11/11/2025
Driving with Baby? Here’s How to Make Every Trip a Safe One 👶✨
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.
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.
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.
