What is a car seat challenge?
A period of observation in a car seat before hospital discharge to monitor for possible apnea, bradycardia, or oxygen desaturation.
All infants meeting any of the following criteria requirements at the time of discharge will receive a Car Seat Challenge.
Gestational age less than 37 weeks.
Weight less than 2500 grams.
Requires oxygen supplementation at discharge.
A car seat challenge is performed in the car seat that he/she will be discharged home in.
An infant is evaluated in the car seat for the length of time required to drive from the hospital to the baby’s home destination or a minimum of 90 minutes, whichever is determined to be longer.
How is a car seat challenge performed?
The infant will remain on his/her Cardiorespiratory and Pulse Oximeter monitor(s).
The bedside nurse will monitor his/her heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, as well as skin color, respiratory effort, and activity level.
Infant is positioned in an upright 45 degree angle.
A car seat challenge will be marked as “FAILED” if any of the following parameters are observed:
Apnea/bradycardia spells or desaturations.
Persistent labored respirations (tachypnea, grunting, retractions, nasal flaring, etc.)
Duskiness/patient turns blue or pale
What happens if an infant fails a car seat challenge?
Discontinue the test and notify the provider and parents.
Important note: The test can be performed a second time; HOWEVER, if the patient fails a second time, the infant is required to go home with a car bed.
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