New Research Warns Against Babies Sleeping in Car Seats

New research warns that if your baby isn’t in the car, he or she shouldn’t be sleeping in a car seat.

A study from Auckland University in New Zealand has found a link between car safety seats and decreased oxygen levels, as babies’ heads slump forward when they fall asleep in the seats.

The researchers studied breathing patterns of babies sleeping in a car safety seat, with and without a foam plastic insert.

It found that breathing issues were significantly reduced when the insert was used.  The study found that the foam insert reduced the number of stop- breathing problems due to obstruction and reduced the fall in oxygen levels during these episodes.  However, it did not significantly reduce the overall rate of moderate low oxygen events.

The foam plastic insert, designed to allow the infant’s head to rest in a neutral position in sleep, is already available commercially.

Source: The Press