Safety risk Child car seats can cause severe respiratory problems in children

Long trips in child seats expose babies to a health hazard
Newborns and babies should always be transported in the car in special child seats to avoid possible injuries in the event of accidents. However, researchers found that infants can suffer from respiratory problems if they have to spend a long time in such safety seats.

Researchers at the University of Bristol and the University of Southampton found in their study that placing infants in special child seats for extended periods of time can lead to breathing difficulties. The physicians published the results of the study in the medical journal "BMJ".

Young children and babies should never be transported without a child seat in the car. However, medical professionals have noted that placing babies and toddlers in child seats on long trips can cause breathing difficulties, and that the vibrations that occur affect heart and lung functions. (Image: Superingo / fotolia.com)

Study examines effects of long trips in child seats
Most expectant parents are advised to buy a safety seat for children at an early stage. However, the new study has shown that prolonged placement in child seats can lead to heart rate changes. The current study is the first to evaluate the impact of child seats on infants, replicating the angle of the backseat of a small family car, the authors said in a press release from the University of Bristol.

Experts are developing a motion simulator for the study
The researchers developed a motion simulator for their study that reproduced vertical vibrations similar to those of a car safety seat in a rearward position on the back of a car. This simulator was developed, manufactured and tested by the Human Factors Research Unit at the University of Southampton Institute of Sound and Vibration Research. The simulation reproduces the vertical vibrations of traveling at a speed of 30 kilometers per hour on a straight urban road, explain the physicians. There are no actions such as braking, accelerating or driving through potholes.

Test examines physiological impact of vibrations on the body of infants
The test showed the effects of vibration on the baby's heart and lung functions. The researchers discovered that normal infants and premature babies had significant signs of potentially negative cardiorespiratory effects. The study was the first to investigate the physiological impact of vibration on the body of infants in a car safety seat, says Professor Peter Fleming of the University of Bristol.

Driving in the child seat increases the heart and respiratory rate in babies
If infants are exposed to the vibrations of a car in an upright 40-degree position, the heart and respiratory rates are significantly increased, the researchers explain. In addition, there is still a reduced oxygen saturation. By simulating the movement, a marked increase in potentially clinically significant oxygen desaturation has been noted, the experts add.

Child seats are not a suitable sleeping place for infants
Parents should not stop using child seats now, because infants need urgently to be transported safely enough, the experts say. However, parents should not use car seats as a sleeping place for babies.

Motion simulator could lead to the redesign of child seats
More research is urgently needed, explains Professor Michael Griffin of the University of Southampton. The motion simulator can explore the potential benefits and limitations of different child seat designs. The findings could then lead to a revision of current recommendations on the use of child seats on longer trips, the researchers say. In addition, findings may also have implications for the redesign of infant car seats, adds Prof. Griffin.

Further research is urgently needed
The new findings are certainly cause for concern. Parents should always keep a close eye on their babies, if they make longer trips in a car seat, the scientists warn. Also, parents should not drive long distances without pauses. Nevertheless, the decisive factor must always be avoiding the risk of injury in the event of a traffic accident. Infants and babies should therefore never be transported without a child seat in the car, explain the researchers. Further research is now needed to find out how children and babies can be transported safely and comfortably in a child seat. (As)