Lay Flat Carrycot Car Seats for Infant Safety
New Baby Car Seats for Reduced Risk of Breathing Difficulties
Jul 18, 2009
It is recommended that babies should lay flat, not be put in a sitting position, until they are about 6 months old; furthermore, research suggests a correlation between small babies being scrunched in car seats and breathing problems (oxygen desaturation), occasionally leading to death. Nevertheless, the safest way for a baby to travel is in a car seat which meets current safety standards, as is require by law in many countries.
It is recommended that time spent in a car seat should be minimal, especially for babies who are less than one month old, particularly small, or premature. The car seat should be positioned for the baby to lay almost flat, making sure that the head cannot flop forward.
If lengthy car journeys will be essential for such infants there are now a number of lay flat or almost flat infant car restraints on the market. It may seem ideal for a parent to put baby to sleep in a comfortable carry-cot or bassinet on the back seat of the car.
A number of companies have designed car seats which have the optional position of laying completely flat across two seats, secured with the seat belts or sitting up in the more conventional position.
Britax Baby Safe Sleeper
A leading Bitish consumer magazine has recommended this as one of its 'Best Buys' in 2009: "This is the first 'lie flat' child restraint we've tested that protects the child well in a crash." Which, Independent Expert Advice (June 2009:62).
The Which tests are based on head in collision at 40mph and side impact at 18 mph, which is a more stringent test than car seat have to pass to met legislative safety standards.
This seat only has a lie flat position and is suitable for babies up to 10 kg, which means whilst some babies can still lie in it when they are one year old many will grow out of it when they are little more than 6 months old. The Britax Baby Safe Sleeper can be used as part of a travel system and it retails for around £180.
Matrix Cup by Jane
The Matrix Cup by Spanish company Jane is compatible with Jane bases to use a travel system. Jane have a reputation as being pioneering, innovative and with a strong interest in safety, they have their own safety testing facility. The original Matrix Cup secured baby in laying position with velcro straps, these have now been replaced with a more secure harness. The Matrix Cup retails in the U.K. at around £200.
Aprica, Euro Turn
The Euro Turn is suitable from birth when it can be used laying flat across two seats or as rear facing car seat (which is recommended until aged 1 and weighing 20lb). It can also be used as a forward facing seat suitable for a child of up to 4 years old (approximately).
The Hi Deluxe HiDX model includes a system to regulate ventilation and prevent over heating. It retails for approx. £660, Deluxe or £460, standard.
The Disadvantages of the Lay Flat Car Seats
These seats are an investment, being considerably more expensive than infant car seats which typically retail for between £50-£100. For most babies their useful life span is very short, as most babies will be quite comfortable and safe for longer periods in a traditional car seat within a few months of their birth and certainly from about 4-6 months.
They are large and will be more suitable for large cars. When flat they may take up the whole of the back seat, leaving no room or seat-belts for other passengers and will not fit in rear facing mode on the back seats of small cars.
They are heavy, the Baby Safe Sleeper weighs 6kg. It may not be possible for the mother to lift the carry-cot containing the sleeping baby out of the car, even though that might be the ideal.
As the restrain must fit securely around the chill to protect them in the event of a crash, they are also very warm. Babies should not be wrapped up in too many layers or with blankets. They should be checked regularly.
Is a Lay Flat Carrycot/ Bassinet Style Car Seat Necessary or Desirable?
The risks posed to children in approved car seats are minimal. Parents should minimise the number of car journeys and the length of time spent in the car in the early months.
It might not be possible, easy or desirable to move the sleeping baby, without waking, in and out of the car in the car seat due to its weight and the complications of the car seat fixings.
Parents considering using an old or second hand lay flat car restraint should be wary as a number of older models have been withdrawn due to serious concerns about their effectiveness in the event of a road traffic accident.
If it is essential for very young, small or premature babies to embark on lengthy road journeys then there are a number of approved car seats which lay flat and can be used as a carrycot. These seats have a number of disadvantages not least that they usually take up the whole of the rear seat, so they are by no means a panacea for infant road travel.
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