8 Best Car Seats for Kids in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Pediatrician
With so many options out there, it can be confusing to choose the right one. But don't worry—we've prepared a helpful buying guide with comments and tips from pediatrician Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao. We've also curated a list of the 8 best car seats for kids in the market that can fit different preferences and budgets. Read on to find the best one for your child!
Quick List - Top Car Seats for Kids
Dr. Joanna Pamela Cuayo-Estanislao is a pediatrician and child health specialist based in Metro Manila. Doc Joey is passionate about health education and empowering families to become informed advocates of their children's health and wellness. She uses social media to educate and raise awareness about important issues and topics in the field of pediatrics and child care.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- Are Car Seats for Kids Necessary?
- How to Choose a Car Seat for Kids - Buying Guide
- Choose From Known Brands and Look for Foreign Compliance Labels Like ECE R129 and ECE R44/04 to Ensure the Seat Passed Quality Control1
- Pick a Type According to Your Child's Age, Height, and Weight2
- Get a Convertible or All-in-One Car Seat if You’re Looking for a Car Seat That Can Be Used for a Longer Time3
- Choose ISOFIX or LATCH Equipped Car Seats and a Five-Point Harness System to Ensure Safety4
- Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao
- Where Should I Install the Car Seat?
- What Age Should Children Stop Using Car Seats?
- Should You Still Use Seatbelts Even When There Is a Car Seat Installed?
- Get Ready for Your Family Road Trip With These Items
- How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Are Car Seats for Kids Necessary?
The implementation of the law that requires car seats for children in the Philippines was halted, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't invest in one. A child car seat may be a steep investment at first, but it's a worthy investment that can save your child's life.
Board-certified pediatrician Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao states that motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death among children worldwide, and sadly, many of these deaths could have been prevented with the right safety measures. Studies have shown that securing children in age- and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats, and seat belts can reduce serious injuries and death by up to 80%.
Although the Philippine law doesn't obligate the use of car seats for kids, we, pediatricians, do strongly recommend that children use size- and age-appropriate car seats until they are big enough to use the built-in seatbelts in your vehicles (usually around 10-12 years old).
In fact, did you know that there are some hospitals, such as St. Luke's, that won't allow you to bring your baby home unless you've prepared a car seat for them? This is because car seats are the safest and best way to transport your little ones.
How to Choose a Car Seat for Kids - Buying Guide
See our pointers below so you can confidently choose a car seat that meets the necessary safety standards, fits your child's age and size requirements, and provides peace of mind for you as a parent.
Choose From Known Brands and Look for Foreign Compliance Labels Like ECE R129 and ECE R44/04 to Ensure the Seat Passed Quality Control
While there is no organization in the Philippines that regulates car seats for children, there are countries and regions that do enforce regulations and certifications for child car seats. Examples include Canada, Australia, and Europe. Parents can look for foreign compliance labels like ECE R129 and ECE R44/04 on car seats to ensure they meet the safety standards established in these regions.
Choosing from known and reputable brands like Chicco and Graco is also highly advised since their products have gone through different testing and passed quality control. As a bare minimum, parents should check the manufacturer's information, date of manufacture, and recommended height and weight limits, and ensure that a manual is included.
The American Academy of Pediatrics does keep an updated and comprehensive list of car seats (https://downloads.aap.org/HC/ALL-Combined-List.pdf) that you can use to check the car seat you're eyeing. Additionally, checking reviews on US consumer websites can help identify any potential product recalls, especially since there are many US products available in the Philippine market.
It's also very important to check that your car seat is compatible with your vehicle, is age-appropriate for your child, and can be adjusted to fit your child's size.
Pick a Type According to Your Child's Age, Height, and Weight
Most resources would usually recommend getting a car seat type according to age. While age is definitely one factor to consider, Dr. Joey states that more than age, you should choose a type that can accommodate your child's height and weight.
Rear-Facing Gives the Most Protection
A rear-facing seat is considered the safest kind of car seat for children. This type of car seat will absorb most of the impact and supports the head, neck, and spine.
However, due to its design and orientation, there are size and weight limitations for its use. Kids can only use it up to a certain size or weight, so it's always important to check the instructions and recommendations of the manufacturer.
