Risks related to letting your baby sleep in the car seat

Baby safety in the car is a priority, and although car seats like maxi-cosis are essential for protecting babies on journeys, allowing them to sleep for long periods of time in them can involve certain risks. Postural asphyxia is one of the main dangers associated with a baby sleeping for too long in their car seat. This occurs when the baby’s position restricts its airway, causing breathing problems. Below, we will look at how long it is safe for babies to stay in these seats, advice on how to ensure they are protected, and why it is not recommended to let them sleep in this position for a prolonged period of time.

How long can a baby stay in their car seat?

Although maxi-cosis and other infant car seats are critical for the safety of your child, experts suggest that babies should not stay in them for more than 1.5 to 2 hours at a time. This is because remaining in a semi-sitting position for a prolonged period of time can affect the baby’s posture and breathing. On a long car trip with a 2-month-old or newborn baby, it is important to plan stops every two hours to allow the baby to stretch and rest in a more natural position, reducing the risk of postural asphyxia and making them more comfortable.

Tips for securing your baby in the car seat for your trip

For your baby to travel safely, it is essential to adjust both the seat and the harness correctly. Here are specific tips for improving their safety and reducing risk:

1. Harness adjustment: The harness must fit snugly, supporting the shoulders and keeping the baby’s body aligned. Fitting it properly will prevent the baby’s head from falling forward or sideways, minimizing the risk of positional asphyxia. This is particularly important for small babies in maxi cosi-type or baby car seat systems
2. Seat tilt: You must adjust the tilt of the seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The right tilt prevents the baby’s head from falling forward, which could make breathing difficult. i-Size reductor cushions and child restraint systems can help babies and newborns maintain the correct posture.
3. Using reductor cushions: Infant reductor cushions are padding that helps keep the baby’s head and body in the correct position during the first few months. These accessories are especially useful in car seats like the Maxi-cosi mica 360 pro, as they ensure a safe position for the head and neck, reducing the possibility of the baby leaning forward while sleeping.
4. Do not feed your baby in their car seat: Feeding the baby in the car seat can be risky due to the semi-sitting position. The seat is not designed for this function, and any movement of the car could pose a choking risk. It is better to stop and feed the child in a suitable position outside the car.
5. Securely anchoring the seat: Check that the seat is correctly anchored, either using the ISOFIX system or the car’s seat belt. Good anchorage reduces the risk of the seat moving suddenly during the trip. Follow the color guides and manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that it is installed safely.
6. Periodic check: On long journeys, periodically check that the baby is in the correct position and that the harness is tight. This is crucial to prevent your baby from changing position while they are sleeping.

Why shouldn’t babies sleep in car seats?

Sleeping in the car seat, although unavoidable on many journeys, can be risky because of positional asphyxia. This risk increases when the baby’s head tilts forward as this can block the airway and make it difficult to breathe. Several studies have shown that a baby’s oxygen saturation decreases when in a semi-sitting position compared to lying in a crib or bassinet. It is important that, if your baby does fall asleep in the car seat, the time they stay there should be limited and frequent stops should be made to monitor their position and breathing.

Choosing a car seat that is appropriate for your baby’s age, weight and height is key to them being protected in the car. For more information on how to choose the best car seat for your baby’s specific needs, please refer to this complete guide from Fundación MAPFRE.