Are Full Body Car Seat Inserts Safe?

Introduction

Full body car seat inserts are designed to provide additional support and comfort to children who are riding in car seats. They are typically made of foam or other soft materials, and they can be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing car seats.

Safety Concerns

There are some safety concerns associated with the use of full body car seat inserts. These concerns include:

• Obstruction of the airway: Full body car seat inserts can obstruct the airway of a child if they are not properly installed. This is especially true for infants who have small airways.
• Increased risk of injury in a crash: Full body car seat inserts can increase the risk of injury to a child in a crash. This is because they can interfere with the proper functioning of the car seat’s safety features.
• Discomfort: Full body car seat inserts can be uncomfortable for children to wear, especially during hot weather.

AAP Recommendations

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents avoid using full body car seat inserts. The AAP believes that these inserts can pose a safety risk to children.

Alternatives to Full Body Car Seat Inserts

There are a number of alternatives to full body car seat inserts that can provide additional support and comfort to children. These alternatives include:

• Head and neck support: Head and neck support pillows can be used to provide additional support to a child’s head and neck. These pillows are typically made of foam or other soft materials, and they can be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing car seats.
• Lumbar support: Lumbar support pillows can be used to provide additional support to a child’s lower back. These pillows are typically made of foam or other soft materials, and they can be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing car seats.
• Cushioned seat covers: Cushioned seat covers can be used to provide additional comfort to a child’s car seat. These covers are typically made of soft fabrics, and they can be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing car seats.

Conclusion

Full body car seat inserts are not recommended by the AAP due to safety concerns. There are a number of alternatives to full body car seat inserts that can provide additional support and comfort to children.