The rear-facing car seat provides the highest level of protection for children. Just to compare, when riding forward-facing, the disproportionate size and weight of toddlers' heads in relation to their bodies increase the risk of spine and head injuries.
It's best to use this kind, so long as it can accommodate your child. However, once your child outgrows the rear-facing seat, it's best to transition to a front-facing car seat, considering the availability of space in your vehicle for proper installation and a secure fit.
Transition to Forward-Facing Cat Seat Once Your Child Doesn’t Fit the Rear-Facing Type Anymore
Forward-facing car seats are used only by kids that have outgrown the weight or height limit for a rear-facing car seat and are still too small for belt-positioning booster seats, although some can convert to a booster seat once the child is big enough.
Like rear-facing seats, it's important that the car seat is, first and foremost, compatible with your vehicle. Check that the tethers to the car are secure and that the harness for your child can be adjusted to fit well on them.
Booster Seat for Kids 7 and Up
Booster seats add height, so your child can be safely strapped in by the car's seatbelt. They are for older children who have already outgrown their forward-facing seats, so, like with rear-facing to forward-facing car seats, it's not so much a matter of age but their size.
All children whose weight and/or height exceeds the forward-facing limit for their car seat should be shifted to a belt-positioning booster seat until your car's built-in seat belt can already fit them properly, usually when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are about 8 to 12 years of age. Most children will actually not fit in most vehicle seat belts without a booster until 10 to 12 years of age.
Get a Convertible or All-in-One Car Seat if You’re Looking for a Car Seat That Can Be Used for a Longer Time
Both types can be a more convenient one-time purchase, as they offer flexibility and can accommodate a wider range of heights and weights. However, these are often larger and heavier, plus, they are more expensive upfront.
Their primary advantage is their cost-efficiency. Your child is able to use the seat for longer, which is an important factor for many families. What's more important is to make sure that the car seats are durable and to regularly check for wear and tear.
Like with any other furniture and equipment for children, signs of wear and tear, especially for something you're using for your child's safety, should be a signal to check if there's a need to replace the seat already.
Choose ISOFIX or LATCH Equipped Car Seats and a Five-Point Harness System to Ensure Safety
Dr. Joey recommends the five-point harness system as well. The five-point harness system has five attachment points to secure your child at the shoulders and hips. When used correctly, this system almost completely eliminates the risk of ejection in all types of crashes. Because of the five points of attachment, these types of car seats are able to disperse the crash forces over more areas of the body, which equals less force, hence a lower risk of injury to each area.
The five-point harness system also keeps a child optimally positioned throughout a car ride, even when asleep, and they have a tether that reduces forward head excursion. However, you do need to ensure that the seat is installed correctly and your child is securely and properly restrained in the seat.
The harnessed seat must be installed properly with less than one inch of movement and should be tethered for maximum effectiveness. The harness straps should also be appropriately tightened to pass the pinch test, or else the child will experience greater head excursion, increasing the chances that the head will strike something inside the vehicle. Parents should also comply with the seat manufacturer's weight and height limits.
