Child seats / restraints in taxis?

[nkb16]

Hi,

I am travelling through Singapore from NZ to UK in November with a (will-be) 8 month old baby. We are stopping 2 nights both ways to see a bit more of Singapore and we can't wait.

My concern is travelling from the airport to our hotel. If we use the transfer service (which is included in our package) I believe that there will be no car seat available and we will just hold our daughter on our lap.

Does anyone know if it is possible to book a private taxi that would have an infant car seat in it? I would really appreciate this information, as this is one of the last remaining challenges of organising our trip

Thanks,

Nicci

[sundaymorningstaple]

I haven't called the various taxi companies to find out (they may have some) but I've never seen or heard of a taxi having a child seat in all the years I've been here unless the fare payer is carrying their own to use. You would have to book a taxi in advance if they were to provide child seats as they do not carry them by default.

sms

[k1w1]

Can't imagine that you would be able to do that...

You might be able to hire something, but actually picking it up at the airport might be hard. Are you using a travel agent? They can sometimes organise things like that for you.

It is not unusual (at all) for people to have their kids on their laps here. I am unsure whether there is even a law against it - considering how much SG likes to fine people, I would guess that this is not illegal.

[Carpe Diem]

I guess the concern of nkb16 is not about what is legal or not, but what is dangerous. And having your child on your laps is very dangerous (for the kid of course). I am always surprised how silly some people can be here, having kids playing around in their car.
And "normal" passengers tend to buckle up just to avoid fines. That's not the original purpose of the safety belt...

nkb16, I guess you should look for the phone number of a taxi company on the web (in your case limousine taxi seems better), I am sure you can arrange something.

[Guest]

Thanks for your replies. My sister had a friend (also from NZ) who caught a taxi from the airport to their hotel which had a child seat in it, so that lead to me to wonder whether this was quite common but from your replies obviously it is not.

Regarding the legal position, a child in a taxi in Singapore does not have to be restrained (but in all other private vehicles, they are required to be restrained). I know it is only a short journey, but we have a very strict 'belt up' policy in NZ, and in our family, and it just feels wrong to hold them in our laps - it only takes one accident ...

I managed to find this information about TIBS Taxis Tx1 London Taxis but this is from 2000:

The TX1 also has an integral built-in child seat that will keep a passengers child in a safe position throughout the journey.

So I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about this company, or these seats - it sounds like they may be for older children?

By the way, this site is great, I will be doing heaps more research (and will probably have more questions before we arrive!

[nkb16]

Whoops didn't realise I wasn't logged in, so the last post was from me.

[k1w1]

I just had a quick look through google (car seat rental Singapore) and there are a few options but I don't know how you could get anything to the airport to be waiting for you.

I assume your baby is going to be in the basinette on the flight, otherwise you could just bring your own seat from home.

Unfortunately I have never seen the seats you have described - have you tried emailing the company to find out the weight restrictions etc.?

Sorry I can't be of more help - my kids are old enough to have little portable belt attachments now.