[bittersweet]

My mom was in town so we decided to go to a baby store just to look around.

Well in the car seat department, this sales lady (she was the one in charge of making sure people installed car seats correctly etc.) said that infants should not be kept in their car seat for over 20 minute duration. So not to get the travel system where the car seat hooks into the stroller. She said sitting in the car seat decreases their oxygenation by 25% and they should be flat when strolling the around.

I planned on getting a travel system with a infant car seat that can attatch into the stroller for ease. I thought what she said was crazy (and just plain wrong), I've never ever heard that before and I cant find anything online about it.

Just wondering if anyone has ever heard this before?

[soImarriedAnerd]

i have heard that also, but it was for SLEEPING infant (up till they have head control). Because their little heads can flop forward and thus lose some air way.

[bittersweet]

Originally Posted by soImarriedAnerd

i have heard that also, but it was for SLEEPING infant (up till they have head control). Because their little heads can flop forward and thus lose some air way.

Well I figured that much. But they have the head support things in the car seat, plus the seats arent straight up and down, most have 45 degree angle , so gravity would prevent their head from flopping forward. And how would that be any different than them sleeping in their car seat in the car? Almost all babies sleep in cars and many car rides are more than 20 minutes. I dont know, just seems like a far stretch to claim their oxygenation is decreased by 25%.

[alicenwonderland]

I thought this was only true for premies. I know premature babies usually have to pass the "carseat test" before going home, to make sure they can support their own airway. Those who are unable need those special 'laying down' carseats that can only be purchased through medical supply. Term babies shouldn't have a problem in a carseat. Of course this is what I think, not what I know for sure.

[bittersweet]

Originally Posted by alicenwonderland

I thought this was only true for premies. I know premature babies usually have to pass the "carseat test" before going home, to make sure they can support their own airway. Those who are unable need those special 'laying down' carseats that can only be purchased through medical supply. Term babies shouldn't have a problem in a carseat. Of course this is what I think, not what I know for sure.

That makes more sense.

[IamMom]

I have a travel system and used it for my son and took him for plenty of walks, and plenty of car rides and often times he just sat in it. He's a happy healthy 3 year old so we'll use it again (we did just hook up the recall kit we got on the handle of it after DS was already out of it....and I checked and there have been no further issues). DS was also born just shy of 37 weeks so not really a preemie but still - he always did just fine.!

I never heard of that..I have a travel system..

[sara~b]

Gemma used a travel system from birth to about a year and she's just fine! My nephew still uses one (15 months now) and he's perfect as well!

[Mars]

I've only heard something similar before. I bought a Kolcraft universal car seat holder and I walk Amara around in it a few times but I don't leave her in it too long.

[Emma&Jack's Momma]

Originally Posted by alicenwonderland

I thought this was only true for premies. I know premature babies usually have to pass the "carseat test" before going home, to make sure they can support their own airway. Those who are unable need those special 'laying down' carseats that can only be purchased through medical supply. Term babies shouldn't have a problem in a carseat. Of course this is what I think, not what I know for sure.

Jack had to take this test before leaving the hospital. During the forst test, it dropped once to 82 and they had to redo the test. It took an hour both times and the solution was a rolled up receiving blanket around his head! Other than that, I've never heard of that with a full term infant (Jack was 3 1/2 weeks early so still considered premature)

[Miracle]

I've never heard that before.

[.Brandi.]

Originally Posted by Emma's Momma

Jack had to take this test before leaving the hospital. During the forst test, it dropped once to 82 and they had to redo the test. It took an hour both times and the solution was a rolled up receiving blanket around his head! Other than that, I've never heard of that with a full term infant (Jack was 3 1/2 weeks early so still considered premature)

They had to do this with Preston as well. We had it done four times, the first 2 times with room oxygen and the second 2 with tank oxygen. His oxygen levels were low, so he came home with oxygen! We had to roll receiving blankets in ours too. Actually, I had a child safety seat expert tell us to use rolled up receiving blankets instead of buying the extra head rests and stuff, because the car seats are NOT tested in car crashes with the extra stuffing, unless it comes with the car seat itself!

[Frozendesire]

I've heard of it more along the lines of having them sleep in it. I believe it 100%. I don't think a baby should be left in there for long periods of time while sleeping, unless you can fully see them at all times. Their heads slouch, this can restrict air flow.

But with a travel system I find that the carseat usually lays back even more reclined then in a car, making it so their head stays further back. Plus with a travel system you can always keep an eye on them.

Sorry I just have heard of stories where an infant is sleeping in a carseat and unfortunately passes away. (This was when they brought it into their house and let them keep sleeping in it for a long period of time)

[~*Bethy*~]

With both of my babies (one was 9.13oz and the othe was 6lbs 15oz) and I've never had this problem. To tell you the truth my smaller baby breathed better in the carseat than my almost 10lber - both had a headrest, both stayed in the carseat for same amounts of time.