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Parenting

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Original poster

How long can a toddler spend in a car seat?

6 replies

suckmasterburstingfoam · 10/02/2019 15:16

Newborns aren't supposed to be in a car seat for more than 2 hours at a time. But at what age is it OK for them to spend longer in the car? And how long is OK as they get older?

DS is 21 months and we are arguing about whether it's OK to let him sleep in the car for 4 hours.

Google bangs on and on about newborns and the 2 hour rule but I can't find guidelines for older babies and toddlers.

Can anyone point me to any "official" advice? Thanks!

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BendingSpoons · 10/02/2019 15:31

I don't think you will find any official guidance. I think guidelines for newborns and babies are based on the impact on their spine and their ability to breathe, as well as because they are often in car seats outside the car (attached to buggy or as somewhere to sleep). I imagine this is similar to safe sleeping guidelines etc that once they are over 1, they are considered more robust and able to reposition themselves.

With toddlers I am not aware of an my issues of occasional long trips. Obviously it wouldn't be recommended to do 4 hours everyday. For an occasional trip, personally I'd think it was fine and preferable to go longer whilst they are sleeping. I would try to break the journey if they woke up to give them a break to stretch, eat etc. Obviously this is personal, not official.

coffeeforone · 10/02/2019 15:31

Sorry no link to official advice but I'd say it's absolutely fine for a 21 month old to sleep in the car for 4 hours.

Kismetjayn · 10/02/2019 15:34

We had to take DD in the car on an 9 hour roadtrip (Surrey to Wales!) When she was not quite 2. She was fine- slept about 5 hours, had lots of toys, couple of breaks at services. A 4 hour nap will be fine. If he gets uncomfortable he's old enough to wake up and let you know.

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Original poster

suckmasterburstingfoam · 10/02/2019 16:26

Crikey, I can't imagine doing a 9-hour trip with a child. Or without, come to that. I'm as much of a whinger in the car as he is.

Thanks all!

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JKCR2017 · 10/02/2019 18:39

I don’t think there is any official guidelines. Sometimes long car trips are unavoidable 😊 4 hours will be absolutely fine at that age imo.

UniversalTruth · 10/02/2019 18:41

I came on to say - until you can't cope with the whining anymore but I see you already understand that

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