Having raised 3 children myself, I understand that it may be overwhelming to research baby car seats especially when you don’t know where to begin.
According to the Malaysian Road Transport Department, all children under the age of 12 or under 135 cm tall will require a car seat. In fact, they must be in a rear-facing car seat until they reach at least 2 years old.
The market is flooded with brand names and features and so to simplify your search, I’ve put together a list of 10 best baby car seats in Malaysia and touched on several factors for you to consider before buying one.
I hope that this comprehensive guide will help parents like you make informed decisions and keep your little ones safe and secure!
Table of Contents
Types of Baby Car Seats
- Sweet Cherry LB303 Dean Convertible Baby Car Seat
- Joie Elevate Booster Car Seat
- Quinton Smart Plus 360 Isofix Safety Car Seat
- Little One CSA 4 in1 Infant Baby Car Seat
- Maxi-Cosi Magellan Max
- Joie Every Stage
- Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller
- Prego Class 777 Baby Car Seat
- BabyGo Exclusive Baby Car Seat
- Mamakiddies Comfisafe Baby Car Seat
Factors to Consider When Buying a Baby Car Seat in Malaysia
As a mom, I know firsthand how important it is to pick the right baby car seat especially when there are a ton of options to choose from. Now that you know which type of baby car seat you want, let’s look at some of the important factors to consider when choosing a baby car seat in Malaysia.
Size and Weight Limitations
Possibly the most important factor you will need to consider is your child’s age, weight and height before buying a baby car seat.
This table will provide you a quick summary of different car seat weight groups. By understanding the weight category of a baby car seat, you can select one that offers the best protection for your kid.
Useful tips :
- Your child should fit comfortably into the baby car seat. Ensure that there isn’t more than 1-inch space between your kid’s shoulder and the sides of the car seat.
- You must make sure the baby car seat is compatible with your vehicle.
| Age | Weight Range | Car Seat Weight Category | Common type of baby car seat |
| 0 – 18 months | Use until 13 kg/up to 85 cm | 0/0+
0+/1 0+/1/2 0+/1/2/3 |
-Infant carrier -Convertible or Multistage seats |
| 9 months – 4 years old |
Use from 9-18 kg/from 71-105 cm | 0+/1
0+/1/2 0+/1/2/3 |
-Convertible or Multistage seats |
| 3 – 12 years old | Use from >13 – 36 kg | 1/2/3
0+/1/2 1/2 0+/1/2/3 |
-Combination Booster seat -Multistage seat |
| 4- 12 years old | Use from >15-36 kg Or >100-135/150cm |
2/3 | Booster seat |
Comfort and Padding
Your child will spend a lot of time travelling with you in your car, so it’s extremely important to factor in their comfortability and in this case the padding of the baby car seat that you will purchase.
Proper cushioning, soft plus ample padding and adjustable headrest and harnesses will not only increase their comfort but also provide added protection during sudden stops or accidents.
You can also take into account other added features like reclining seats so that your child can rest comfortably during long car rides.
Useful tips :
- Buying an additional car seat insert or liner can further improve comfort for your baby. They can also provide additional support and padding if your child is slightly smaller.
Installation and Usability
The installation and usability of the baby car seat will play a role too when selecting the right baby car seat for your child. I urge that you consider the below pointers :
- ISOFIX vs. Seat Belt Installation
As new parents, you will see the word ISOFIX mentioned a lot. Do not be alarmed! ISOFIX is the international standard for baby car seat attachment/installation points.
While newer cars are mostly compatible with this standard, older cars may not and you might have to install the baby car seat using the passenger seat belt.
According to independent tests, ISOFIX mounted seats are extremely safe whereas seat belts are perfectly safe only when it is installed correctly.
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Adjustability and Removal
Children’s growth rates are extremely subjective, especially when you have more than one child. With that in mind, always choose a car seat that is highly adjustable and is easy to remove.
You should be able to customise parts of the baby car seat to fit your growing baby. Whether it’s the harness or the head rest, it will ensure that your child is securely fastened into their baby car seat, regardless of how large they become within a month or two.
I also encourage you to pick something that is easy to remove as well. This is because you will find yourself switching their positions between rear-facing and front-facing and removing them (the baby and the car seats) frequently!
- Rear-facing and front-facing car seats
Based on extensive research while buying a car seat for my children and using them for many years, I highly suggest that you consider a baby car seat that can accommodate both rear-facing and front-facing.
When you have infants, they must be fastened into rear-facing seats as this is the safest option since it provides the best support for your infant’s head and neck.
