Should My Baby Be Allowed to Sleep in Their Car Seat?

Yes, your baby can sleep in a properly installed car seat while in the car. However, it's generally not recommended to let your baby sleep in their car seat for extended periods as its safest for babies to sleep on firm, flat surfaces for their developing body. If you are on a road trip, make sure you stop every 1.5-2 hours to take your baby out of their car seat to stretch, and take a break from the confinement of the car seat.

If your baby falls asleep in the car seat while you’re on the go, it’s okay to let them stay asleep for a short period, but it’s best to transfer them to a more appropriate sleep space as soon as possible. Car seats are not suitable for routine naps (while not in the car) and overnight sleep. A bassinet or crib is the safest space for your baby to sleep. 

Infant car seats can also click onto compatible strollers. You may be asking is that safe? The adapters do hold the car seat at the approved and safe angle for your baby, so yes it's okay for short periods of time. However, if you plan to be on a longer outing, it's advisable to use a bassinet on your stroller instead so your baby can nap safely and comfortably while out and about. If your baby has grown out of the bassinet, simply recline your stroller seat. When a baby sleeps in a car seat outside of the car, they can be at risk of positional asphyxiation. This can happen if the baby's head slumps forward, which can restrict airflow.

The AAP provides comprehensive guidelines on safe sleep practices. You can visit their website here to read more. 

Shop infant car seats here!

Have more questions? Contact us at customercare@strolleria.com or chat with us today!