Infant car safety seats 

8 December 2006

Comment on the BMJ paper by SL Tonkin et al on apparently life threatening events in infant car safety seats.

A study to be published in the British Medical Journal tomorrow (8 December 2006) describes nine infants aged three days to six months (median age five weeks) who experienced one or more apparently life threatening events (stopping breathing, becoming limp and blue) while occupying a car safety seat.

Eight of the nine events occurred while the infant was sleeping in a car safety seat in the home, and only one while the infant was in a seat in the car while being driven. The babies were all found with their necks bent forward, apparently obstructing or compromising the airway into the lungs, but they did not die as a consequence of these events.

Previous studies have shown that infants, especially if born prematurely, experience falls in their blood oxygen levels when placed in seats of this kind, compared with the levels when they were placed flat on their backs (supine) in a cot or crib. It is not yet clear, however, whether other factors, in addition to prematurity or poor muscle tone, increase the risk for individual babies of airway obstruction in car safety seats.

The findings of the new study confirm that the safest place for a baby to sleep is in a properly designed cot or crib, on their back, and preferably in the same room as a parent or other carer. Car seats are not ideal places for safe infant sleep in the home.

If a baby is being transported in a car, he or she should be carried in a properly designed and fitted car seat, facing backwards, and be observable by a competent adult.

Media enquiries:
Nicola Peckett, Communications Manager, 020 7227 5212 or out of hours 07981 899 827.
Stacey Kerr, Communications Officer, 020 7227 5210.


Note to editors:

The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths is the UK’s leading baby charity working to prevent sudden deaths and promote health. FSID funds research (nearly £10 million to date), supports bereaved families and promotes safe baby care advice.

FSID runs a Helpline (020 7233 2090) for parents and professionals seeking advice on safe baby care. The Helpline also supports bereaved families.

 

More Press releases »