 Lie-flat
car seats - a better way to carry babies?
Lie-flat car seats are designed to allow your baby to lie totally
flat whilst travelling in the car. Unfortuantely, there's alot 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 seats which are enabling new parents to make
informed choices about which seat is right for their baby.
What is Oxygen Desaturation?
Oxygen desaturation is when the blood oxygen levels fall possibly to
the extent that not enough oxygen reaches the vital organs, particularly
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 lying flat, some car seat manufacturers
are providing a helping hand to parents by introducing lie-flat and reclining
car seats that allow babies to travel in a more natural position and therefor
breathe more easily.The Jane Matrix continues to be a popular choice because
it lies flat for newborns and then becomes rear facing. 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 seat that has an extended lifespan. Designed with a 360
degree swivel pivot on the base and 3- recline positions, your baby can
lie flat when they're newborn but use the seat rearward-facing and then
forward-facing up until they're 18kg (approximately 4 years old)
Should I be concerned?
We think so! The new research isn't 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-birthweight 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's important to
remember they're a car seat first and not the comfiest place for a baby.
A spokesperson for the 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 that babies should never
be left to sleep in a car seat at home." So, if you're using or plan
to use an infant carrier, use them for travel purposes only and ensure
your baby is able to lie flat wherever possible at other times.
Many health professionals now recommend that babies should never be left
in infant carrier for more than two hours and ideally less than one hour.
Additionally, the recommendation is that babies, especially newborns should
not use an infant carrier for more than two hours in any one day.
Some infant carriers, such as the Bebe Confort Creatis 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.
Where to next?
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