigh, and one between your little bean’s legs. Next is the convenience and ease it brings when adjusting the tightness of the seat. An example would be having the quick-release buckles and easily adjustable straps. Just like other gear or protective items, car seats get dirty too. Mamas and Papas can consider getting one that can be easily cleaned. This means the car seats that they will choose should be taken off easily, – a detachable one and to mention, the car seat covers can also be cleaned through a washing machine (Cloudnine Team, 2020).
Here at edamama, we have a variety of car seats available for your purchase. Branded car seats like those from Joie and Graco are accessible on our website. Below are previews of available car seats that can be shipped to your homes in the Philippines through edamama!
This Juva Car Seat from Joie is an infant car seat that is suitable for infants from 0 mos and can carry your little bean up to 13kgs. It is convenient to use because of its multi-position ergonomic carry handle, removable fabrics that are machine-washable, and easy to adjust 5-point harness.
For little ones that have already outgrew their car seats, Joie also has their Elevate Car Seat that will serve as your bean’s booster seat. This seat can be used by children up to 12 years old, or those who weigh 9-36kgs. Its features also include the 10 position height adjustable headrest and have steady protection for the head, body, and hip. Your little one will be comfy with this given the headrest and harness combination.
Recognized as one of the best gear items from edamama’s Brand Awards 2023, Graco’s 4Ever E2F Clove 3-in-1 Car Seat is a great investment for your little one’s safety. The innovativeness of the company itself is reflected upon the creation of this product. This car seat has a simply safe to adjust harness system and a 10 position headrest to safely secure your little one during road trips.
Quick Tips for Mamas and Papas
After all of the knowledge gained from reading the contents above, we believe Mamas and Papas should give more time and effort in choosing the best gear for their little ones. One of these is car seats that will be really helpful in keeping them safe and sound wherever they go.
Just some quick tips, make sure that whenever you head out, your little one should be in a car seat (don’t forget about the car seat law in the Philippines)! Make sure that you understand the process of installing your car seat so that it will remain intact. Properly wrap and secure your little one using the harness. And also, don’t forget to drive safe Mamas and Papas!
Head towards our website at https://www.edamama.ph/shop/listing/baby-gear/car-seat to check out available car seats now!
###
