Is it safe or not to let your baby sleep in the car seat? It sure is tempting! And it is actually almost impossible to avoid if you take your infant on a drive for a while – unless your baby spends their time screaming, of course. (Yes, that’s common too!)
So, how should you think about an infant sleeping in the car seat? Let’s take a look at what research says and how to apply that in real life.
Mom’s Question:
My 2-month-old daughter falls asleep and has a good 2-4hs sleep only if I let my baby sleep in her car seat… I worry if it’s safe for her backbone and health in general.
I’d really appreciate your opinion and advice.
By the way, I’m very happy I ran across your site – I’ve found it very helpful indeed!
Baby Sleeping In Car Seat – What Research Says
I understand your concerns and actually the advice on letting your baby sleep in the car seat is conflicting!
Many pediatricians recommend that you move your baby to a flat position at least after a couple of hours to not put a strain on their backs. There are a few studies indicating that babies, especially premature but also some full-term babies, may have some difficulties breathing if kept in an infant car seat for too long.
Here’s the link to the study on full-term newborns’ risk in car seats.
Others now say that as long as the baby seems to be comfortable everything is fine. There really is no clear research on this matter. Not much help for a concerned parent!
If I were you I’d probably let my baby sleep for 2 hours in the car seat, as long as you are around and awake, if your baby is overall healthy, dressed to not be overheated, and was not born prematurely. I would probably not let my infant sleep in the car seat for as much as 4 hours per day. Just to be on the safe side.
If you are worried that your baby will wake up when you move her to her crib or stroller, try first lifting her leg and see if it is completely relaxed. If it is, she is more likely to be in deep sleep and hence less likely to wake up by being moved.
Another option is to try a bouncer instead of an infant car seat. Some babies sleep really well in bouncers too.
Make sure you have a modern infant car seat if you want your baby to sleep in it. Most new infant car seats are designed to be good for the babies’ back, so for shorter naps, you don’t really have to worry about hurting your baby’s spine.
I hope this helps. Thank you for your kind words about Easy Baby Life.
Paula
Babies With Personalized Sleep Habits
Research References
Infant Deaths in Sitting Devices | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics (aap.org)
Find comments below.
Comments for “Infant Sleeping In Car Seat – Safe Or Not?” |
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
| We have changed to a new commenting system. Add your comments below . |
Paula Dennholt founded Easy Baby Life in 2006 and has been a passionate parenting and pregnancy writer since then. Her parenting approach and writing are based on studies in cognitive-behavioral models and therapy for children and her experience as a mother and stepmother. Life as a parent has convinced her of how crucial it is to put relationships before rules. She strongly believes in positive parenting and a science-based approach.
Paula cooperates with a team of pediatricians who assist in reviewing and writing articles.
