Can a Baby Sleep in a Pram Overnight: Safety Insights

Posted on December 22, 2023

Babies, especially the youngest ones, have a talent for falling asleep in unexpected places. So it's no surprise they often sleep in prams while strolling or rocking.

In such cases, leaving your child in a pram overnight may be tempting, but the question arises: is it really safe? The answer is not obvious as it depends on a combination of factors. So, let's explore some of these issues and eliminate any doubts!

Different types of baby carriages and their sleeping potential

There are many different types of baby carriages on the market, and they can be classified as follows:

prams,
pushchairs,
strollers.

Of course, this is the simplest classification, as each category can be further subdivided to include high-quality models and their cheaper equivalents. However, this division does provide some insight.

So, let’s go on:

Prams – it is ideal for newborn babies because they have a flat surface supporting the spine. So, they can work well as a temporary bed, but you need to make sure they are well-ventilated. A deep cradle or hood may not be the best choice for a whole night’s sleep, especially on warmer days.
Pushchairs – can be used in a sitting or semi-lying position. These are suitable for slightly older children who have already learnt to sit up, but sleeping for long periods in such a pushchair will not be comfortable for your little one. Repeatedly sleeping in a sitting position can also damage a child’s healthy development.
Strollers – lightweight baby carriages are suitable for children already sitting well, but sleeping in such a stroller will not be comfortable for the little one.

At this point, we would also like to mention the importance of adapting the type of pushchair to the age and skills of the child, so we recommend our other article, “When can a baby sit in a pram?” It tells you when a baby can sit safely and how to recognise and support this stage.

Safety and comfort aspects

Every parent cares about their child’s safety and wants the best for them. So, it is good to know the safety and comfort issues when it comes to sleeping in a pram.

Is it safe for a baby to sleep in a pram overnight? Let’s check it out!

Flat surface – babies should lie flat to support spinal development and proper breathing. Mattresses designed for cots offer the best back support, but prams often have good quality mattresses, too – after all, a toddler needs to be comfortable when strolling.
Back and neck support – this is usually very good in deep prams but can be inadequate in pushchairs. In addition, the sitting position is not ideal for sleeping, as any adult who has slept on a plane or train will tell you.
Air ventilation – ensure the pram is well-ventilated to prevent your baby from overheating. For example, you can lower the hood or you can buy prams with extra ventilation, which is ideal for these situations..
Pram stability – to ensure your baby sleeps peacefully in the pram, provide stability (e.g. by locking the wheels) to prevent unintentional movement.

These four elements are crucial to your baby’s healthy and comfortable sleep – not only in the pram but also in everyday life – and will undoubtedly make any sleeping surface better prepared.

Some practical tips for parents at the end

Although some baby prams are appropriate for a short sleep, leaving your baby in a pram overnight is not usually recommended. However, if this does happen, it is not a problem at all, and we hope this article has answered your question, “can a baby sleep in a pram overnight?”

As a bonus, we have some practical tips for parents to make the issue even more understandable.

Firstly, if you have to leave your baby in the pram overnight, using a deep one with a flat surface is best. This will give your baby the best spine support and comfort. Secondly, monitor your baby as much as possible during a sleeping session to make sure that everything is going well. Thirdly, reduce the time your baby sleeps in a pram and try not to leave them in it longer than necessary.