Soon after, when they reach a certain weight and height, you might need to switch to a front-facing seat. To save you the hassle, pick a seat that is convertible or an all-in-one type!
Safety Standards and Certifications
Safety Standards and certifications are an important factor to consider as different rules may apply to different countries. For baby car seats in Malaysia, make sure that it conforms to local regulations.
- Malaysian Safety Standards
As cited by The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) who overlooks the safety aspect of baby car seats in Malaysia, baby car seats must be certified under United Nations Regulation UN R44 and UN R129. They must carry an e-mark sticker with a QR code label issued by MIROS.
These standards indicates that the design of the baby car seat matches the road conditions and car models in Malaysia and has gone through the component type approval (CTA) process with the local road transport department (JPJ)
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International Certifications
As for international certifications, you can look for the European ECE R44/04 or as i-Size (R129). The ECE R44/04 is older whereas the newer version is the i-Size R129 regulation. Both these certifications are accepted internationally and under MIROS.
Compare the Best Car Seats
| Baby Car Seat Model | Best For | Price | Type | Washable? | Cup Holders |
| Sweet Cherry LB303 Dean Convertible Baby Car Seat | Best for those looking for comfort | RM299 | Convertible | Yes | No |
| Joie Elevate Booster Car Seat | Best Overall & Additional Support system | RM349 | All-in-one | Yes | Yes |
| Quinton Smart Plus 360 Isofix Safety Car Seat | Best baby car seat with advanced features | RM639 | All-in-one | Yes | No |
| Little One CSA 4 in1 Infant Baby Car Seat | Best for those looking for a rocking chair | RM89.90 | Convertible | Yes | No |
| Maxi-Cosi Magellan Max | Best for those looking for premium features | RM 2,799 | All-in-one | Yes | Yes |
10 Best Baby Car Seats Malaysia
1. Sweet Cherry LB303 Dean Convertible Baby Car Seat – Best for those looking for comfort
Sweet Cherry LB303 Dean Convertible is one of the most affordable baby car seats in Malaysia. Priced at RM299, this baby car seat can last pretty long to match your kids’ growing needs as it is usable for infants to toddlers up to 18kg in weight.
Key features:
- Suitable for newborns to 18kg
- Rear-facing and forward-facing installation
- Adjustable harness and headrest
- Adjust the recline up to 3 different positions
- ISOFIX and seat belt installation compatible
| Pros | Cons |
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2. Joie Elevate Booster Car Seat – Best Overall & Additional Support system
My top favourite along with many Malaysian parents, the Joie Elevate Booster Car seat is extremely secure and provides additional safety measures like side impact defence and the Guard Surround™ safety panel. Priced at RM349, this baby car seat can offer excellent protection for your baby.
Key features:
- Suitable in forward facing position, for weight from 9-36kg
- Side impact protection provides added security for the head, body and hips
- Height adjustable headrest
- Grow Together™ headrest and harness system
- Removable, machine washable covers
- Ventilated mesh sides
- Integrated cup holder
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3. Quinton Smart Plus 360 Isofix Safety Car Seat – Best baby car seat with advanced features
Based on my extensive research before buying a car seat for my firstborn, the Quinton Smart Plus 360 was ‘wow’ in many senses. This is a car seat that will cover your child’s needs from infancy to early childhood, meaning, you can rely on this until your child is 12 years old. However, all its advanced features do come at a hefty price tag of RM639.
Key features:
- Designed for newborns to children.
- accommodates a wide range of 0-36 kg (0-79 lbs),
- Features ISOFIX installation
- 4 rear-facing and 2 forward-facing recline positions available
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4. Little One CSA 4 in1 Infant Baby Car Seat – Best for those looking for a rocking chair
If you’re looking for a versatile option, be sure to check out the Little One CSA 4 in1 Infant Baby Car Seat. Not only will this work as a baby car seat but for less than RM100 (RM89.90 to be exact), you can also adjust its handlebar to turn it into a rocking chair for your baby.
Key features:
- newborns to 4 years old (0-18kg)
- 4-in-1 convertible design: rear-facing infant car seat, forward-facing toddler seat, booster seat, and backless booster seat
- Top tether belt installation for added safety
- Adjustable harness, headrest and backrest
- Removable infant insert
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5. Maxi-Cosi Magellan Max – Best for those looking for premium features
If money is not a barrier, I would suggest that you consider the Maxi-Cosi Magellan Max. Priced at a whooping RM 2,799, the Magellan Max comes with features which are uncommon for baby car seats like their patented Air Protect™ which is built into the headrest to cushion impacts, and to provide a soft pillow of comfort for your baby.
