What is postural asphyxia?

It is very common for our little ones to fall asleep in the car seat after a long day at the park or shopping. It is a moment of peace of mind for parents, as they can drive without worrying while the baby takes a nap.

But during the first months of life, it is crucial to make sure that the posture they adopt is correct to avoid postural asphyxia.

However, what exactly is postural asphyxia? It is a phenomenon that occurs while a small baby sleeps in the car seat, especially when the baby is not yet able to support his head. The baby takes a "C" position because of gravity, tilting his head to the front and to the side, this position for a prolonged period of time can lead to oxygenation difficulties and a fatal outcome.

For a small child to spend more than an hour and a half in this position produces the reduction of oxygen intake and therefore asphyxia. The situation worsens when it is a premature baby whose development is usually less than that of a baby born after 38 weeks of gestation. Studies on premature babies show that, after a period of 60 minutes in the car seat, the oxygen saturation in the blood drops from 97% to 94%, the normal values being between 96% and 100%.

After numerous studies it has been determined that there is a way to prevent postural asphyxia and it is to follow some simple recommendations:

- Limit the baby's time in the car seat to a maximum period of 90 minutes.

- If the baby falls asleep in the car seat, do not leave him/her in it once you get out of the car seat, even if he/she seems to be sleeping comfortably.

- Avoid using the car seat for naps at home.

- Make sure to follow the instructions for use of the car seat so that the harnesses maintain a correct position and the baby does not lean forward more than necessary.

- On long car trips, make sure to stop every 90 minutes to take the baby out of the car seat and allow him/her to rest.

- Make sure to use the right seat for the baby's age, height and weight.

Remember that car seats should be used exclusively for the safe transportation of the child, they are not suitable for taking naps, much less for long periods of time. Whenever possible, we should prefer that the baby takes a nap on a flat surface and without objects around.

Every parent has considered getting the baby out of the car while still sleeping in the car seat and leaving it somewhere safe in the house to take a break, but as tempting as that sounds, it is not recommended that they take long naps in that position. Avoid at all costs that your baby remains in an uncomfortable position and suffers postural asphyxia.