Article Categories
News
-
20 July
-
04 November
-
10 July
-
12 June
-
05 June
-
24 September
-
19 September
-
10 May
-
26 April
Website Categories
Is it safe to let my baby sleep in his car seat?
As long as your baby is well and healthy, he can sleep in his car seat. Car seats are designed to allow your baby to sleep comfortably with his head and back supported. Your baby's car seat will help to keep him safe while you're on the road.
While your baby is young, it's best not to take him out in the car too often, or for long journeys. Don't use the seat as a place for your baby to sleep at other times. Being in a semi-upright position for long periods may place a strain on your baby's developing spine.
Baby car seats are designed to be easily detached from the car. So, if you want to move your sleeping baby between the car and your home in his seat, it's fine to do so. Check he is safely strapped in before lifting him from one place to another.
It can be convenient to leave your sleeping baby in his car seat, when he is not in the car, for hours at a time. However car seats aren't designed to be used in this way. Once you are indoors put him into his moses basket or cot.
If you do have to go on a long journey, break it up so that your baby can be taken out of his seat for a while. Some fresh air will do him good and you can give him a drink when he's still awake.
Check that your baby isn't too hot in his car seat, and take a layer of clothing off if needed. Never leave your baby sleeping in his car seat in the car.
Make sure that you, or an adult passenger, can see your baby at all times when you're travelling. You can buy an unbreakable mirror to go on the back seat, opposite your baby, if he is in a rear-facing car seat. This way you can keep an eye on him from the driver’s seat if you are on your own.
If your baby has gastric reflux make sure he is strapped upright in his car seat. If he is hunched and slouched over in his seat, the added pressure on his tummy may increase the chances of his vomiting.
Some premature babies could have breathing difficulties if sat in a baby seat for longer than necessary. In a few studies, even full-term babies have also been found to experience slightly lower levels of blood oxygen if left for long periods in car seats and buggies.
However, babies' blood oxygen levels do drop slightly at other times, during sleep, for example. The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths is carrying out more research into this area.
When you're at home, and your baby is due to have a sleep, his moses basket or cot is the best place for him to be. If he is awake you could lie him on a mat on the floor, or place him in a bouncy chair if you have one.
Related articles
Parenting is no easy task, and for Jordan and Briana Driskell, raising their quintuplets—Zoey, Dakota, Hollyn, Asher, and Gavin&mdash...
Read moreFocus on back to school - include a free...
Emma Wallace
The summer holidays are drawing to a close and September sees pupils heading back to the classroom. Alongside buying new uniform and statio...
Read more
A Starbucks employee went viral after sharing a video where they broke down in tears due to being scheduled for an eight-hour shift. ...
Read more0 comments
No messages yet