On-the-go nap safety: Tips for your baby while traveling 

Get the perfect fit 

According to Dr. Mona Amin, a general pediatrician, newborns don't have the neck control to correct themselves. If they doze off in the car seat, their heads may drop forward, which might restrict their breathing. It's vital to double-check (and triple-check) that your car seat is installed properly and positioned at the correct angle. Keep the harness straps snug against your baby's body without any slack, and ensure the chest clip is aligned with their armpits. This helps prevent your baby’s head from falling forward or to the side. 

Be careful while moving your baby 

If you have a travel system, which combines a stroller and a car seat, it makes traveling with your child so much easier. When they snooze in the car, you can simply detach the car seat from its base and transfer them to a stroller without disrupting their naptime. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. 

Always put the car seat carrier on its designated seat base or stroller. If you must put it down momentarily, avoid using a table, sofa, or chair where it could easily fall over. Also, avoid leaving your baby in there for too long. Once the car seat is out of the car, your child is no longer at the proper recline angle to keep their head up at a healthy position. "The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends transferring an infant to a firm, flat surface to sleep on their back,” advises Holly Choi, a certified first-aid instructor and Child Passenger Safety Technician. So, moving your baby to a crib may potentially wake them up and ruin their sleep schedule, but the minor fuss is worth it. 

Keep an eye on them at all times 

There may be times when you don’t have access to a crib for your dozing baby. If you must keep them strapped in the car seat, don't leave them unattended — even if it's for a few minutes. 

“The problem is when people think, ‘my baby is fine,’ then they leave the room to answer a phone call, get a drink, or put a load of laundry in the machine. But you can't leave the room,” warns Dr. Mona. “You have to be able to see their chest move and that their neck is not craned down.” You might also be tempted to loosen the harness once your child is out of the car to make them more comfortable, but this might allow them to roll over, wriggle out, or drop their head. Stay close at all times when your baby is in the car seat. 

Embrace the pitstop 

If you’ve got a toddler in a car seat, build in time for a break every two hours. You’ll need to stop to feed them and possibly do a diaper change; plus, it’s good for everyone to get out of the car and stretch their legs. 

For a newborn, it's even more crucial to take a break. According to Choi, if they stay in one position in the car for too long, this can compromise their oxygen levels and circulation. It's better to pull over to the next pitstop and get your baby out from the car seat, even for five minutes. 

When they're napping in a stroller 

While you're walking around, your newborn is ideally in a stroller with a bassinet, like the Bugaboo Fox 5 — so that they can rest flat on their back. This is the most healthy position for them to be in as it supports their spine and promotes better breathing. 

If you're on a summer vacation, it may be your first instinct to drape a blanket over the stroller to block out the sun’s rays. But this is not recommended. “Of course, when they doze off, you're going to be watching them. But you don't want anything blocking your view of their face,” says Dr. Mona. Even a thin, muslin blanket will trap heat inside the stroller. “Airflow is so crucial for babies,” says Choi. “They are significantly more prone to overheating because they don't have the same ability to regulate their body temperature as adults do.” 

Instead, to create a dark, sleep-inducing environment, use a sun canopy that your stroller’s manufacturer makes, which has been rigorously tested for safety. During hotter days, switch out for a canopy with mesh panels on the sides for ventilation, such as the Bugaboo breezy sun canopy. If you're in a noisy area, use a portable white-noise machine, which can help cancel out any city sounds. Dr. Mona recommends keeping the volume no louder than the sound of a running shower (about 65 decibels), so it’s safe for your baby’s eardrums. 

When they're resting indoors 

If you want to bring a comfortable space for your baby to rest whenever you go, consider a play yard, also known as a portacot or travel cot. It's a portable solution that can be easily folded and packed into your car or carried with you. 

You can also use a bassinet stand, like the Bugaboo stand, which lets your child rest in their familiar bassinet above the ground. However, you should always supervise your baby if they're napping in a bassinet stroller. 

Rest easy 

Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine is essential for your baby’s well-being, but their safety during rest should always come first. Keep these tips in mind as you travel, so you can enjoy every moment with your baby while ensuring their comfort and security.