Chapter 7 – How Long Can a Car Seat Trip Last?

In the first few months, a newborn’s neck muscles are not yet strong enough to support the head properly. Moreover, the posture adopted by a small baby in a car seat may hinder proper breathing. Recent studies show that remaining in a car seat for more than 30 consecutive minutes may pose some health risks for a newborn. For this reason, if long trips are necessary, it is strongly recommended to take several breaks to ensure the child’s comfort and well-being even while traveling by car. Although there are car seats on the market that allow the seat angle to recline for a more relaxed position, it is important to remember that car seats are primarily safety devices designed to prevent or, at least, reduce the risks in the event of an accident. Infant car seats, therefore, should not be considered transportation devices except for short trips. Naturally, as a child grows, they will gradually be able to handle longer journeys, but it is always advisable to allow children to take breaks.

Useful Tips for Safe Driving

A child’s safety and well-being are primarily a matter of driver behavior. Here are some basic but important recommendations to ensure safe and peaceful travel:

• Ensure that the vehicle (windshield wipers, brakes, tires, etc.) is in good condition;
• Make sure the car seat is properly secured to the vehicle seat and that the child is well strapped in with the harness tightly fastened (if the child is wearing a jacket, it is recommended to remove it so that the straps can fit snugly);
• Set up the driver’s seat properly by adjusting the headrest and seat distance;
• Remove any loose objects from the rear shelf and seats: in case of a crash, they could be thrown inside the vehicle and become dangerous;
• During the trip, avoid giving in to the child’s tantrums or turning around. Just check them quickly in the rear-view mirror or use rear-facing car seat mirrors if the child is rear-facing. If needed, pull over safely
• Always pay close attention to safe distances and speed limits. This rule always applies—especially when a child is on board.