How to Use and Clean Your Baby Car Seat
A baby car seat is one of the most crucial investments parents make for their child’s safety in Malaysia. Not only is it required under Malaysia’s Child Restraint System (CRS) regulations, but it also ensures that your baby is properly secured and protected during every car ride. However, buying a baby car seat is just the first step. To ensure maximum safety and longevity, you must know how to use it correctly and keep your baby car seat well-maintained and clean. This guide will walk you through how to use your baby car seat correctly and how to clean it properly to keep it free from germs.
Using Your Baby Car Seat
Learning how to use your baby car seat properly is the first step to ensuring your child’s safety. Improper use is one of the leading causes of injury in children during accidents. Here’s a complete guide on how to do it properly.
Step 1: Choose the Right Baby Car Seat
There are different types of baby car seats based on your child’s age, weight, and height. As new parents, these are the main types to know about:
- Infant Car Seat (0-13kg): Rear-facing baby car seat for newborns to 12-18 months old.
- Convertible Baby Car Seat (0-18kg or 0-25kg): Starts as a rear-facing seat for infants and can be converted to forward-facing for toddlers.
- Booster Seat (15-36kg): For children aged 4 to 12 years, designed to lift the child so they can use the car’s seat belt.
Make sure the baby car seat is age-appropriate for your child and certified according to ECE R44/04 or i-Size (UN R129) standards, which are recognised under Malaysia’s CRS guidelines.
Step 2: Install the Baby Car Seat Correctly
Installation can be tricky, but it’s crucial to get it right. Here’s how to do it:
- Check the Car Seat’s Manual: Different car seats have specific installation instructions. Refer to the manual for proper guidance.
- Use the ISOFIX System (If Available): If your car is ISOFIX-compatible, use it. This system offers a faster, more secure installation.
- Ensure a Tight Fit: Make sure there is no more than 2.5 cm of movement in any direction once the car seat is installed.
Step 3: Secure Your Baby
- Position the Baby: Place your baby snugly in the seat. Their back and head should be fully supported.
- Use the 5-Point Harness: Buckle the harness and ensure it fits snugly against your baby’s body. The straps should be snug but not too tight.
- Chest Clip Position: The chest clip should be at armpit level to keep the harness properly aligned.
Step 4: Regular Safety Checks
Ensuring your child’s safety in the car doesn’t stop once you’ve installed the baby car seat and secured them in it. Regular safety checks are essential to make sure everything continues to function properly and effectively protect your child.
Once the baby car seat is installed, do a wobble test by pushing and pulling on it at the base. There should be no more than 2.5cm of movement in any direction. If the seat moves more than this, recheck the installation and tighten the straps or seat base as necessary.
As your baby grows, you’ll need to adjust the straps. The harness should be snug against their body with no more than one finger of space between the strap and their chest. For rear-facing seats, the shoulder straps should be at or just below your baby’s shoulders to ensure maximum safety.

Cleaning Baby Car Seats in Malaysia
Babies are known to create messes, whether from milk spills, snack crumbs, or diaper blowouts. Over time, these spills can accumulate, making your baby’s car seat a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Regular cleaning not only ensures your baby’s space stays hygienic but also helps maintain the car seat’s safety and durability. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to properly clean a baby car seat in Malaysia:
Step 1: Remove the Fabric Covers
The first step in cleaning a baby car seat is removing the fabric covers.
- Check the User Manual: Before proceeding, consult the user manual to determine whether your car seat’s fabric cover is removable. Some baby car seats have covers that can easily be detached, while others are non-removable.
- Unclip the Harness and Padding: Once you’ve confirmed the fabric can be removed, carefully unclip the harness and any padding or covers that protect the straps. Take your time to ensure that nothing is torn or damaged during this step.
Step 2: Wash the Fabric
Once the fabric is detached, it’s time to clean it thoroughly.
- Hand Wash or Machine Wash: Check the care instructions on the fabric. If the fabric is machine-washable, you can use a gentle cycle with a mild, baby-safe detergent. If the fabric is not machine washable, wash it by hand in warm water with a gentle soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as these can damage the fabric and irritate your baby’s skin. Once it is thoroughly cleaned, ensure that it is fully dried before using.
Step 3: Clean the Frame
While the fabric is drying, focus on cleaning the hard plastic frame of the baby car seat.
- Wipe with Soapy Water: Dampen a soft sponge with warm, soapy water and gently clean the frame. Be sure to remove any dirt, crumbs, or sticky residues that may have accumulated.
- Scrub Crevices: You can use a toothbrush to scrub the small, hard-to-reach crevices and corners where food crumbs or dirt might have settled. A toothbrush is ideal for these spots, as it can get into tight spaces without damaging the surface.
- Disinfect the Surface: Once you’ve cleaned the frame, disinfect the surface using a baby-safe disinfectant. This step is crucial for eliminating harmful bacteria, viruses, and other germs that could be lurking on the baby car seat.
Step 4: Clean the Harness
The harness is one of the most important components of a baby car seat, so it needs to be cleaned carefully.
- Avoid Machine Washing: Never machine wash the harness as this can weaken the fabric and compromise its safety. Instead, wipe the straps down using a damp cloth with mild soap to remove any dirt or stains.
- Air Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning the harness, hang it up to air dry completely. Be sure it’s fully dry before reattaching it to the seat to prevent mildew or mold growth.
Step 5: Reassemble the Baby Car Seat
Once all the parts are cleaned and dried, it’s time to put everything back together.
- Reattach the Fabric and Padding: Carefully reassemble the baby car seat, following the instructions in the user manual to ensure the fabric covers, padding, and harness are correctly positioned.
- Check the Safety Straps: Before securing the baby car seat back into your vehicle, double-check the harness and straps to make sure they are correctly adjusted and in good condition. This step is critical for ensuring your baby’s safety during future car rides.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free solution to ensure your baby’s gear stays in top condition, consider MOVON Expert Service. MOVON provides baby stroller and car seat cleaning services in Malaysia, keeping them clean and safe for your child. We maintain top-tier cleaning and care standards with our comprehensive 5-step cleaning process for all baby gears.
Conclusion
Knowing how to use and clean your baby car seat properly is crucial for your child’s safety and comfort. Use the baby car seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions and clean it regularly to keep it hygienic. Proper maintenance will ensure the seat lasts for years, saving you from having to buy a new one. By following this guide, you’ll ensure that your baby is safe, secure, and comfortable on every ride. Check out our collection of baby car seats today. Happy parenting!