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Lie Flat Car Seats

Lie flat car seats are designed to allow your baby to lie totally flat whilst travelling in the car. Unfortunately, there is a lot of confusion surrounding whether they are 'dangerous', or in fact, 'safer' than a traditional, rear facing 'wedge-shaped' infant carrier. In reality there are significant pros and cons to each mode of transport, but recent research is suggesting that restraining babies in a semi-upright position is exposing them to some not inconsiderable health risks.

Recognition of problems such as oxygen desaturation have led to the development of a new generation of lie flat car seats which are enabling new parents to make informed choices about which car seat is right for their baby.

What is Oxygen Desaturation?

Oxygen desaturation is when the oxygen levels in the blood fall, possibly to the extent that not enough oxygen reaches the vital organs, in particular the brain. There have been many reports into the effects of oxygen desaturation - some experts believe that it can have an effect on babies learning and physical development in later life, whilst others believe it can cause bradycardia (slowing of the heart) and apnoea (temporary suspension of breathing), both of which are linked with cot death. The 'wedge shape' of most infant carriers is considered the main cause of this problem. Because babies 'tummy breathe', rather than shallow breathe like adults, squashing them into an unnatural position restricts their breathing and possibly also their digestion.

What are car seat manufacturers doing about this issue?

As more research is carried out into the effects of rear facing infant carriers, and the clear health benefits of lying flat, some car seat manufacturers are providing a helping hand to parents by introducing lie flat and reclining car seats. These allow babies to travel in a more natural position and therefore breathe more easily. The Jane Matrix Cup Group 0+ car seat continues to be a popular choice because it lies flat for newborns, and can be used as rear facing as your baby grows. It can also be used on Jane pushchairs as a lie flat carrycot. The introduction of the Aprica Euroturn has set a new benchmark in terms of a lie flat car seat that has an extended lifespan. Designed with a 360 degree swivel pivot on the base and three recline positions, your baby can lie flat when they are newborn, but use the seat rearward facing and then forward facing up until they are 18kg (approximately 4 years old).

Should I be concerned?

We think so! The new research is not about scaring parents into purchasing the latest and greatest lie flat option, but making them aware of the potential risks involved in using conventional car seats - particularly with newborns (and especially low birth weight and premature babies). Babies have been transported in infant carriers for years without any problems, and there are numerous benefits with using them such as easy transportation, portability, size, convenience and price factor. But, it is important to remember that they are primarily a car seat, and therefore not the comfiest place for a baby. A spokesperson for The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) cautions parents, " they should remember that a car seat is intended as a travel device, not a sleeping device, and babies should never be left to sleep in a car seat at home." So, if you are using, or plan to use, an infant carrier, use them for travel purposes only and ensure your baby is able to lie flat whenever possible at other times.

Many health professionals now recommend that babies should never be left in a car seat for more than two hours, and ideally less than one hour. Additionally the recommendation is that babies, especially newborns, should not use a car seat for more than two hours in any one day. Some car seats, such as the Jane Strata Group 0+ car seat have a sliding function on the head support that allows your baby to lie virtually flat - these are worth looking out for as there is significant evidence to show that a baby breathes better if the infant carrier they are in has a deep lie back angle.

Click here to find lie flat car seats in the Babyworld shop

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Buying Your Car Seat

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