Tag Archive for: Car Seats

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THE BIGGEST MISTAKE YOU CAN MAKE WITH A CAR SEAT

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) wants parents to know that sleeping in their car seats when not in transport has significant risk and has caused an alarming number of deaths nationwide.

Dr. Jeffrey Colvin, the lead author of a study looking at risk for infants in car seats, found that “most of the deaths occurred when the car seat was being used as a sleeping device.” He further noted “It really appears that the deaths in these car seats occurred in the context where the car seat wasn’t being used for its purpose in transporting a child, but instead it was being used as a substitute for a crib or bassinet.”

The AAP study further noted that “compared with other deaths, deaths in sitting devices had higher odds of occurring under the supervision of a child care provider or babysitter (our italics) compared with a parent.”

Dr. Colvin told Today that while there is no definitive reason for the number of deaths in car seats, he suggested the angled position of the device might be a factor, as well as the straps and side padding that could potentially be a strangulation or suffocation risk. He also stressed that “before there is widespread panic every time a child falls asleep in a car seat, parents should absolutely not be concerned if their baby falls asleep during the usual time in transit.” Various experts have opinions as to how long it is safe for them to be sleeping during a car trip. Please discuss this with your pediatrician for their expert advice.

IS CAR SEAT SLEEPING DANGEROUS?

We’re all accustomed to seeing infants and toddlers nod off when traveling in a car. The question is, how safe is it?

Safety experts have known for some time that prolonged sleep in a car seat poses the risk of impaired breathing. This is due to the amount of pressure that the infant’s head puts on the breathing passage in a “hyper-flexed” or head down position. Infants, in particular, have heavy heads and very little in the way of support from their neck muscles. Consequently, their head will usually fall forward during the ride.

There seems to be some disparity among experts as to just how long it’s safe for a baby to slumber in that position. Some suggest no longer than one hour while others extend that time closer to two hours.

Parents often ask us what precautions we suggest if they are taking a longer driving trip. Expert opinion suggests that you either have someone in the back seat with the child who can stimulate the infant periodically and/or make more frequent stops.

Be sure to pose the question to your pediatrician during your next well-baby visit.

In a related issue, Congressman Tony Cardenas (D-Panorama City) sponsored the passage of the Safe Sleep for Babies Act which passed both the house and senate. (Finally, something they can agree on!) The bill issues strict guidelines for crib safety that all crib manufacturers are now required to follow.