Why Do Babies Fall Asleep in Cars?
As you may already know, babies love to sleep in the car!
So much so, that some parents can only get their little ones to drift off by driving them around the neighborhood. Sure, there may be exceptions, but it seems like babies prefer this place to fall asleep to any other. Why do they like it so much, though? We’re about to find out why, and what you can do if that’s not immediately an option!
Why Do Babies Love Sleeping in Cars?
We know babies definitely aren’t alone in snoozing while cruising. So many of us adults start to nod off while passengers of motor vehicles, too.
Why do babies fall asleep in cars so easily, then? What about cars makes it so comforting that they immediately get heavy-eyed?
Here are some of the main motives behind the phenomenon:
Sound - Babies love consistent, low noises. Actually, the majority of all humans do. This is why little ones fall asleep so well when a white noise machine is turned on in the background. That steady rumble of a car engine is said to sound similar to the mother’s body while the baby is in utero. It can also mask loud, abrasive sounds that may keep their brain stimulated, thus, keeping them awake.
Movement - We know that babies love a gentle rocking movement. While rocking chairs and bassinets can be helpful, cars create a kind of low-level rock that emulates the movement your baby experienced in your womb while you went about your day. After all, they don’t fall asleep if you just sit them in the car parked at home! This motion isn’t abrupt, but rather consistent, which can be calming in itself.
Scenery - Even if you’re driving down the Vegas Strip, babies are pretty limited in what they can see outside of the car while in their car seat. Most of what they see if going to be the inside of your vehicle. Even if you are driving past an area with bright lights and stimulation, the inside of the vehicle is so boring and bland that they likely won’t be distracted much by the outside environment.
Comfort - Car seats are designed to be comfortable enough to help lull babies to sleep. It makes sense that little ones feel nice and cozy when sat in them. This confined space is perfect for keeping a little one secure. Pair that with some soft blankets or a warm car interior, and it may take them back to that original womb feeling.
Good Company - Your baby is certainly a fan of your car, but they love you even more! As you’re right there with them - even if they can’t see you - they’ll feel comforted and safe.
Is It Safe for Babies to Sleep in Cars?
A ride in the car can be incredibly effective in getting your baby to sleep, but is it safe?
We know that there’s always a certain level of risk when we get into a motor vehicle. Make sure your baby is properly buckled in. Fasten their seatbelt correctly, never inhibiting their breathing in any way. If you have questions as to how to do this, simply follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on your car seat.
Car safety seats are very safe when used in the appropriate position and manner. Remember never to use their car seat for sleeping outside of the car, as this can prevent them from reaching deeper levels of sleep.
If the car ride nap isn’t exactly ideal or you feel it may disrupt their regular routine, there’s no need to worry. If they did fall asleep, chances are they were already feeling a bit sleepy. You can push their nap until later in the day so their sleep schedule stays on track.
How to Recreate the Car-Calming Effect?
We understand that not everyone has the ability to hop in for a car ride at any hour of the day or night. If you want to get your baby to sleep at home, but they love napping in the car, we have some solutions for you!
Swaddle - Your baby’s first couple of months can be made a lot easier with a swaddle. As you can imagine, actually being born can be quite a shock to them and their sleeping habits! Swaddles can help emulate that secure, cozy feeling that a womb, or even a car seat can.
White Noise Machine - As we mentioned previously, white noise machines can be fantastic tools for getting babies to sleep. They provide that familiar hum much like a moving car, and you can use them pretty much anywhere! If you don’t have access to one, using a vacuum in the next room, or moving your baby’s bassinet in the same room as a running dryer can have a similar effect.
Movement - It’s not as feasible to reproduce the movement of a moving car, exactly, but there are many great alternatives. Pushing a stroller gently back-and-forth, rocking them in their bassinet, bouncing lightly on an exercise ball, and rocking them in a rocking chair are all fantastic. You can even try moving their bassinet against a running dryer machine, so you get that double movement/noise benefit that will offer a bit of vibration, too.
You’ll likely find that your baby responds better to a select few of the above examples. You can track which work best in your Baby Connect app, along with how long they slept for each time.
Being able to soothe your baby with a car ride is always a relief, knowing you always have that in your back pocket. If not, there are plenty of alternatives to help emulate that calming feeling for them.
