There’s no lack of dangers to be concerned about if you’re the parent of a new baby. Even if you have other children, it seems that each new baby comes with its own set of worries and concerns.
In the last few years, it has become apparent that children can suffocate if they’re left sitting in car seats for too long. It’s not a common problem, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t bear serious consideration.
Protecting your child, especially in those first months and years, means staying proactive and having as much information as possible.
That’s why we’re here to answer a pressing question: how long you should keep your baby in a car seat when driving long distances?
You shouldn’t keep your baby in a car seat for more than 2 hours, no matter the circumstances. The danger comes when an infant is in the same sitting position for an extended amount of time. Since it takes most babies about 6 months to develop the ability to hold their heads up, a scrunched sitting position can mean a lack of oxygen for the baby.
Car Seats Save Lives
While this kind of thing can happen despite the correct installation of the car seat and proper fastening of the child, it also can happen when not in the car, if the baby is left in the sitting position. There’s no need to throw out your car seat, though. According to the CDC, one of the leading causes of death for children in the United States is motor vehicle injuries. And many of those injuries occur when children aren’t in a car seat or aren’t buckled up properly.
So, car seats are a necessity. But, making sure you correctly install the seat, fasten the child correctly, and only use it for the recommended ages and weights, are the first steps to protecting your child from harm.
The next step is to make sure you don’t leave your baby in the car seat for more than two hours. If you’re in the habit of taking your car seat out and using it to transport your baby on errands or into your home, get into the habit of taking your child out of the seat every hour or, at the very least, every two hours.
Sleeping Tips
It’s common knowledge that babies should, whenever possible, sleep on their backs.
The reason to put your baby to sleep on their back is the same reason you don’t want to leave them in a sitting position for too long. It can take up to a year for babies to develop the ability to lift their heads or turn themselves over. Here are a few more tips to keep your baby sleeping safely:
- Avoid stuffed animals
- Avoid blankets or loose bedding
- Avoid pillows
- Make sure the sleeping surface is flat
The above tips generally apply for babies up to 12 months old. Keeping the sleeping area free of any items that could accidentally block your child’s mouth or nose is always a good idea.
Your Baby Sleeping in the Car Seat is Okay
All this is not to say that you need to stress about your baby comfortably falling asleep in the backseat of your car while driving. Simply keep an eye on the time and take your baby out before the 2-hour mark. Or, if you notice that your baby has been in the same position for a while, it’s probably time to pull over and take them out of the seat. It is recommended that, if you’re taking a long trip, have more than one adult along if possible. Having another person that can check on the baby will help to keep you safe and accident-free on the road.
Lie Flat Car Seats
If you’re planning on taking your baby on road trips regularly, you may want to look into purchasing a Lie-Flat Car Seat. These car seats are designed to safely fasten your baby into the vehicle while allowing them to stay in a lying position. While this doesn’t take away the need to check on your baby regularly, it does reduce the chances of blocked airways from being seated for too long. This makes for a comfortable car seat for your child.
There aren’t a lot of lie-flat car seats available, but there are a few to choose from. However, most of them are more expensive than traditional car seats.
Of course, if you already have a car seat, you can also look into getting a lie-flat stroller. Lie-flat strollers, like the MomPush 2-in-1 Baby Stroller, allow you to take your baby out of the inclined car seat and place them in a lying position. This is great to have for any child who hasn’t yet developed the muscle strength needed to keep his/her head up on there own.
The MomPush 2-in-1 Stroller has some great features including:
- Three Position Back Rest
- Easy to Fold
- Adjustable Handle
- Five-Point Safety Harness
- Lockable Wheels
Having a lie-flat stroller gives you, as the parent, true peace of mind knowing that your child is in the safest position for them to be in. Remember that it isn’t just in the car that you have to watch how long your baby is sitting, it’s anywhere.
Setting Up a Smooth and Safe Road Trip For Your Baby
Long road trips can be difficult even without a new baby crying in their car seat. That’s why we’ve compiled some tips to help you set up the smoothest possible new-baby-road-trip.
Travel With Another Adult
As mentioned above, the best thing you can do to ensure a smooth road trip is to travel with another adult. While one of you drives the other one can be in the back seat entertaining, lulling, calming, and checking-on the baby. It’s also a good idea to take turns. Not only does this keep your baby happy, but it also helps keep you safe on the road.
Plan Ahead
Make sure you plan for stops at least every two hours (unless you have a lie-flat car seat). When you go into the trip planning for frequent stops you’ll find that you’re less agitated and more patient. Get to know the route you’re taking. Look for rest stops, truck stops, towns, or anywhere with facilities. If you’re planning on staying at a hotel, figure out which one and make sure they have room for you.
Don’t Feed or Change the Baby While Moving
While planning your trip you’ll want to take into account the fact that you shouldn’t feed or clean your baby while the car is moving. If the vehicle is moving your child should be fastened safely in their car seat. Car rides tend to be bumpy and can make it difficult for your baby to feed and digest.
Pack for Convenience
The last thing you want to be doing on a long car ride is digging through a mountain of luggage to find a pacifier or wet wipes. While it’s okay to have the bulk of your baby supplies in a suitcase in the trunk, you’ll want to have at least a small bag of commonly-used items at your disposal in the car. It can mean the difference between a screaming baby and a sleeping baby.
Pack Emergency Supplies
This is a good idea for any road trip but it is doubly important when you have an infant with you. A flat tire and a screaming infant with no rescue in sight is a recipe for disaster. Here are a few items you should always keep in your car, just in case:
- Car Jack, Lug Wrench, Spare Tire
- First Aid Kit
- 2 – 3 Gallons of Water
- Jumper Cables
- Flashlight
- Road Flares
- Basic Tool Kit
Most of these items can be found in a good roadside emergency kit like this one available on Amazon.
This kit by Haiphaik comes with pretty much everything you might need in an emergency situation including:
- Jumper Cables
- Tow Ropes
- LED Flashlight
- Gloves
- Fuses
- Reflective Safety Vest
- Whistle
- Multipurpose Shovel
- Seatbelt Cutter
A roadside emergency kit is a must have in any vehicle, especially when travelling with a child. And while we all hope we’ll never have to use it, its better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Music/Audio Books
Both for you and your baby. If you’re not much of a singer, it’s a good idea to plan some children’s music or stories to keep your baby occupied. While they may not have a favorite yet, these things can be soothing and can help keep you entertained, too. If you’re driving at night, try to keep away from anything that is too soothing. You want the baby to sleep, but not the driver!
Take Path of Least Resistance
While it’s tempting to take the long route through the beautiful countryside, it’s not the best idea with a baby in tow. Depending on how long you’ll be on the road, you’ll want to take the shortest route. You’ll also want to plan around rush hour traffic in any major city you have to go through, or simply go around the city when people are going to or coming home from work.
Have Fun!
When you go into the trip expecting the unexpected, it makes things a little easier. Knowing that the trip will have its hiccups is half the battle. So settle in, relax, and have a good time!
In Conclusion
There are only a few things you need to keep in mind. Whether you’re driving around town, on a cross-country road trip, or simply out at the park with your baby in a stroller: watch the time. Before the 2-hour mark, you should take your baby out of the car seat and place them in a lying position if they’re sleeping. The same goes for swings, strollers, and carriers. It’s okay for your baby to fall asleep while sitting, just make sure they don’t stay there for too long. Hope this helps!