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A support pillow to keep your infant’s head steady in the car seat or a harness cover that claims to make your toddler’s car seat straps more comfortable might seem like a good idea when you’re trying to drive from point A to point B. The only problem? In most cases these car seat gadgets and others like them aren’t actually safe to use.
If this takes you by complete surprise, you’re not alone. After all, it seems like almost every parent has some doodad or other attached to their child’s car seat. And the products are almost as easy to find as diapers or wipes.
Still, experts warn that you’re better off steering clear. Here’s what’s off-limits and why these aftermarket car seat accessories can be so risky. What are aftermarket car seat accessories?
Aftermarket car seat accessories are products sold for use with a car seat that are made by a third-party manufacturer and are not part of a car seat system’s original packaging.
Typically billed as accessories that can make your child’s ride more comfortable or even safer, after-market car seat accessories might include things like:Seat belt adjusters or extendersHeadrests or footrests Infant support inserts or pillowsShoulder pads or harness coversSeat protector coversWeather protector coversMirrors or toys that attach to a car seat
Like other baby and toddler accessories, aftermarket car seat products are widely available. You can find them at big box stores and online. What makes aftermarket car seat accessories so unsafe?
Some aftermarket car seat accessories can seem like a great idea, especially if your child isn’t a big fan of riding in the car. The problem is, they aren’t regulated and they haven’t been tested for safety — so there’s no way to know how they’ll perform with your child’s car seat. Continue Reading Below Read This Next Is It Safe for Babies to Sleep in Car Seats? Car Seat Expiration Dates, Explained When to Change or Replace Your Child's Car Seat Is It Safe for Babies to Sleep in Car Seats? Car Seat Expiration Dates, Explained When to Change or Replace Your Child's Car Seat
Car seat systems have been designed to deliver maximum protection in the event of a crash when they’re installed and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Trusted Source American Academy of Pediatrics Car Seats: Information for Families See All Sources 1
But making even a minor change, like adding an accessory to the seat, could affect the way the seat performs. For example, putting a cover over a harness could cause gaps or spacing or push the chest clip out of its optimal position, increasing the chance of injury. Are any car seat accessories safe to use?
It’s important to avoid any car seat accessories that were not included as part of your seat’s original packaging. There’s simply not enough information to know how these products might affect your child’s seat in the event of a crash. Trusted Source Seattle Children's Aftermarket Car Seat Products See All Sources 2
The one exception? Accessories that were made specifically by the manufacturer of your car seat and are listed as safe to use with your child’s specific seat. In that case, the accessory was tested with your little one's car seat and shown to be safe and effective.
If you’re dealing with a car-seat-related issue, ask your child’s pediatrician or a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) for suggestions for a safe solution, or look at the car seat’s instructions.
As for toys to keep your cutie distracted so you don’t have to be? Most experts say you’re better off going without, but on the other hand, driving while trying to entertain a cranky baby or toddler isn’t safe either. If you're able to travel with someone else who can sit in the back seat with your baby or toddler, all the better.
But if that isn't possible and your child is crying or complaining to the point where it’s making it harder for you to focus on the road, your safest bet is to pull over to tend to your little one's needs. You can also bring a few small, non-choking-hazard plush toys, such as a stuffed animal or soft book, for your little one to play with as you drive. Do not attach toys or anything else to any part of the car seat while the car is in motion.
From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.
Editor: Catherine Donaldson-EvansMedically reviewed and updated throughout to reflect the latest guidelines.
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The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. © 2005-2023 Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company.A property of Opens a new window Opens a new window What to Expect supports Group Black Opens a new window and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. Group Black's collective includes Essence Opens a new window , The Shade Room Opens a new window and Naturally Curly Opens a new window .
universal car seat protector What to Expect supports Group Black Opens a new window and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. Group Black's collective includes Essence Opens a new window , The Shade Room Opens a new window and Naturally Curly Opens a new window .