Is It Okay for My Baby to Sleep in a Car seat?
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Newborns sleep a lot; in a 24 hour period, they will likely sleep between 12-20 hours. They sleep in their crib, in the stroller, in the swing and often in their car seats.
Car seats are not only a safety requirement for all babies traveling in cars, they are also quite comfortable. The enclosed, snug feeling of the car seat helps calm babies and makes them feel secure, quite like in the womb.
Is it OK for my baby to sleep in a car seat?
There seems to be conflicting advice on whether sleeping in the car seat for extended periods of time is safe or not.
Some suggest that it is perfectly safe, and if your baby will sleep in no other place, then to go ahead and use the car seat whenever needed.
Others suggest that as long as you are awake and alert while your baby is sleeping, then it is perfectly safe.
Sometimes safety issues arise when the baby is left alone (say, through the night) to sleep in their car seat, but this is rare. Some concerns would be getting entangled in the straps (if not fastened around baby).
Why babies like sleeping in the car seat:
Sleeping in an upright position can often help stuffy-nosed baby’s breathe more easily, as it opens up their airways. It can also help babies who suffer from reflux; the upright position stops the stomach acids from rising and causing pain or even spitting-up.
Most pediatricians will say that if your little one sleeps peacefully and happily in their car seat, then it is just fine for them to do so. If a baby is uncomfortable, they’re sleep is likely to be restless and short. The same goes if they are comfortable; the sleep will likely be long and peaceful.
Do what feels right for both you and your baby!
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