Can Newborns Sit in a Car Seat? What Parents Need to Know

Newborns can sit in car seats when travelling; however, a car seat should only be used for transport and is not suitable for anything other than car journeys. If your newborn falls asleep in their car seat during a journey, they should be moved to their usual sleeping space when you reach your destination.

The NHS’s official guidance is to buy a car seat before your baby is born, where possible, making sure it fits your car and is suitable for a newborn.  

In this blog, we’ll cover safety guidance for newborns in car seats, how to choose the right one, and how to position your baby safely. 

 

Can Newborns Sit in a Car Seat?

Newborns can safely sit in a car seat when the seat is designed for their height or weight. In the UK, children must normally use a child car seat until they are 12 years old or 135cm tall, whichever comes first. 

Seats should be rear-facing for newborns until the child is 15 months old or weighs up to 13kg. After this, the seat can be front or rear facing. 

Rear-facing seats are considered to offer better protection in the event of an accident. Airbag activation can cause injury to young children due to their rapid expansion. 

How Long Can Newborns Be in a Car Seat?

Newborns can fall asleep during a journey, which is normal. But the key point to remember is that car seats are for travelling, not for naps or routine sleeping when a journey is over. 

Babies should not usually be in a car seat for longer than about two hours at a time. On long journeys, take regular breaks so your baby can be lifted out of the seat, stretch, and move around.

This is particularly important for very young babies. Research suggests that pre-term and young babies may be at risk of breathing difficulties if they remain upright in an infant car seat for a long period. 

 

Jovikids Ranger TT Spin 360 Car Seat - Twilight - Suitable from birth to 12 years. With ISOFIX and top tether installation. A budget-friendly option for all stages. 

 

Choosing the Right Car Seat

Car seats are grouped according to your child's height or weight, as well as their compatibility with your car. It is recommended that you try a few seats in your car before making a decision, and ask trained staff to fit the car seat on your behalf. Your car may only be compatible with certain seats or an ISOFIX safety system. 

Car seats in the UK must be approved to recognised safety standards. Approved height-based seats should show an “E” and “R129”, while approved weight-based seats should show “E” and “ECE R44”. 

Second-hand car seats are generally not recommended unless you are buying from a trusted source. Second-hand seats may have been damaged in accidents, may be missing parts, or may not fit your car properly. 

Safe Positioning, Sleep, and Overheating

A newborn should be seated and secured according to the manufacturer's instructions. Asking retail staff to demonstrate the correct procedure when buying the seat can help you fit the car seat correctly and secure your newborn safely. 

You should never place a rear-facing baby seat in the front passenger seat if there is an active airbag. You should only fit a car seat to a passenger seat if you have the airbag disabled, but it is generally considered safer for children to travel in the back of the car. 

Temperature is often overlooked, but it is important to consider. When your baby is in the car, you should remove outdoor clothing, like coats. You should regularly check their tummy or the back of their neck for clammy or sweaty skin. Young babies cannot regulate their temperature very well, so they are more prone to overheating. 

Travelling Safely with a Newborn

Newborns can sit in a car seat, and it is safe as long as they are fitted suitably in a rear-facing car seat. The most important thing is to avoid using car seats as a regular sleeping space and to take regular breaks on long journeys. 

Before your first trip, check that your car seat is right for your baby's weight and height, is compatible with your vehicle, and is fitted correctly. This will make sure your newborn is protected on every journey. 

Ready to prepare for safer, smoother journeys? Browse our baby and toddler car seats today to find a practical and trusted option for safer journeys.