2 Hour Rule | Baby Safe (2024)

CAR SEATS SHOULD ONLY BE USED
TO TRANSPORT BABIES IN CARS

Car seats are designed to keep babies safe while travelling, not as a main sleeping place.

The research recommends that frequent breaks are taken on long journeys to get the baby out of the seat, even if this involves waking the baby up. The same applies when bringing the baby into the home if they have fallen asleep in the car seat. The baby’s warm outdoor clothing should be taken off, even if this involves waking the baby.

If the baby is due a sleep, they should be taken out of the car seat and put into a cot or crib; the safest place for a baby to sleep is on a firm, flat mattress – a car seat does not meet this requirement.

Worryingly, it has been found that some babies were spending hour after hour in car seats, ie during the journey, transferring the car seat in a travel system pram, and once home allowing the baby to continue sleeping in the car seat rather than waking the baby up and placing in them in a cot or crib.

All the advice suggests that babies should not spend longer than possible in a car seat, especially whilst sleeping.

2 Hour Rule | Baby Safe (2024)

FAQs

2 Hour Rule | Baby Safe? ›

SO WHAT IS THE 2 HOUR RULE? Many car seat manufacturers recommend that a baby should not be in a car seat for longer than 2 hours, within a 24 hour time period.

What is the 2 hour rule for babies? ›

What is the 2 hour 'rule'? The '2 hour rule' is the established safety recommendation endorsed by safety experts and manufacturers. As you'd expect, this rule suggests that babies shouldn't sit in a car seat for more than 2 hours at a time.

How long does the 2 hour car seat rule apply? ›

The two-hour car seat rule age is not specific, but it should be followed until the baby is old enough to sit upright and control their head and neck movement.

Why can't babies be in the car seat for more than 2 hours? ›

Damage to the spine: As a baby's spine is still developing, prolonging the semi-upright position could lead to serious health risks or even disability. Restricted breathing: When the baby falls asleep in a car seat, the seating position could affect the airflow to the lungs.

Can I drive 2 hours with a newborn? ›

It is important for you and your baby to get out of the car every few hours and take a stretch to avoid restlessness. Try to take a break every 2 to 3 hours for a day trip and every 4 to 6 hours at night to change diapers or soiled clothes, or to feed your baby.

Why is the 2 hour rule important? ›

The 2-hour/4-hour rule is a good way to make sure potentially hazardous food is safe even if it's been out of refrigeration. The rule has been scientifically checked and is based on how quickly microorganisms grow in food at temperatures between 5°C and 60°C.

How long of a break does a baby need from a car seat? ›

From "how long can a baby be in a car seat?" to baby toys for car travel, read our tips and advice! How long should a baby be in a car seat? Lots of parents want to know "how long can babies stay in car seats?" The general advice is that your baby should sit/sleep in their car seat for no more than two hours at a time.

Why can a baby only be in a car seat for two hours? ›

Your baby should not be in a car seat for longer than two hours at a time. Research has shown a link between travelling in car seats for long periods and breathing difficulties in young babies. If you are driving for a long period of time, it is important that you take regular breaks (at least every two hours).

How long can a 4 week old be in a car seat? ›

New research warns that infants under four weeks shouldn't travel in car seats for more than 30 minutes. There are ways to remedy that... Most car seats for young children lay back fairly far, also, if they don't, you can place a folded towel or blanket behind the shoulders to help keep the airway open.

At what age is positional asphyxia no longer a concern? ›

Also, there is no definite age cut off, but as baby grows & can move & lift head & change head position, the risk reduces…..

What is the risk of baby in car seat too long? ›

Research into the link between car seats and SIDS found young babies may be at risk of breathing difficulties if they sleep in a seated position for too long. If your trip involves driving for long periods of time, you should stop for frequent breaks.

Can I leave my baby in the car to pay for gas? ›

BALTIMORE -- The next time you get in the car with your child, do not leave them inside. Often times, parents leave their kids in the car and step out for a quick moment to pump gas or buy something at a store. But it only takes seconds for a simple errand to go wrong and turn into a nightmare.

What happens if a baby spends too much time in a car seat? ›

Container baby syndrome describes the various conditions caused when a baby spends too much time in devices such as a car seat, swing, bouncer, or stroller. CBS can cause movement problems and cognitive, speech, or social-emotional delays.

What is the newborn 2 hour rule? ›

The way a baby sits in car safety seats can put odd pressure on their growing spine and hips. By sticking to the 2-hour time period rule, we're making sure infants don't stay in one position for too prolonged a period of time. This practice is key for fostering sound musculoskeletal health.

Is it okay to let baby cry in the car seat? ›

It's extremely dangerous and counterproductive, making it even more difficult for your child to get used to riding in her car seat. Making poor driving decisions when your baby is wailing puts everyone in the car at risk.

When can a newborn travel long distance by car? ›

Many pediatricians recommend waiting until your child is at least 3 months old before traveling long distances. This allows for their immune system to be better developed, making them more resistant to infections. This applies to babies who are born full-term and have no other health conditions.

How long do babies need 2 hourly feeds? ›

Newborn: Your baby will feed every 2–3 hours. At 2 months: Feedings take place every 3–4 hours. At 4 to 6 months: Your baby will feed about every 4–5 hours. At 6 months and over: Feeding will happen every 4–5 hours.

Is it mandatory to feed baby every 2 hours? ›

In the first few weeks of life, breastfeeding should be "on demand" (when your baby is hungry), which is about every 1-1/2 to 3 hours. As newborns get older, they'll nurse less often, and may have a more predictable schedule. Some might feed every 90 minutes, whereas others might go 2–3 hours between feedings.

When can babies go more than 2 hours without eating? ›

Newborns generally sleep for two to three hours before waking to eat, day and night. As they get older, babies are usually able to sleep for increasingly longer stretches of time at night without waking to eat. Between the age of 2 to 3 months old, healthy babies are often able to sleep for six hours without feeding.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kieth Sipes

Last Updated:

Views: 5775

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kieth Sipes

Birthday: 2001-04-14

Address: Suite 492 62479 Champlin Loop, South Catrice, MS 57271

Phone: +9663362133320

Job: District Sales Analyst

Hobby: Digital arts, Dance, Ghost hunting, Worldbuilding, Kayaking, Table tennis, 3D printing

Introduction: My name is Kieth Sipes, I am a zany, rich, courageous, powerful, faithful, jolly, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.