 Carrying
premature and low birth-weight babies
The safest way for babies to travel in a car is in an approved rearward-facing
baby seat that is suitable for the car and is properly fitted, preferably
in the rear of the car. This is the advice that Royal
Society for the Prevention of Accidents offers:
However, research in the USA indicates that premature and low-birth weight
babies can be susceptible to breathing problems if they stay in a baby
seat for long periods. They found that some new-born babies developed
breathing problems after one hour in the baby seat and some premature
babies stopped breathing for a short period.
If you have a premature or low-birth weight baby:
- Ask the hospital to assess whether it is safe for the baby to travel
in a baby seat before you are discharged (some hospitals routinely do
this assessment).
- When the hospital says it is safe to take the baby home, make sure
that you put the baby in an approved rearward-facing baby seat that
is suitable for the car and is properly fitted.
- Do not keep the baby in the seat for longer than necessary.
- Recline the baby seat as much as possible when in the car (making
sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions for fitting and using
it). Some new car seats offer a lie-flat facility, click
here to find out more.
- Never leave the child unattended in the seat. Try to have someone
else do the driving, so you can sit next to the baby to keep an eye
on him or her.
- Keep car travel to a minimum in the first few months.
- Only use the baby seat in the vehicle and not on an integrated travel
system or for feeding or sleeping etc.
- If in any doubt, consult the hospital or your GP.
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