Going home from the hospital after delivery?
June 4th, 2010 | 
Author: We have an infant car seat, it has a five point harness, but only 3 are in place and it doesn’t have that upside down U pillow to support the baby’s head ( it’s a used one – it expires 2012). Would the hospital allow us to take our baby home with this arrangement (this is our first child)?
I’m thinking of riding at the back of the car with our baby to support him. But does anyone know if I could buy those upside down U things separetly from the car seat? Where? And what is is actually called? =)
Thank you for all your answers =)
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Its a head support.
And usually they are not necessary. I personally do reccomend them for the first month or two, because otherwise their heads do slump to the side.
You can buy them to insert, but some hospitals won’t allow them to be in because they aren’t 100% compatible with the car seat. They are more universal.
In your case, if you want the proper head support, call the manufatuer of the car seat and order a replacement part. Be sure to have the serial number of the carseat before calling, because they will need that to get you the proper head support.
the car seat needs to be completely intact.. what do you mean its a 5 pt, but only 3 are in place? If its broken or peices are missing, you cannot use it.
You can buy the U-shaped pillows.. I bought a set at walmart.. I dont know what they are called offhand, but I found them with the little car/travel supplies.
I didnt have the pillow when we left the hospital.. I bought it for her later. The one I got at walmart actually came with 2 that were different sizes.. so when she outgrew the one, she moved up to the other.
Your local health department ussually has someone who knows all about car seat safety.. call them and ask.. you can even take the car seat there and she will help you make sure its properly installed in the car and secure.
Hi! Our carseat was given to us too, so I understand your concern. We only lived a block from the hospital, and I had completely forgotten about the U shaped head support, so I had to hold our tiny little girl’s head up all the way home. Trust me, though, you will (by choice) ride in the back seat with your little one until you absolutely can not do it anymore. You can buy the head support at Target, Wal Mart, and Toys R Us to say the least. We got a smaller one than what the car seat came with at Target and it was nice and snug for little Emma. The only concern I have with your car seat are the harnesses. You may need to call the hospital where you plan on delivering and then asking them their safety seat requirements. After all, your little one’s safety is very important.
Jen the best thing to do is to bring the seat to be inspected. Many places in your town will do it for free.( Police Stations, Fire Houses, State Police Barracks.) This is what we did and they show you everything and if its safe. If you cant find any place, at your hospital they will provide you the info where the checkpoints are. Its worth the time it takes to do it right. Yeah and also you will want to ride in the back seat with the little one anyway. Congrats and enjoy!!
Head Supports. you can buy them anywhere that they sell car seats…Baby R Us, Walmart, Kmart. They are usually around 9 bucks.
It really depends on the hospital. When I took my daughter home, the nnurse who did the car seat check, didn’t have a problem with it.
The hospital will only let you take the baby home if you have a rear facing 5-point harness infant or convertible car seat. Your car seat probably does have the 5-points, I will tell you where they are. 2 Shoulder Straps + 2 Hip Straps + 1 Crotch Strap = 5 Points. All points will connect at the crotch buckle. If you are missing straps then I would just get a new car seat from a reputable place or contact the manufacturer for replacements. Also, make sure you have the chest clip as well. I think you should also take the car seat to your local police station or fire department & make sure that your car seat is ok and that it is installed correctly. Check out the link below for pictures.
You can buy an Infant Head Support at Walmart, Target or Babies R Us (or other large stores in your area that carry car seats).
Good luck and Congrats on your new baby!
http://www.aap.org/family/Carseatguide.htm