10 Best Car Seats for Kids to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Age | Certifications | Type | Weight Limitations | Other Features | Installation Type | |||||
1 | Joie Every Stage Car Seat | | Transforms With Your Child’s Growth | 0 to 12 Years Old | ECE R44/04, FAA-Approved | Convertible/All-in-One Car Seat | 0 to 36 kg | Adjustable Recline Positions, Side-Impact Protection, Removable Infant Insert, Soft and Padded Fabrics, Grow Together™ Headrest and Harness System | unknown | |
2 | Aprica Air Groove LTD Toddler Car Seat | | Perfect for On-the-Go Parents | 0 to 12 Years Old | ECE R44/04, Taiwan CNS Safety Standards, ICC Certified | Forward-Facing Harness-to-Booster | 9 to 36 kg | Lightweight and Portable, Air Groove™ Cushion System, Adjustable Headrest, Side Impact Protection, Removable and Washable Covers | Seat Belt | |
3 | Doona Infant Car Seat and Stroller | | A Stroller That Easily Converts to a Car Seat | 0 to 1 Year Old | TUV, FAA | Rear-Facing Car Seat | 2 to 16 kg | Compact and Portable, Integrated Wheels, One-Hand Operation, Adjustable Handlebars, 5-Point Harness, Removable and Washable Textiles | LATCH | |
4 | Chicco Myfit Car Seat｜Fathom | | A 2-in-1 Car Seat That Provides Unparalleled Safety and Style | 4 Years Old and Up | FMVSS 213, IIHS Top Tether System Latch Rating, CMVSS 213 | Forward-Facing Harness-to-Booster | 11 to 49 kg | 4-Position Recline, Premium LATCH Connectors, Zip-Off Machine Washable Seat Pad, Integrated Harness Storage, Energy-Absorbing EPS Foam | LATCH | |
5 | Joie Elevate Child Car Seat | | An Easy-to-Install Booster Seat for Older Kids | 1 to 12 Years Old | ECE R44/04, FMVSS 213, ASTM F803, FAA-Approved | Forward-Facing Car Seat | 9 to 36 kg | Lightweight and Portable, Adjustable Headrest, Side Impact Protection, Removable and Machine Washable Covers, Padded Cushions, Integrated Cup Holder | unknown | |
6 | Joie Steadi Car Seat｜Dark Pewter | | Provides Uncompromising Safety and Comfort | 0 to 4 Years Old | ECE R129/03, ECE R44/04, FAA-Approved, ASTM F803-18, NHTSA FMVSS 213 | Convertible/All-in-One Car Seat | 9 to 18 kg | Lightweight and Portable, Side Impact Protection, Adjustable Headrest, Multiple Recline Positions, Padded Cushions | Seat Belt | |
7 | Chicco GoFit Backless Booster｜Shark | | A Space-Saving Car Seat for Small Cars | 4 Years Old and Up | ICC, JPMA, NHTSA, IIHS, GREENGUARD Gold Certification | Booster Car Seat | 18 to 50 kg | Lightweight and Portable, ErgoBoost Contoured Seat, Built-In Armrests, Integrated Lap Belt Guides, Easy-Care Fabrics and Cup Holders | LATCH | |
8 | Combi Joykids Mover | | Makes Car Rides More Comfortable for Your Little One | 3 to 11 Years Old | None, but Meets the Safety Standards Set by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) | Forward-Facing Car Seat | 15 to 36 kg | Adjustable Headrest, Side Impact Protection, Multiple Recline Positions, Removable and Machine Washable Covers, Lightweight and Portable | 3-Point Seat Belt | |
Transforms With Your Child’s Growth
Having to buy a new car seat as your little one grows can be a strain on the budget. But this convertible car seat from Joie provides the perfect solution—it adapts to your child's size from birth up to 12 years old. With the AutoAdjust sides and a multi-height headrest, this car seat can expand to four seats, from rear-facing to forward-facing, fitting growing kids!
There are also five recline positions to meet the necessary requirements for seating children in vehicles safely. Another plus is that it's built to absorb as much impact as possible with Guard Surround Safety panels for side protection and a reinforced steel shell for overall structural integrity. This product definitely hits all the marks for a great child car seat—perhaps why it has received great reviews online!
| Age | 0 to 12 Years Old |
|---|---|
| Certifications | ECE R44/04, FAA-Approved |
| Type | Convertible/All-in-One Car Seat |
| Weight Limitations | 0 to 36 kg |
| Other Features | Adjustable Recline Positions, Side-Impact Protection, Removable Infant Insert, Soft and Padded Fabrics, Grow Together™ Headrest and Harness System |
| Installation Type | unknown |
Perfect for On-the-Go Parents
For parents that are always out and about, you'll want something light and easy to carry around. Let us introduce to you this child car seat from Aprica. It's relatively lighter and more compact than other car seats available on the market, making it easy to transfer from one vehicle to another.