Key features:
- From infants to 10 years
- Converts into 5 seating modes
- Superior safety features like Air Protect™ delivering superior side impact protection
- 7 recline positions to choose from
- Easily unzip and wash
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6. Joie Every Stage – Best for those looking for a long term use
When my second baby came along, I realised the importance of investing in a baby car seat that can grow with your children so to speak. If you are here for the same reasons, I would recommend the Joie Every Stage baby car seat. It is a car seat that can be used till your kids are 7 with loads of extra protection, making it a worthy investment at RM 1499.
Key features :
- Built with enhanced steel-reinforced frames that absorbs energy during impact
- extra safety for the head, body and hips with the side impact protection
- Simultaneously adjustable headrest and harness system without a seat belt reconnection.
- Features a 5 point harness for enhanced child safety.
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7. Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller – Best for those who need stroller and baby car seat
If you’re always on-the-go whether it’s driving to work or using the train for travelling interstate, look for something that is versatile and comfortable. Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller does just that. It takes seconds to convert from a baby car seat to a stroller, allowing you to navigate wherever you are easily. With a price tag of RM 624, it is a worthy investment for those looking for a baby seat cum stroller.
Key features :
- Adjustable handlebar that acts as an anti-rebound bar inside the car
- Removable and washable textiles
- Rear-facing only
- Suitable for infants from 2-16kg
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8. Prego Class 777 Baby Car Seat – Best for those looking to use car seats with seat belts
Another affordable solution is the Prego Class 777 for babies up to 4 years old. With the flexibility to adjust into eight positions, comfortable cushions, it ensures a cosy ride during extended travels. Priced at approximately RM209, it strikes a balance between affordability and a premium feel, making it an attractive choice for a baby car seat.
Key features :
- Can be used with or without ISOFIX
- Removable and washable cover
- 4 -Rear Facing & 4 – Forward Facing 9-18kg (Group 1)
- 5 point harness safety system
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9. BabyGo Exclusive Baby Car Seat – Best for those looking to spend less than RM200
If you do need the seat belt system to fit with your car, then BabyGo Exclusive Baby Car Seat should be your pick! Priced at RM179, this car seat has plush padding and is designed to be breathable.
Key features :
- Offers the flexibility of both rear-facing and forward-facing modes
- Equipped with side-impact protection for added safety
- features multiple recline positions
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10. Mamakiddies Comfisafe Baby Car Seat – Best for those looking for big sized car seats
Providing outstanding back and enhanced support, this RM219, Mamakiddies Comfisafe Baby Car Seat is designed with a padded backrest. It can also recline up to 165°, for a relaxing ride.
Key features:
- For kids up to four years old
- Flexible with a multi-position recline feature
- 5-Point Safety Harness
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Tips for Properly Using a Baby Car Seat
1. Positioning the Child Correctly
- Importance of Harnesses
Harness straps must always be properly positioned and snuggly fastened. As parents you must also make sure that there are no twists on the straps and it should be adjusted according to your baby’s size. - Angle and Recline
Adjust the seat’s angle to fit your child’ age and the type of car seat you have bought. Especially if you have an infant, you must make sure that the correct recline is achieved to keep their head steady and avoid it from flopping forward.
2. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t place any blankets or bulky cloth beneath the harness. These can compress in a collision, creating dangerous slack in the harness.
It is always safer to have your baby in the rear facing position, for as long as possible. Do not rush this process. You can transition them once they outgrow the maximum height and weight limit for rear facing position.
3. Regular Maintenance and Cleaning
Now that you have invested in your preferred baby car seat, you must regularly maintain and clean it. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and clean the harness, buckles and seat covers. This will increase the longevity of the car seat too!
Also, remember not to use any aftermarket accessories or second-hand car seats without a clear history. Always go for add-ons and accessories sold and approved for use by the manufacturer to ensure optimal safety.
Conclusion
As parents, you will be making loads of important decisions and the decision to buy the best baby car seat is not just about the car seat but about keeping your children safe.
It is important therefore to prioritise safety and prevent serious injuries or fatalities. Citing the World Health Organization, child car seats can reduce the risk of death for infants by up to 70% and the risk of death for toddlers by up to 50%.
Investing your hard earned money into a baby car seat should also mean that they should last for several years. So remember, look for one that is built with high quality and strong materials. Don’t forget to prioritise local safety regulations too!
From one parent to another, I hope this article has helped to not only choose the best bay car seat but also helped you to understand the importance of choosing the right baby car seat for your child.
