Researchers are warning that leaving babies to sleep in standard car safety seats without supervision could put them at risk. While these seats are effective in protecting infants during car crashes, experts caution against using them as a substitute for carry cots where babies can sleep for extended periods of time.
Doctors believe that the upright sleeping position in car seats can potentially obstruct infants’ airways, posing a potential danger to their lives.
This important warning is aimed at parents who rely on car journeys to put their babies to sleep, allowing them to continue sleeping in the car seat for hours.
A recent study examined the cases of nine infants who experienced life-threatening events while seated and asleep outside of a car. Reportedly, these babies were described as “blue,” “scrunched up,” and “not breathing.”
Analysis of the incidents revealed that the babies’ heads leaned forward, pressing their jaws down on their chests, which narrowed their airways and caused them to have difficulty breathing.
Although car safety seats are crucial for protecting children from injuries or fatalities in accidents, they are not designed to replace a crib or bed when the child is not being transported.
According to pediatrician Professor Alistair Gunn, car seats should be used for their intended purpose and not as a sleeping aid. He suggests that there are various possible reasons why babies may be at risk when using a car seat outside of the car, although the exact explanation remains unclear.
The study, conducted between July 1999 and December 2000, involved investigating cases of nine babies aged 3 days to 6 months who were left asleep in a car seat appropriate for their age. None of the infants experienced any further problems over the following year.
Addressing the risks involved, Professor Gun recommended modifying the design of car seats to include a gap for better head support, especially for young infants who may not have well-developed head control.
While car seats used inside the vehicle provide essential safety features and save lives, it is advised not to use them for extended periods as a substitute for a carry cot or proper crib.
Manufacturers of car seats, such as Maxi-Cosi, already advise against leaving babies in the seats for lengthy periods of time. They recommend that infants lie flat for some of the time, and their seats can be adjusted accordingly to accommodate different age groups.
This research serves as a reminder to parents about the potential risks associated with leaving babies to sleep in car seats outside of the vehicle. It is important to prioritize their safety and to use car seats for their intended purpose while providing appropriate sleeping arrangements when not on the go.
SOURCE:DAILYMAIL
Lisa, I totally agreee that it would give piece of mind. However I will tell you that Ashton never did pass his car seat tests but they still allowed him to come home. The longest he went without his sats dropping was 11 minutes. If they are going to do this it needs to be done properly!