It doesn't end there! To keep your baby safe, it has padding that protects the head, neck, and waist, including a butterfly-type headrest that provides support as they sleep. It even has ventilation holes to keep your child cool and comfortable during the ride. It also has removable cup holders for drinks and snacks, perfect for minimizing mess and spills inside the car. This car seat has earned high ratings from customers, particularly about its durability.
| Age | 0 to 12 Years Old |
|---|---|
| Certifications | ECE R44/04, Taiwan CNS Safety Standards, ICC Certified |
| Type | Forward-Facing Harness-to-Booster |
| Weight Limitations | 9 to 36 kg |
| Other Features | Lightweight and Portable, Air Groove™ Cushion System, Adjustable Headrest, Side Impact Protection, Removable and Washable Covers |
| Installation Type | Seat Belt |
DoonaInfant Car Seat and Stroller
A Stroller That Easily Converts to a Car Seat
The Doona Infant Car Seat and Stroller is one of the most highly regarded travel solutions for parents all over the world. And rightly so, for it offers you the best of both worlds—a car seat that quickly transforms into a stroller with just one motion! This car seat is so simple yet innovative in its design; in fact, it is even approved by the TUV and FAA for air travel.
The complete integration it offers from car to stroller and vice-versa is commendable. For instance, the adjustable handlebar also serves as an anti-rebound bar once inside the car. The wheels fold up neatly under the body for easy latching onto the car seat base. Plus, the cushion and fabric are made of breathable and washable baby-safe material. This means easier cleanups!
| Age | 0 to 1 Year Old |
|---|---|
| Certifications | TUV, FAA |
| Type | Rear-Facing Car Seat |
| Weight Limitations | 2 to 16 kg |
| Other Features | Compact and Portable, Integrated Wheels, One-Hand Operation, Adjustable Handlebars, 5-Point Harness, Removable and Washable Textiles |
| Installation Type | LATCH |
A 2-in-1 Car Seat That Provides Unparalleled Safety and Style
It also offers multiple recline positions, allowing your little one to relax and rest as they travel for hours. And the seat pad is removable and machine washable, ensuring easy cleanup of any spills or messes. Best of all, it can convert to a booster seat when your child gets older! Customers who have this car seat have expressed satisfaction with its performance and features.
| Age | 4 Years Old and Up |
|---|---|
| Certifications | FMVSS 213, IIHS Top Tether System Latch Rating, CMVSS 213 |
| Type | Forward-Facing Harness-to-Booster |
| Weight Limitations | 11 to 49 kg |
| Other Features | 4-Position Recline, Premium LATCH Connectors, Zip-Off Machine Washable Seat Pad, Integrated Harness Storage, Energy-Absorbing EPS Foam |
| Installation Type | LATCH |
JoieElevate Child Car Seat
An Easy-to-Install Booster Seat for Older Kids
If your child is in the older age group, you might want to consider a booster seat. This one from Joie can seat kids from ages 1 to 12 years—you don't have to get them multiple seats as they grow! And for less than Php 10,000, this is easily one of the cheapest out there that doesn't skimp on quality.
This child car seat is built with comfortable and shock-absorbing padding, as well as easy-to-install mechanisms, so easy that even older kids can try and install the chair themselves. Not only does this car seat keep them in place, but it also keeps them cool as well with the ventilated mesh sides.
| Age | 1 to 12 Years Old |
|---|---|
| Certifications | ECE R44/04, FMVSS 213, ASTM F803, FAA-Approved |
| Type | Forward-Facing Car Seat |
| Weight Limitations | 9 to 36 kg |
| Other Features | Lightweight and Portable, Adjustable Headrest, Side Impact Protection, Removable and Machine Washable Covers, Padded Cushions, Integrated Cup Holder |
| Installation Type | unknown |
Provides Uncompromising Safety and Comfort
The seat covers are removable and machine washable, allowing easy cleaning and maintenance. Meanwhile, the compact design of the car seat ensures it fits well in most vehicle models. Most importantly, it has four recline positions, side impact security, and an adjustable headrest for additional support and comfort.
| Age | 0 to 4 Years Old |
|---|---|
| Certifications | ECE R129/03, ECE R44/04, FAA-Approved, ASTM F803-18, NHTSA FMVSS 213 |
| Type | Convertible/All-in-One Car Seat |
| Weight Limitations | 9 to 18 kg |
| Other Features | Lightweight and Portable, Side Impact Protection, Adjustable Headrest, Multiple Recline Positions, Padded Cushions |
| Installation Type | Seat Belt |
A Space-Saving Car Seat for Small Cars
This booster seat from Chicco is a great alternative to fully outfitted car seats, especially for smaller vehicles. It’s equipped with Chicco’s patented ErgoBoost cushion, an ergonomically designed contoured seat with double foam padding for ultimate comfort. Designed for ages 4 to 12 years old, this is ideal for kids who can already sit still throughout car rides.
