A few years ago, it was reported that an 11-week old baby died while sleeping in a car seat. This was not the first time this would be happening. It was even estimated that most deaths in younger children are sleep-related and are more common in the car.
With this, parents feel concerned about laying their babies to sleep in the car seat.
Since you want the best for your baby, you will want to know safety tips for babies sleeping in car seats.
1. What is the Best Position for a Baby to Sleep in a Car Seat?
2. How Long Should a Baby Sleep in a Car Seat?
3. Do Swings and Bouncers Help Babies Fall Asleep When Driving?
4. Can Babies Sleep in Car Seats on Long Rides?
5. At What Age is a Baby Safe?
1What is the Best Position for a Baby to Sleep in a Car Seat?
First, it is worth noting that the best position babies should be put to sleep is flat on their backs. The back is the best position and not the tummy nor in the upright position.
Putting babies to sleep in a car seat on their bellies increases their risks of suffocating. Also, it is not ideal to lay babies in an upright position, especially those who are below 3 months. This position makes them flop their heads forward since their necks are not strong enough.
However, there is no much concern if your baby is resting in an upright position in your car seat when you are around. The problem is when you leave him to take a nap while you are out there, say in a grocery.
Therefore, always remember to lie your baby on his back when sleeping in a car seat.
2How Long Should a Baby Sleep in a Car Seat?
Though there is no recommended measure for how long it is too long to leave a baby sleep in a car seat, it is not recommended to let babies spend hours taking a nap in the car seat. Experts, however, say that two hours is a long time to let babies below 3 months sleep in bouncers, swings, and car seats.
Also, parents should not lay their babies ’ heads on a period when putting them to sleep.
3Do Swings and Bouncers Help Babies Fall Asleep When Driving?
Putting your baby to bed on a flat surface is the ideal way. However, when you have to drive for a few minutes with your baby who loves being in the car with you, putting him on his back in the back seat is not that bad, but you have to keep your eyes on him. The same applies to both swings and bouncers.
It is also crucial to go through the instructions on the device’s manual to know the exact way of using it.
4Can Babies Sleep in Car Seats on Long Rides?
Going on a long trip with your baby in your car does not cause for alarm. It is only necessary to pay attention to him as you drive.
Also, it is ideal to go on long trips with another adult who can help keep a watch on your baby as you concentrate on the road. If you are, however, going only with your baby, pull over every two hours to take your baby out of the seat. This will also help you stretch yourself.
5At What Age is a Baby Safe?
The simple answer to this is 6 months.
However, this does not mean babies above 6 months are no more at risk. It only means that babies below six months have a higher risk, as they are not yet grown to change their sleeping positions themselves. With this, you should also pay attention to your baby when sleeping in the car seat even if he is above six months.
The Bottom Line
Keeping babies to sleep in car seats is not a new phenomenon, but only requires proper attention. This is more necessary for younger babies.
Remember that babies below 6 months have not yet garnered enough strength to change their position if anything goes wrong.