It’s a common question that many new parents ask: how long can a newborn baby be in a car seat? There are a few factors that come into play when determining how long your newborn can safely be in a car seat, such as their age, weight, and the type of car seat you have.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all infants ride rear-facing in their car seats until they are at least 2 years old or reach the highest weight or height limit allowed by their car seat’s manufacturer.
So, how long can a newborn baby be in a car seat? For the first two years of their life, or until they reach the maximum weight or height limit for their seat?
The dangers of leaving a newborn baby in a car seat for too long
Leaving a newborn baby in a car seat for too long can be extremely dangerous. The baby could overheat, suffocate, or develop serious health problems.
It is important to make sure that the car seat is properly ventilated and that the baby has enough space to move around. The baby should also be monitored closely to make sure that he or she is not in any distress.
Tips for keeping your newborn baby safe while in the car
It is important to keep your newborn baby safe while in the car. Here are some tips:
- Make sure that your car seat is properly installed and that the harness is correctly positioned on your baby.
- Do not leave your baby unattended in the car, even for a short period of time.
- Do not allow anyone else to hold your baby while you are driving.
- Avoid using rear-facing car seats for very young babies as they are more vulnerable to head and neck injuries in a front-impact collision.
Tip: Most of the car seats come with a weight limit of between 20 – 35 pounds. Once your baby reaches the weight limit for their car seat, they need to be moved to a bigger seat.
Conclusion
It is generally safe for a newborn baby to be in a car seat for short periods of time, provided that the seat is properly installed and the baby is buckled in correctly. However, it is important to avoid extended periods of time in the car seat, as this can put unnecessary strain on the baby’s developing spine.
If you are planning a road trip or any other situation where your newborn will be spending an extended period of time in the car, make sure to plan ahead so that you can take breaks often to allow your baby to stretch and move around.