Many babies find the motion and hum of a car ride soothing, which can help them relax and fall asleep. Car naps are perfectly okay when supported safely, but you won’t want to rely extensively on car rides for sleep, which can make for a problematic sleep association later.
Otherwise, enjoy the car naps when they happen; you might find them to be a peaceful break in your day. Just be sure to follow these safety considerations:
Your car seat is installed correctly, and your baby is secured correctly. Checking your car seat installation with a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) is easier than ever. Just reach out via social media or email to groups like Car Seats for the Littles, who can help you virtually from the comfort of your home.
Never leave your baby to nap in the car unattended.
Never leave your baby to nap in their car seat when it has been removed from your vehicle.
Why isn’t it safe to let my baby sleep in their car seat outside of the vehicle?
When a baby is left sleeping in a car seat outside the car, their head can slump forward due to the angle of the seat. This position can potentially obstruct the baby's airway, leading to difficulty breathing and an increased risk of suffocation.
Secondly, car seats may not support a baby's developing spine and neck muscles while they sleep. Prolonged use of car seats for sleeping can lead to discomfort and potential issues with musculoskeletal development.
In short, car naps are an essential part of life with baby and can even offer a nice break for you, but be sure to keep your baby’s car seat naps to your vehicle only, and always transfer them to a safe sleep space when back home.