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Car Seats Aren't Cribs: Safe Sleep for Baby
Car Seats Aren't Cribs: Safe Sleep for BabyMany babies enjoy gently rocking in a baby swing. They also like the motion of riding in a stroller or bouncingin a bouncy seat. This can be comforting to a baby, and also provides parents with a secure place to put theirbaby. In fact, babies often feel so comfortable in these devices they’re lulled to sleep.While they may be sleeping peacefully at first, a baby sleeping in a semi-reclined position can actually becomea dangerous situation very quickly. Babies lack strong neck control. Since their head is heavy, it can slouchforward and block their airway: suffocating them. This is called positional asphyxia.Infant car seats have become very popular for more than just securing a baby safely in a vehicle. With theinvention of infant “travel systems,” now parents can unlatch the seat from the base in their car and attach it toa stroller or grocery cart. They can carry their baby in the car seat with them anywhere they go. Then afterarriving home, if the baby is still asleep, she’s often left in the seat even longer.It can be harmful to let your baby spend so much time in a car seat. Even if you don’t want to wake apeacefully sleeping baby, it’s important to transfer him to a crib or safe sleeping environment, unless you’redriving in a car. And never leave your baby unattended, propped up on a couch, pillow or bean bag chair.Even though baby seats and devices are convenient, when babies are awake, take them out and place themon the floor to play. Supervised tummy time helps them gain the muscle strength and strong neck and headcontrol they’ll need for rolling over, crawling and pulling themselves up.And when it comes time for babies to fall asleep, even just a nap, the safest place for them is on their back in abare crib or bassinet.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
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