Car Seat Dangers

Car seats were invented to get a baby from one location to another in a vehicle. Now, as better car seats are invented, people are using them wrongly. For one, some parents use it as a baby carrier for extended periods of time. This was not meant to be used as such.

As parents, we should remember that babies need to be held in our arms, close to our bodies. When you leave our baby in the car seat for too long, you are cutting down on the time you need to spend to physically bond with your baby. In other countries, babies are always wrapped next to their mother's body and not carried around in car seats.

We may not know it, but the lack of physical interaction may be the biggest psychological danger we are giving our babies. This danger is worse for babies who still do not know how to hold their head up, as well as premature babies. Breathing is usually involved and this is something serious that parents should discuss with their doctor.

Another danger is the possibility of getting burns from a hot car seat. Even though we have air conditioners in our cars, a car seat can still get really hot especially when it is made of plastic. Even if you use cloth covers to avoid the heat, babies may still get it from prolonged periods of sitting in it.

If you are using a rear-facing car sear, remember to place mirrors in your car. This allows you to check on them frequently when driving. If ever they get heated, always take them out of the car seat to cool them down. Cooled teethers may be helpful especially if you are going to drive for hours.

Just like adults, babies also get uncomfortable if they are strapped to a car seat for quite a time. Make the effort to give your baby a little break to spend time outside the car.

Generally, older children can tolerate the car seat longer, but it is best not to sacrifice their comfort. The car seat is a tool for child safety, so parents should use them as what they were made for. Always take the time to bond with your child, and never keep him in a car seat for too long. You may find it convenient to use the car seat this way, but your child will not be comfortable. The time you spend holding your baby will do wonders for both of you. Use the car seat wisely and never give discomfort to your baby.