It comes with integrated lap belt guides and a shoulder belt clip for easy attachment. Plus, the smooth underside of the car seat ensures that the vehicle's cushions won’t get damaged. There are also two foldable cup holders that you can remove and wash if needed and a built-in handle that makes it easy to carry and transfer from one vehicle to another. With all these features, no wonder it's highly rated across all E-commerce sites!
| Age | 4 Years Old and Up |
|---|---|
| Certifications | ICC, JPMA, NHTSA, IIHS, GREENGUARD Gold Certification |
| Type | Booster Car Seat |
| Weight Limitations | 18 to 50 kg |
| Other Features | Lightweight and Portable, ErgoBoost Contoured Seat, Built-In Armrests, Integrated Lap Belt Guides, Easy-Care Fabrics and Cup Holders |
| Installation Type | LATCH |
Makes Car Rides More Comfortable for Your Little One
True to its name, the Combi Joykids aims to make car rides, even long ones, more enjoyable for both parent and child. It is equipped with Combi’s special Egg Shock foam for soft yet maximum protection for the head and lower back. The 3D mesh seat cushion is also breathable and makes for a comfortable ride.
One of its biggest advantages is the amount of adjustment you can do—both the headrest and the shoulder belt are adjustable to ensure that your child is in the correct position for safety and stability. Kids can also use the convenient drink holder that you can put on either the left or right side of the seat. This car seat is intended for use with children aged 3 to 11 years old.
| Age | 3 to 11 Years Old |
|---|---|
| Certifications | None, but Meets the Safety Standards Set by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
| Type | Forward-Facing Car Seat |
| Weight Limitations | 15 to 36 kg |
| Other Features | Adjustable Headrest, Side Impact Protection, Multiple Recline Positions, Removable and Machine Washable Covers, Lightweight and Portable |
| Installation Type | 3-Point Seat Belt |
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao
Here are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao.
Where Should I Install the Car Seat?
The safest place to ride for all children younger than 13 years is the back seat. If your car's layout permits, the best position is in the middle of the back seat. However, it is often difficult to install a car safety seat tightly in the middle, especially if the vehicle seat is narrow or the surface is uneven.
Many vehicles also do not have lower anchors for the middle seating position, which car seats need for installation and safety. So, generally, the safest way is to put the car seat in a position where you can install it tightly with either the lower anchor system or the seat belt.
What Age Should Children Stop Using Car Seats?
Children should use a car or booster seat until the vehicle's seat belts can fit them correctly, usually when they reach about 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8 to 12 years of age.
Most children will not fit in a seat belt alone until 10 to 12 years of age. Car seats can be used so long as your child fits the height and weight limits and they are still in good condition.
Should You Still Use Seatbelts Even When There Is a Car Seat Installed?
Child car seats are needed because small children cannot be properly secured and protected by the standard seatbelt fits vehicles have, which cater to more adult-sized bodies. Thus, child car seats are essentially your child's seat belts. Car seats may also use your vehicle's built-in seatbelt system to help keep them secure, which is why it's important to check their compatibility with your vehicle's features.
Your little ones should be on car seats until they are big enough for your vehicle's seatbelts (typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8 to 12 years of age). Once they are old enough for your vehicle's seatbelts, they must have them on at all times while riding the car.
Get Ready for Your Family Road Trip With These Items
Going on a road trip? Let us help you make the choice for your future purchases easier! Browse our other articles for the best ways to entertain your kids and keep them safe during your travels.
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Re-editor: Anna Aquino
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Car Seats for Kids
No. 1: Joie ｜Every Stage Car Seat
No. 2: Aprica｜Air Groove LTD Toddler Car Seat
No. 3: Doona｜Infant Car Seat and Stroller
No. 4: Chicco｜Myfit Car Seat｜Fathom
No. 5: Joie｜Elevate Child Car Seat
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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