best head support for toddler car seat

The Best Head Support for Toddler Car Seat on the Market Today

There are several aspects to consider when choosing a good toddler car seat. Seat height is important for younger children because it allows them to see out the window more easily.

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Also, can your child safely get in and out of the seat and reach the buckles on their own? After weeks of research, taking into cognizance brands I bought to make my son comfy and those of family and friends, I came up with the 7 best head support for toddler car seat. I also included some guides to consider before settling for any head support.

Best Head Support for Toddler Car Seat for 2023 Review: Key Features, Pros, and Cons

With so many products to choose from, it isn’t easy to narrow down your options when shopping for a toddler head support. The most important factor of a toddler car seat is safety. The table below is a short description of the 7 best head support for toddler car seat, which gives comfort, safety, and a better ride for your child.

ImageBrandMaterial TypeCare InstructionShapeAge rangeDetails
BEST OVERALL
CoolbebeFabricMachine wash & Hand washNovelty0 to 12 monthsCheck price
PREMIUM PICK
CoolbebeCottonMachine WashSemicircular1 to 12 monthsCheck price
BEST VALUE
LuckyirenCotton, Nylon, PlasticHand washHead bandAll agesCheck price
AccmorBreathable and Soft MaterialHand washHead bandAll agesCheck price
LettonPure cotton fabricHand washHead BandAll agesCheck price
DorDor & GorGor100% CottonMachine wash & Hand washPearl shaped1 to 3 monthsCheck price
JanabebeSoft cottonMachine wash & Hand washN/A1 to 12 monthsCheck price

1. COOLBEBE Baby Head Neck Body Support Pillow

BEST OVERALL
Highlighted Features
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Ultra-soft to the touch
  • Breathable fabric liner

The first on our list is the COOLBEBE Upgraded 3-in-1 Baby Head Neck Body Support Pillow.

The COOLBEBE Upgraded 3-in-1 Baby Head Neck Body Support Pillow is great for newborns. It’s essentially a plush pillow with a built-in shoulder strap that makes it easy to snap onto your child’s car seat, stroller, or swing. The pillow offers three different positions depending on how old your baby is. You can fold it up to provide neck support for infants or let it sit flat for older babies starting to sit up on their own.

The pillow has a soft fabric that keeps your baby comfortable and cool. You can buy it in four colors: grey, blue, pink, or brown. I like the light grey because it goes well with most other car seat accessories.

I also like this pillow because it comes with its carrying case. This is great if you want to bring the support pillow along when traveling without lugging around an entire backpack full of items! The pillow itself fits nicely into the pouch, and then you need to fold up some extra clothes or toys into another bag if necessary.

Unfortunately, there is no manual included which can make putting it together difficult if you don’t know how to do it (there are tons of video tutorials online, though!).

Pros
  • The pillow is easy to use, and the 3-in-1 design is very convenient – you need just 1 pillow instead of 3 different pillows for your baby’s head, neck, and body.
  • The head support is very useful, and it can be used not only in the car seat but also in baby strollers.
  • The pillow is very soft and comfortable, especially for newborn babies.
Cons
  • The pillow doesn’t fit perfectly in all models of car seats – some reviewers said it was too loose or too tight even if they tried to adjust it a little bit.

2. COOLBEBE Kids Neck Travel Pillow

PREMIUM PICK
Highlighted Features
  • Offers 360-degree head and neck support
  • Adjustable snap button
  • 100% cotton pique fabric

Some kids develop a habit of leaning their head to one side, which strains their neck. This pillow helps keep their head straight and relieves the strain from the side-leaning habit.

This pillow is super soft and very easy to attach. I got the smiling deer and the monkey pattern for my son, who loves it. It comes with a bag as well, so you can store it in your purse or diaper bag without making a mess of things.

I like that it is soft but firm enough to support her head. The material is also washable, which is really nice because kids can be dirty, and I don’t want to worry about replacing it if it gets dirty or starts looking bad from use.

This pillow is made from soft and comfortable polyester fiber materials, and the cover can be removed and washed. Filled with high-quality PP cotton, it is soft, elastic, breathable, and non-allergenic.

The pillow provides excellent neck support to prevent toddlers from slumping or leaning during travel or rest. It also provides a safe environment for them to nap, especially when you are on road trips.

The monkey pattern is also pretty cute, so he likes carrying around his new friend!

Pros
  • It comes with a bag for storage and easy carrying when we are on the go. I put it in my backpack when going out and put it back into the bag when coming home.
  • It is very easy to maintain, just remove the cover, wash it by hand, and then air dry it under the shade.
  • The pillow is very well made with quality material. It is comfortable for my son.
Cons
  • It’s pretty small compared to regular travel pillows, but that’s not a significant drawback for us.

3. Luckyiren Baby Head Support for Car Seat

BEST VALUE
Highlighted Features
  • Breathable and Soft Material
  • adjustable plastic buckle

Have you struggled for long with your child going to sleep while driving and getting whiplash?

