Head Support for Sleeping Toddler

jennypeekaboo · Feb 6, 2013

I know you really aren't supposed to add anything not mfr. approved/tested to a carseat.
But, my 3 year old has a Graco Nautilus & whenever she falls asleep her head lolls in positions ranging from uncomfortable to dangerous. I've been looking at head pillows (that go around the front, I don't need a "neck pillow" or cushion as the seat does that.

I see a couple models that fasten with magnets, which I like because it seems it would not choke the child (the magnets would open). I'm also looking at www.holdthebean.com.

Are any of these things safe & if not how do I keep her head from lolling forward? I know about using rolled towels by the side of her head etc. but that won't keep her from falling forward. The straps of the carseat are tight enough & she is definitely too heavy and tall for a rear-facing seat.

Phineasmama · Feb 6, 2013

jennypeekaboo said:
I know you really aren't supposed to add anything not mfr. approved/tested to a carseat.
But, my 3 year old has a Graco Nautilus & whenever she falls asleep her head lolls in positions ranging from uncomfortable to dangerous. I've been looking at head pillows (that go around the front, I don't need a "neck pillow" or cushion as the seat does that.

I see a couple models that fasten with magnets, which I like because it seems it would not choke the child (the magnets would open). I'm also looking at www.holdthebean.com.

Are any of these things safe & if not how do I keep her head from lolling forward? I know about using rolled towels by the side of her head etc. but that won't keep her from falling forward. The straps of the carseat are tight enough & she is definitely too heavy and tall for a rear-facing seat.

This is actually kind of a common problem with the Nautilus :/ Apparently in some vehicles it's completely fine and in others it causes bad head slump. Can your vehicle seats be reclined at all?

Brianna · Feb 6, 2013

Is your Nautilus adjusted to the most reclined position? Have you tried installing it in another seating position in the vehicle? When she falls asleep and her head falls forward, at the next light you can push her head back up and see if she'll keep it there. I did that a few times and now J knows how to keep his head back while sleeping. Also, if she's not complaining about her neck being sore, it's not a safety issue.