Leaving babies in car seats for extended periods can pose a serious risk of positional asphyxia, a condition where a baby's breathing is restricted due to their body position. Car seats are designed to keep infants safe while traveling, providing support and protection during car rides. However, when used outside of the car or for prolonged periods, these seats can lead to dangerous situations.

Positional asphyxia occurs when a baby's airway becomes partially or fully blocked due to the position of their head, neck, or body. In a car seat, a baby's head can slump forward or to the side, compressing the airway and making it difficult for them to breathe properly. Because infants have weaker neck muscles and less control over their head movements, they are especially vulnerable to this risk.

The semi-reclined position typical of car seats can also exacerbate the problem. While it’s safe for short trips in the car, this position can cause a baby's chest and abdomen to be compressed if they remain in it too long. This compression can reduce lung capacity and hinder effective breathing, potentially leading to oxygen deprivation.

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