Choosing between a car seat and a bassinet can feel overwhelming, especially for new parents.

Both serve important purposes, but they are designed for very different needs.

A car seat is essential for keeping your baby safe while traveling. At the same time, a bassinet provides the best sleep environment at home. But what exactly makes them different?

• Is it safe for a newborn to sleep in a car seat?
• How long can a baby stay in a car seat?
• Can a bassinet be used for travel?

Is a Car Seat or Bassinet Better for Newborn Baby?

A bassinet is the safest choice for newborn sleep. The AAP recommends it because it provides a flat, firm surface to reduce the risk of suffocation. A car seat is essential for travel but should not be used for extended sleep, as prolonged sitting can lead to breathing issues and an increased SIDS risk. Use a bassinet for sleep and a car seat for transportation to ensure your baby’s safety.

I learned the hard way how important flat sleeping surfaces were when my baby developed a slight flat spot on the back of his head at around 8 weeks.

Let’s understand what happens when infants sit in car seats and sleep in a bassinet.

1. Flat Sleeping Surface Importance

An Incidence of Positional Plagiocephaly study shows that 46.6% of infants experience plagiocephaly (known as flat head syndrome) at 7 to 12 weeks.

🧠 Study Insight: The incidence of plagiocephaly in infants at 7 to 12 weeks of age was estimated to be 46.6%. Of all infants with plagiocephaly, 63.2% were affected on the right side, and 78.3% had a mild form.

This is due to the pressure placed on the back of the baby’s skull. The longer a baby sits in a car seat, the more pressure is applied to that area.

And we all know what that means: a flat spot on the head, also known as Flat Head Syndrome.

👩‍⚕️ Expert Opinion – Dr. Emily Carter (Pediatrician): “Newborns have delicate skulls and underdeveloped neck muscles, making flat sleeping surfaces essential. A car seat forces an infant’s head into a forward-leaning position, which may obstruct airflow. This is why pediatricians strongly advise parents to limit car seat use for sleep and opt for bassinets for any extended rest periods.” (AAP)

2. Inclined Sleepers and Recall History

Sleep-related deaths are the leading cause of death for infants—not only in baby beds but also in car seats.

In 2015, a case study published in the Journal of Pediatrics revealed that two-thirds of the deaths they analyzed involved car seats.

📝 Study Finding: Two-thirds of the cases involved car seats. Strangulation from straps accounted for 52% of the car seat deaths. The remaining deaths occurred in slings, swings, bouncers, and strollers. The study included newborns as well as toddlers.

This study highlights that your baby has a higher chance of asphyxiation in a car seat compared to flat-surface sleeping.

Research by Erin Mannen, Ph.D. shows that putting a baby to sleep at more than 10 degrees on an inclined surface increases the risk of suffocation. Learn more: Are Inclined Bassinets Safe?

📊 Expert Suggestion: Mannen and her team recommended that the incline angle on such products be no more than 10 degrees. The lying surface should be flat and rigid, not soft and plush.

That’s why many top-rated bassinets were recalled in 2019 by the CPSC.

Also, consumer organizations said:

📢 Consumer Reports Warning: Recent recalls of products such as the Fisher-Price Rock ’n Play Sleeper and reports linking inclined sleep devices with 54 infant deaths have highlighted the danger of putting babies to sleep on an incline.

✅ Make sure you always adjust your baby’s position—don’t take any chances when it comes to safe sleep!

3. Risks of Positional Asphyxiation

SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) risk increases when you place your baby in a car seat for even a short nap.

Here’s what AAP News reported:

📢 AAP Warning: The American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents not to use sitting devices—including car safety seats, strollers, swings, infant carriers, and slings—for routine sleep. Infants under 4 months are especially at risk because they might assume positions that can restrict breathing or cause suffocation.

Ironically, car seats—although designed for safety—can become hazardous if used for sleep over long periods.

But don’t freak out! Car seats are perfectly safe to use in the car—as long as they’re used correctly and for short durations only.

4. When Should You Use a Car Seat for a Newborn?

Imagine this: You’re returning from a late-night trip, and your newborn is fast asleep in the car seat. You’re exhausted and tempted to leave them there overnight instead of moving them into a bassinet. But should you?

According to Emily A. Thomas (Consumer Reports), a car seat is safe for short naps (no more than 2 hours) if you follow safety guidelines set by the Consumer Reports organization.

🧠 Expert Note: Yes, you can let your baby sleep for short stretches in a car seat, as long as it’s used properly.
Car seats are essential for safety while traveling, but they should be used only while you’re with your baby and observing them, not for extended or overnight sleep.