This baby headband is made to protect your child’s head from falling forward when asleep in a car seat, stroller, or carrier. The soft head support is made of high-quality material that gives a comfortable feel on the baby’s soft skin.

The band is adjustable with velcro straps allowing you to adjust it according to the size of the toddler so they don’t get uncomfortable while asleep. It also works as a stroller strap cover and protects the baby against chafing and irritation due to the seatbelt straps.

The car seat head support comes in a universal size and can be used on children aged three months – to three years old and above. The band also features a breathable mesh fabric that helps keep your baby cool during hot days.

It’s easy and simple to use; just place it over your child’s forehead, then wrap it around their shoulders and fasten it with velcro straps behind their neck for secure support and protection.

This baby headband is machine washable and can wash up nicely without losing its color or shape. The soft fabric will not irritate or scratch the baby’s skin, making it safe for your child’s delicate skin. However, this head support is prone to slipping during travel.

Pros
  • It fits on any size head and is adjustable with velcro straps in the back. You don’t have to worry about the band falling off your toddler’s head or being too loose or tight.
  • It takes less than a minute to put together and fit into a car seat. There are instructions on how to do it displayed on the packaging if you need help with it.
  • The fabric is very soft and perfect for a baby’s skin.
Cons
  • This band may slip up or down during transit.

4. Accmor Baby Carseat Head Support

Highlighted Features
  • Breathable and soft material
  • Plastic buckle with elastic
  • Suitable for all baby strollers and seats

If you are looking for the best baby head support band, look no further. This is one of the best head supports for a toddler car seat, and you will find out why.

It’s a set of two, so you can always have one available. If your child gets sick or you need to wash one, you will always have a backup.

It can be used on car seats, strollers, swings, and even bouncers. The level of versatility and convenience that it provides is amazing!

If your little one falls asleep in their car seat in the middle of a road trip, this strap will help keep their head upright and supported for hours. We all want our kids to be as comfortable as possible when they sleep or rest, but sometimes it’s hard to find a comfortable position in a safety seat.

Made from polyester and cotton, it’s extremely soft and comfortable on your child’s skin, and they can wear it all day without irritation or discomfort. It’s also machine-washable, making it very easy to clean at the end of the day. Although, I must inform you that this product is small. If you need something wider, consider the COOLBEBE Kids Neck Travel Pillow.

Pros
  • It’s adjustable so that it can fit many kids.
  • The velcro is strong and holds perfectly. It’s not soft either so that it won’t get caught on their clothing.
  • The fabric is super soft and comfy.
  • The headband is easy to use and clean.
Cons
  • The head support is not as wide as expected, but it works well.

5. LETTON Store Child Car Seat Head Support

Highlighted Features
  • Lengthened buckle webbing
  • Premium polyester and soft cotton
  • Adjustable straps and hook

This is the perfect head support for your toddler! No more wiggling and fussing to get comfortable in their car seat. The LETTON Child Car Seat Head Support is a smart choice for safety, comfort, and convenience. Made from polyester/cotton, this head support attaches easily with adjustable straps and is lined with plush pillows on both sides. Simply adjust the straps to secure the head support to your child’s car seat or stroller.

The Head Support is made of premium memory foam, providing superior comfort for your little one. It will fit most car seats easily and has an adjustable strap that allows you to secure it in place. No need to worry about the head support slipping around while your child is napping.

Your child will love the soft, cozy feel of this car seat accessory. It’s the perfect way to keep them comfortable during car rides or when taking a stroll through the neighborhood.

This head support also keeps your little one’s neck stabilized so they can rest peacefully while you drive. However, this unit is not as comfortable as a good pillow and mattress at home.

Pros
  • Both sides of this head support are made of soft plush fabric, making them machine washable so you can keep them clean easily.
  • It can be adjusted around the neck to obtain a comfortable fit with easy Velcro fastening.
  • This head support easily attaches to any size shoulder harness straps.
Cons
  • They’re not designed to let your toddlers snuggle in as well as they can, so your baby won’t sleep as soundly as in a good pillow and mattress.

6. DorDor & GorGor CuddleME Infant Head Support

Highlighted Features
  • Multifunctional 2-in-1
  • Absorbent and hypoallergenic
  • Super Soft Velcro connector

This is a great product.

I saw this in a friend’s car. In fact, his son was born and raised in this support. His head never flopped back to the side. I observed the support was always used with an insert until the boy was 8 months old. The insert is so fluffy and soft and feels like a cloud!

My friend owns two of these supports, one for his infant car seat and one for his toddler car seat, to easily transition between them when he needs to switch. I love the versatility of this support and how easy it is to use in both seats. I also love how the insert isn’t attached to the support, so you can wash it separately if needed.

The only con I observed, which is a very small con, is that as my friend’s son grew older, the top portion of the strap would sometimes slip out from under his armpit when he fell asleep or leaned over in his sleep. But again, this was a very rare occurrence and was easily fixed by tucking it back into place when needed.

