Choosing a Child Car Seat? 10 Recommended Baby Seats for 202 | 6 Tips from Consumer Council

According to the World Health Organization, a suitable child car seat can provide better protection for children. In the event of a collision, it can reduce the injury risk for children under 4 years old by 50%. The Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare also notes that child car seats can reduce the impact force on a child’s neck by 73% and the death rate by 71%. In this article, we will share 6 tips from the Consumer Council on how to choose the right car seat, recommend suitable car seats, and discuss the correct installation and placement.

Is the Use of Child Car Seats Mandated by Law?

According to Hong Kong’s Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) Regulations (Cap 374F) Section 7, current legislation requires children under 3 years old to use a protective child car seat (also known as a child safety seat) when sitting in the front seat of a private vehicle. However, this protection is often insufficient for most young children. Last year, the government proposed legislative changes to enhance road safety, mandating that all private cars transporting children under 8 years old must be equipped with child car seats.

Recommended Age for Using Child Car Seats

Although there is no mandatory requirement for children over 2 years old to use a child car seat, according to the Police Department’s "Remember to Wear Seatbelts" leaflet, infants under 9 kg (20 lbs), who cannot sit upright on their own (about 12 months old or younger), should lie in a portable infant seat (infants under 9 months can use an infant carrier). Children weighing between 9-18 kg (20-40 lbs), who can sit upright on their own (about 9 months to 4 years old), should ideally use a child car seat.

6 Tips from the Consumer Council for Buying a Child Car Seat

Last year, the Hong Kong Consumer Council tested 15 child car seats suitable for children under 12 years old, with prices ranging from HK$2,520 to HK$6,498. The test evaluated safety, ease of use, comfort, and harmful substances. None of the models received a 5-star rating; only 2 models received 4.5 stars, 6 models received 4 stars, and the remaining 7 models received 3 to 3.5 stars. The Consumer Council also provided 6 tips for choosing a car seat:

1. Select According to Product Specifications: Choose based on the height and/or weight range of the product.
2. Compatibility with Strollers: Some car seats compatible with specific stroller models can make it easier to carry the baby in and out.
3. Check for Independent Bases: Some car seats come with a separate base. Ensure whether the base is included in the price.
4. Test Adjustments: Try all adjustment features to ensure ease of operation.
5. Avoid Used Seats with Unknown History: Even if a used seat looks intact, its mechanical structure might be compromised. Be cautious with second-hand seats and inquire about any history of accidents.
6. Ask About the History: For seats used by friends or family, ask if they have ever been in an accident.

Types of Child Car Seats

Due to varying muscle development in children of different ages, the focus of safety protection differs. Currently, child car seats are mainly divided into four types based on age:

1. Infant Carriers / Rear-Facing Seats: Suitable for newborns to 4-year-olds. They provide maximum support for the neck and back, reducing neck pressure during frontal impacts.
2. Forward-Facing Seats: Suitable for children aged 4 to 12 years (18 kg to 36 kg), equipped with dedicated safety belts.
3. Booster Seats: Suitable for older children or those over 135 cm tall, using the vehicle’s seat belt.
4. Convertible Seats: Suitable from birth to 10 years (1.8 kg to 45 kg), offering various recline positions and adjustments.

10 Recommended Child Car Seats for 2024

Peg Perego VIAGGIO 2-3 FLEX

   Suitable for 15 kg to 36 kg children

   Features: Highly adjustable, can be used with car’s 3-point belt or ISOFIX

   Price: HK$2,190

   Dimensions: (Folded) 250 x 440 x 600 mm, (Unfolded) 660-820 x 440-540 x 600-660 mm

   Weight: 6.7 kg

Combi WEGO Long

   Suitable for 0 to 7 years old

   Features: ISOFIX 2 specifications, EggShock impact absorption system

   Price: HK$2,899

   Dimensions: (Forward-facing) 480 x 621 x 635 mm, (Rear-facing) 480 x 761 x 537 mm

   Weight: 5.6 kg

Chicco MySeat I-size Air

   Suitable for 76 to 150 cm children

   Features: Height adjustable, air circulation vents, abdominal belt positioning

   Price: HK$3,698

   Dimensions: 440 x 490 x 620.3 mm

   Weight: 12 kg

Stokke BABYZEN YOYO BeSafe

   Suitable for 0 to 12 months

   Features: Dynamic Force Absorber technology, UV protection, magnetic safety belt

   Price: HK$2,590

   Dimensions: 380 x 420 x 680 mm

   Weight: 4.8 kg

Silver Cross Dream i-Size

   Suitable for newborns to 15 months

   Features: Bamboo fiber material, antibacterial, hypoallergenic, heat-dissipating

   Price: HK$3,899

   Dimensions: 440 x 395-586 x 550 mm

   Weight: 5 kg

Britax Römer ADVANSAFIX i-SIZE

   Suitable for 15 months to 12 years

   Features: Pivot Link ISOFIX system for impact force redirection

   Price: HK$4,980

   Dimensions: 440 x 600-830 x 470 mm

   Weight: 11 kg

cybex Cloud Q

   Suitable for newborns to 18 months

   Features: Linear side impact protection, real-time safety alerts

   Price: HK$2,899

   Dimensions: 440 x 396-564 x 670 mm

   Weight: 6.3 kg

Recaro Mako Elite 2

   Suitable for 3.5 years to 12 years (100 to 150 cm)

   Features: Adjustable headrest, side impact protection, extendable leg support

   Price: HK$2,959

   Dimensions: 440 x 470-530 x 605-805 mm

   Weight: 7.2 kg

Maxi-Cosi Pria Max All in One 

   Suitable for newborns to 10 years (1.8 to 45 kg)

   Features: Removable infant insert, adjustable reclining, quick adjustment of headrest and straps

   Price: HK$3,000

   Dimensions: 505 x 640 x 610 mm

   Weight: 10.2 kg

Nuna aace lx

    Suitable for 100 to 150 cm children

    Features: 3D growth system for leg support, 17-position headrest adjustment

    Price: HK$2,920

    Dimensions: 450-570 x 430-470 x 640-850 mm

    Weight: 6.7 kg

Child Car Seat Installation Tips

1. Placement: Install child car seats in the back seat of the car, not in the front passenger seat, due to potential airbag deployment risks.
2. Shake Test: After installation, shake the seat firmly to ensure it is securely attached.
3. Read the Manual: Follow specific installation instructions provided by the seat manufacturer, including any additional buckles or vehicle belt adjustments.
4. Dress Appropriately: Remove heavy jackets when securing the child in the seat. Ensure the safety belt is snug with just enough room for one finger between the belt and the child.