Use a child car seat for children under 4; do not carry them on your lap
A car seat cuts fatal injury risk in a crash by about 70% for infants under 1 and about half for children aged 1–4. Holding a child does not provide that protection; you cannot hold on securely during sudden braking.
What it takes
In China, a seat costs RMB 300–2,000 and lasts several years. Allow an extra 1 minute each journey to secure the child.
What you may gain
NHTSA estimates that child seats reduce fatal injuries among passenger-car occupants by 71% for infants under 1 and 54% for children aged 1–4. WHO also gives a 71% reduction in infant mortality.
Context & considerations
Install the seat according to its instructions; incorrect fitting can defeat its protection. Children under 1 should face the rear of the car. The figures above are US official estimates derived from crash data.
Research & references
NHTSA (2024). Occupant Protection in Passenger Vehicles: 2022 Data (DOT HS 813 573). https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813573 ; WHO (2025). Road traffic injuries fact sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/road-traffic-injuries