Overall, this product is great!

Pros
  • It is machine washable and reversible. You can choose a different color for each day.
  • It is made from pesticide-free organic fabrics that provide comfort for your baby.
  • It comes with machine-washable fillings that will withstand hundreds of wash cycles.
Cons
  • Some babies might find it too soft.

7. JANABEBE Infant Head & Baby Body Support

Highlighted Features
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Multi-purpose use
  • Quick and easy assembly

This reducer cushion is a specially designed product that can be used in the car, in your stroller, swing, bouncer, or anywhere else. It is made with a soft and antiallergenic fabric. It is machine washable and ideal for newborns up to 9 months old.

It will allow your baby to be safe and comfortable in any situation. The cushion has been designed to support the neck and body of your baby when they are using a car seat or stroller. It will adapt to the shape of the baby’s head. This way, you will avoid flat head syndrome and other possible injuries caused by an incorrect position when sitting for long periods.

Furthermore, you can use it in your car seat as it has a 5-point safety harness system that ensures maximum safety. The straps are adjustable, you can adapt them easily to your baby’s size.

The JANABEBE reducer cushion comes in different colors so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. One feature I like to see in subsequent models is an instruction manual. The current model does not come with one.

Pros
  • It is made from premium material that is pleasant and soft to touch; your baby will love to be on it.
  • It is easy to place and remove when used as head support for toddlers in a car seat.
  • It is designed in a way that prevents the head from falling forward.
Cons
  • It does not come with an installation manual.
best head support for toddler car seat

Best head support for toddler car seat:  Buying Guide

Shopping for the best head support for toddler car seat is tricky. There are so many options out there, and if you’re not careful, you might end up with a low-quality product that can put your precious one at risk.

That’s why I came up with a definitive buyer’s guide to help you make an informed decision.

Maintenance

When it comes to maintenance, go for head support with a removable cover. This allows you to wash the support when it is dirty. This is a plus because it can get dirty and smelly easily if your child throws up in it.

With a removable cover, it becomes easy to maintain the head support; you only need to remove the cover and wash it in your machine. You can also use hand washing, but that would take longer and probably not as effective as machine washing.

Another plus about removable covers is that you can purchase different colors. It’s an excellent way to jazz up your car seat and make sure it always looks nice!

Versatility

This is essential for a car seat head support. You can’t do much with head support that has limited uses. A good car seat head support should be able to adjust easily to fit your child’s size.

It should also be able to go well with the contour of any car seat and be compatible with different belts and straps. Choose a product that can attach easily to whatever baby carrier you have, whether it’s a car seat or a convertible car seat.

Ease of installation

Head support can be tricky to install, though some models are easier to work with than others. Please read the installation instructions that come with the product before you buy it. Also, note that some head supports require removing your child’s headrests — ensure that the support will work with your particular car seat model before purchasing it.

Materials

The material should be durable enough to last through multiple uses, but it shouldn’t be so rough that it’s uncomfortable against your child’s skin. It should be soft and comfy and easy to clean if there’s a mess or two involved.

Safety features

Head supports are not substitutes for an actual car seat. They should only be used with one — never as a standalone product. Head supports should also only be used with harnessed car seats appropriate for your child’s weight and age.

Age and height

Most head supports are designed for children between 1 and 4. The big difference is that some are designed for shorter kids, while others work best for kids who are getting taller. If your child is in the middle, opt for a height-adjustable model.

Fit to seat size and shape

The head support needs to fit snugly and securely around the car seat, so it doesn’t shift around too much or fall off during use. It should also have enough surface area to provide adequate support for your child’s head while they sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is head support important for car seats?

Yes! You should use head support in your child’s safety seat. The head support helps keep your child’s head from moving forward during a crash and hitting the vehicle seat in front of them or striking other parts of the vehicle interior.

The head support is also important for newborns and small infants because it helps them maintain their position (i.e., reclined at a 45-degree angle) in the back seat.

Q: Is it OK for my toddler’s head to tilt in the car seat?

It depends on whether it’s OK for you, in the sense of will you be able to stand seeing your baby’s head tilted for that long. It is not a safety issue. If your baby’s head tilts forward and causes her to slump, she will breathe fine.

If the car seat is installed correctly and the seat straps aren’t twisted, and the straps are snug enough on your baby, it doesn’t matter if her head tilts. She will be safe.

Q: How do I prevent my toddler’s head from falling forward in a car seat?

The best way to keep a baby’s head from falling forward in a car seat is to adjust the straps and make sure they are snugly fastened. Not every car seat is alike, so make sure to read through your car seat manual for instructions on properly securing your child.

Conclusion

Toddlers can be the fussiest passengers in your car. Their head support can’t be too soft or too hard, and their supports have to be a perfect size. To make your child happy, consider the buying guide and settle for one of the reviewed products above. At the end of the day, the best head support for toddler car seat will be a product that is versatile, easy to maintain, install, and ultimately safe for your little one.

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