Not safe for sleep.
Car seats, strollers, swings, slings, and bouncers are not recommended for safe sleep. They can be dangerous for your baby if they are not used the right way.
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a crib, bassinet, or portable play yard with a firm mattress, without toys or blankets.
For the safety of babies and children 2 years of age and younger:
- Keep an eye on your child if he/she is in a car seat, stroller, swing, sling, or bouncer. Even with straps, babies can move into a wrong position that can be dangerous or make it hard for them to breathe.
- When using a car seat, be sure children are seated and buckled up the right way. Do not place car seats on soft or unstable surfaces.
- When using a sling, your baby’s face should be easy to see. Their face should not be covered by fabric and their chin should not touch their chest. Otherwise, it may be hard for your baby to breathe and this can put your baby’s life in danger.
- Do not place more than one baby in a swing meant for just one baby.
- Keep babies away from soft bedding.
Learn more about Safe Sleep for Your Baby.
Keep in mind: Car seats save lives in vehicles, when used the right way. When you are no longer traveling, take baby out of the car seat, carrier, or stroller.
Talk to your doctor or health care provider for more information.
Call 888 – 327 – 4236 for free information and help using your child’s car seat safely. Mon – Fri 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Eastern Time.
Sources:
– Batra EK, Midgett JD, Moon RY. Hazards Associated with Sitting and Carrying Devices for Children Two Years and Younger. J. Pediatr. 2015. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2015.03.044
– Moon RY, American Academy of Pediatrics, Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Expansion of Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment. Pediatrics. 2011; 128(5): e1341- e1367. DOI: 10.1542/peds.2011-2285
– Cribs Are for Sleeping, Car Seats Are for Traveling: Danger in Using Sitting and Carrying Devices for Sleeping Infants. The Journal of Pediatrics web site. http://bit.ly/1A6hpHb. Published April 24, 2015. Accessed April 26, 2015.
Updated January 11, 2016