Car safety

Car seats are essential for your baby’s safety while driving, but babies shouldn’t sleep in them for long periods. Research has found that young babies may be at risk of breathing difficulties if they sleep upright in a seated position for too long.

Car seats and reducing the risk of SIDS

Follow these tips to help keep your baby safe while travelling in a car seat.

Avoid driving long distances with pre-term and young babies. Research has found that young babies may be at risk of breathing difficulties if they sleep upright in a seated position for too long, which can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Stop and take regular breaks if you’re driving a long way. This will allow you to check on your baby, take them out of the car seat and let them stretch and move around.

If possible, have a second adult in the back seat with your baby. If you’re travelling alone, use a mirror to keep an eye on them.

If your baby changes their position and slumps forward, stop straight away. Then take them out of the car seat and sit them upright before continuing on your journey.

Choose a rear-facing baby seat. This is essential for safety. They provide better protection for the baby’s head, neck and spine compared to forward-facing seats.

Make sure you have the right car seat for your baby’s weight and that it’s fitted properly – many shops will help with this.

Car seats are designed to keep babies safe while travelling, but they’re not designed to be a main sleeping place so they’re not suitable for sleeping in for long periods.  Use them for transport only, not as an alternative to cots or high chairs.

It’s OK for your baby to fall asleep in a car seat when travelling, but take them out as soon as you get to your destination and place them on a firm, flat surface to sleep.

Whilst traveling in the car, make sure you:

Remove any hats or outdoor clothing, such as snowsuits and coats, once your baby is in the car. It’s especially important to remove hats, as your baby maintains their body temperature by releasing heat through their head.

Check your baby isn’t getting too hot. The best way is to feel their tummy or the back of their neck. If their skin feels clammy or sweaty, they are too hot, so remove a layer of clothing.

Second-hand car seats

It’s best not to buy or use a second-hand car seat as you can’t be certain of its history. It could have been involved in an accident and the damage may not be visible. Even wear and tear over time can affect their safety and how well it can protect your baby.

Car seat meets safety standards

Car seats must conform to safety standards such as:

United Nations standard, ECE Regulation 44.04 (or R 44.03)
The new i-size regulation, R129.
Look for the ‘E’ mark label on the seat, which shows it meets European Union Safety standards.

You can find out more with the following information: