Driving your new baby home from hospital
What you need to know about driving your new baby home from hospital and how to maximise safety within the car. A collaborative post with me, midwife Beth and Graco.
81% of parents admitted to feeling nervous taking that very first car journey with their newborn. That’s a crazy high statistic that, I am sure if you are reading this, you are falling within. We asked our audience of pregnant Mums and expectant Fathers what your biggest concerns were from driving your new baby home from the hospital.
How do I know if my baby’s car seat straps are too loose or tight?
When strapping your baby into the car seat with the harness, the car seat straps should be directly over baby’s shoulders. The headrest should be level with the chin not only for comfort, but to prevent movement in a collision. The straps shouldn’t be slipping from baby’s shoulders or tightened when the straps are below their shoulders. The straps should be tightened when they are directly over baby’s shoulders. Check your manufacturer’s car seat instruction manual, as all car seats can be different.
Once baby is strapped in, give the harness a once over for any straps that are loose and have too much slack. Once you think that baby is secured, you can do a ‘pinch test’. On baby’s shoulders, see if you can pinch the harness. If you can then it is too loose and will need tightening. If the seat belt is tight enough then you shouldn’t be able to bunch the car seat harness together when you pinch.
Does it matter where the car seat goes in the car?
Your baby’s car seat should go behind the passenger seat. This is so that in an emergency, the driver can help baby whilst on the pavement side of the road. If you choose to put baby in the front seat, it is a legal requirement to deactivate the airbag. If using a front seat, position the vehicle seat as far back as possible.
What should I dress baby in when we leave the hospital?
As a rule of thumb, add one more layer to baby to what you are wearing. So, if you are wearing a T-shirt with a cardigan, baby will need a vest, baby grow and cardigan. For dressing baby in the car seat, it is important to not put any ‘outerwear’ or anything padded on baby. Thick padding can prevent straps from supporting baby in the car seat in the event of a collision. It is also more challenging to remove layers if you think baby is too hot in the car seat. It is safer for baby to be in just their baby grow/clothes in the car seat and then add blankets for warmth if necessary after baby has been strapped in, if you feel like this is necessary. Hats would not be recommended in the car to prevent overheating.
How long is it safe for baby to be in a car seat?
There is no evidence to suggest what is too long for a baby to be in a car seat for. NHS guidelines advise at least every two hours. This will allow you to take your baby out of their seat, giving them the chance to stretch and move around. Research into SIDS and car seats found that young babies can have difficulty with their breathing when in the car seat for a long period of time. They have heavier heads compared to their body and poor neck control so it can be dangerous if their heads slump forward, blocking their air flow. Ideally, having someone in the back with a new baby would mean that you can reposition them if you notice they have changed their posture. If this isn’t possible, then a mirror in the back would be beneficial.
If your journey on the way back from the hospital is long (or if you’re travelling another long journey with your newborn) be sure to take regular breaks, taking baby out of the car seat. Remember, that it is ok for baby to fall asleep in the car seat whilst travelling but once you have arrived at your destination, you should take baby out of the car seat to sleep on a firm flat surface.
Should I sit in the back with my baby on the way home from hospital?
Sitting in the back with baby on the car ride home will be reassuring for you. If you notice a change in your baby’s position then take them out of the car seat to readjust them. You will need to pull over to do this. Being in the back, you can comfort and soothe baby if baby is upset on the way home.
Road Safety Week 2024
Graco, the experts in child car seats, is an official supporter to the charity Brake and is raising awareness of Brake’s Road Safety Week 2024 with the campaign, Safety Within. As part of the campaign, Graco is championing its newest and super safe car seat solution, the SnugTurn System, comforting parents, ‘when you can’t hold them, we will’. The SnugTurn System features a rotating base and is compatible with two car seats, to make car journeys with little ones from birth up to around four years old easier and safer than ever.