A car seat is a safety seat specifically designed to protect infants and toddlers during travel. It includes a restraining harness, padding, and an ergonomic shape to support your baby.

Car seats are also convenient, with handles that make transitions from car to home easier.

💡 Safety Reminder: For instance, if you’re transferring your sleeping baby from a car into your home, it’s OK to place the car seat on the ground briefly. But never place it on a high surface like a countertop or a soft surface like a bed or couch.

Many car seats also have adjustable settings, allowing your baby to sit more upright or lie flatter.

Car Seat vs Bassinet: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between a car seat and a bassinet depends on how you plan to use them. Car seats are essential for travel safety, while bassinets provide a flat, secure sleep space for newborns at home.

Using each product as intended ensures your baby’s comfort and safety.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Every parent’s situation is different. While car seats offer critical protection during travel, they are not designed for extended sleep.

Bassinets, on the other hand, offer a breathable, flat sleeping surface that helps reduce the risk of positional asphyxiation.

How Long Can a Newborn Be in a Car Seat?

Bassinets can be used overnight or during long naps. But when it comes to car seats, you need to be more careful—never let your baby sleep in one for more than 2 hours, as advised by Consumer Reports.

That said, there’s no solid research that defines an exact safe time limit.

Still, many manufacturers and safety experts recommend following the 2-hour rule—meaning your baby should not stay in a car seat for more than 2 hours total within a 24-hour period.

Why the limit? Staying in a semi-upright position for too long can cause:

• Strain on the baby’s developing spine
• Restricted airflow to the lungs
• Increased risk of SIDS

According to The Lullaby Trust, babies who remain in car seats too long are at greater risk of SIDS.

🚫 Safety Tip: Never leave hats or thick layers on your baby while traveling. If they seem sweaty or clammy, remove a layer immediately.

Important Do’s & Don’ts for Car Seats

✅ Do’s

• Keep your baby’s seat rear-facing in the backseat of the car.
  • Reason: This position offers the best protection for the head and spine during a crash.
• Choose the correct recline angle for your child’s car seat (usually 35–40 degrees).
  • Reason: Newborns don’t have strong neck muscles, so correct positioning helps prevent airway blockage.
• Lightly harness your baby even when outside the car.
  • Reason: A gentle harness helps prevent accidental falls without causing discomfort.
• Remove your baby from the car seat as soon as you arrive.
  • Reason: Prolonged time in a semi-upright position can strain the spine and restrict breathing.

❌ Don’ts

• Never place the infant seat forward-facing, whether in the front or back seat.
• Don’t install the car seat at too steep or too upright an angle.
• Avoid loosening or unbuckling the harness completely when moving the car seat outside the vehicle.
• Never let your baby sleep in a car seat for over 2 hours.

Signs That a Baby Is in Distress!

Even when properly secured, a baby can experience breathing issues or discomfort if the car seat isn’t adjusted correctly.

Watch out for these warning signs:

• 🚨 Chin-to-chest positioning → Can restrict airflow and lead to breathing trouble
• 🚨 Grunting or noisy breathing → May signal airway obstruction
• 🚨 Flared nostrils or visible rib movement → Signs of labored breathing
• 🚨 Excessive fussiness or crying → May indicate improper recline angle or discomfort
• 🚨 Bluish or pale skin tone → Could mean lack of oxygen (seek help immediately)
• 🚨 Unusual sleepiness or unresponsiveness → May be a sign of oxygen deprivation

💡 If you notice any of these symptoms, remove your baby from the seat immediately and consult your pediatrician if needed.

Now it’s your turn! Let us know in the comments what you think about “Is a car seat or bassinet better for a newborn?” And don’t forget to share this article—because sharing is caring!

Can You Use a Bassinet as a Car Seat?

No, a bassinet cannot be used as a car seat because it does not meet vehicle safety standards. Car seats are specifically designed to protect infants during a crash, while bassinets lack the required restraints and impact protection. Using a bassinet in a moving car significantly increases the risk of serious injury.

Is It OK for Newborn to Sleep in Car Seat?

It is safe for a newborn to sleep in a car seat during travel, but not for extended periods outside the vehicle. Car seats are built for transportation, not long-term sleep, as the semi-upright position can restrict airflow and increase the risk of SIDS. Always transfer your baby to a flat, firm sleep surface after the trip.

Still have doubts? Check out our guide: Where Should a Newborn Sleep?