About this topic
Most rear-facing car seats are designed for babies who weigh more than 4 or 5 pounds. These car seats may not be safe for a premature or low birth weight baby. These babies may have more chance for breathing problems. ‚
Special preemie car seats and beds are made for a small birth weight baby. They are also for a baby born with certain health problems, like those that affect a babys breathing. These babies need special care when traveling. The baby's length must also be looked at. Preemie safety seats and beds have special features which: ‚
- Let the baby lie on the side, back, or belly
- Raise the baby's head to help with breathing
- Hold the baby's head better
- Have harnesses that fit the baby better
- Have extra padding on the harnesses
- Keep the baby safer on impact
- Are easily installed
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that all babies born before 37 weeks be tested in their car seat before they are sent home from the hospital. ‚
General
Recommendations From the American Academy of Pediatrics ‚
These car seat safety rules are suggested for preemies and babies who have breathing problems or other health problems. These include low muscle tone, smaller lower jaw, or babies who have had heart surgery. ‚
- Trained staff should make sure the baby is properly and securely fastened in a rear-facing car seat.
- Trained staff should watch the baby for at least 90 to 120 minutes positioned the right way in the car seat or car bed.
- Trained staff should watch the baby for signs of any breathing problems or other reasons why the car seat is not a good fit for the baby. The babys heart rate, breathing, and oxygen saturation (how much oxygen is in the blood) should be checked.
- Trained staff should teach family members the right way to secure the baby in the car seat.
- Car seats should be used only for travel. Using a car seat for reasons other than travel can cause more problems for the baby.
- Only use a rear-facing car seat that sits partly upright if your baby can sit in it safely.
- Use a car bed if your baby is not able to sit safely in a semi-upright car seat.
- When changing from a car bed to a car safety seat, watch your baby for some time in the car safety seat.
- If your baby needs special monitors to help with breathing or heart problems, use these when traveling. Make sure these will work for at least twice as long as you expect to travel.
- Put monitors, oxygen machines, or any other supplies on the floor or secure on the seat of the car. This will keep them from becoming flying objects if a crash or quick stop happens.
- Use a rear-facing car seats with a 3-point or 5-point harness system or a convertible car seats with a 5-point harness system.
- Do not use a car seat that has a shield, belly pad, or arm rest. These could cause breathing problems or harm to the baby.
- Use a harness that fits snugly. It should be fitted below the baby's shoulders. Some seats are made with a few slots so the harness can be moved as the baby grows.
- Make sure the clip to close the harness sits over the baby's chest, not over the belly or in front of the neck.
- For very small babies, you can roll small blankets and put them on each side of the baby. This will help to keep the baby's head and body from moving.
- The rear-facing car seat should be reclined 45 ‚ ° or as told on the package.
- Never put a rear-facing car seat in the front seat of a car with an airbag. The safest place for children is in the back seat.
- Try to have an adult ride in the back seat with the baby.
- Never leave a child alone in a car seat either inside a car or outside.
Note: Babies who have a problem traveling in a rear-facing semi-upright car seat will most likely have the same problems in a baby swing, back pack, or other baby carrier. These should not be used until the baby's breathing is stable. ‚
What problems could happen?
The babys head could drop toward the chest if not properly positioned. This could cause: ‚
- Blocked airways
- Short pauses in breathing (apnea)
- Lower levels of oxygen
- Fewer heartbeats per minute
- Chance for health problems later in life if the baby has too many of these abnormal breathing events
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Pediatrics ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Car-Safety-Seats-Information-for-Families.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3a+No+local+token ‚
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ‚
http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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