Use head support with infant car seat?

[SpikeSo]

Hi,

Is it ok to use 3rd party head support items with infant car seats? We have the Baby Trend Latch-Loc, and the instruction manual does not specifically prohibit it. It states to not use anything that interferes with the harness, and also to not use anything underneath the baby that is thicker than 1/4 inch thick. I have also heard various recommendations to use rolled up receiving blankets on the side of the baby's head? What are your opinions?

Thanks in advance,
Neal

 

[SafeDad]

Their recommendation is a good one-

Generally, we also recommend against any type of supports or inserts that install using the harness. Anything that comes between the baby and the carseat, or between baby and harness is not recommended. A rolled receiving blanket outside the harness is acceptable, as are some similar aftermarket products that do not interfere with the harness system.

Some models do come with head supports originally. These are considered to be OK, as they have been fully crash tested and supported by the manufacturer.

Hope that helps!

 

[MyLittleTyke]

You can take that 3rd party head rest and cut away the part that goes under the harness straps. The babies head should keep in in place. I personally like a rolled receiving blanket on each side of the baby. It seems to cradle the baby better.

Sara

 

[SpikeSo]

Thanks

Thanks for your advice!

When you say you don't recommend products that interfere with the harness system, does this include products that "thread" the harness through a slot in the support?

Also, what do you think of "neck ring" supports like the following?

http://www.boppy.com/product.asp?st...d=11&mscssid=P9H7WEURFFJM9HHEC7F9QQVERSMQB52C

Thanks again,

Neal

 

[murphydog77]

I don't think it will work.

Especially for a newborn. It doesn't look like it's supporting the child in the picture at all, actually. Perhaps it's just the picture though. I used a receiving blanket and rolled it up so that just one layer of blanket was under my daughter's head and the rest was rolled around her head. It worked wonderfully--always stayed in place.

You should also avoid products that thread the harness through a slot in the support. It may grab onto the harness or make it difficult for you to tell where the harness slots are in relation to your baby's shoulders. These products are great for swings and strollers, just not car seats.

 

[SpikeSo]

Thanks

Thanks for the advice. I think we are going to go the receiving blanket route. Almost every knowledgeable opinion has come down on that side.

Thanks again,

Neal