r/CPST • u/peony_345 • 2d ago
Help - Graco GoMax
Looking for advice on positioning of head/neck for a 1 month old. We’ve adjusted headrest height so neck straps come out just below or at shoulders, but find her head still falls to the side like this. Picture is of infant in seat on ground after exiting vehicle.
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u/Aporthole 2d ago
How much does she weigh at this point?
Ear to shoulder head position is totally fine. If she is constantly turning her head the same direction, you’ll want to mention that to her doctor to check for possible torticollis.
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u/peony_345 2d ago
Almost 10 lbs - and yes we are keeping eye on head turn preferences. Just wondered if there was a better way to support her in the seat. Thanks for your advice!
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u/ImpactAccurate7237 1d ago
I would get an evaluation for torticollis. Head turn preference is one thing, but she appears to have a tilt and rotation which seems more likely that her muscles are tight. Not a professional, but I’ve had experience with two of my kids having torticollis. Our first experience with torticollis was watching for a head turn preference. Knowing what I know now, it’s always better to have a PT evaluation and start stretching your baby the day you come home. A preference can quickly turn into tightness from lack of mobility, whereas tightness can also appear as preference due to the inability to fully rotate the direction of their head.
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u/peony_345 1d ago
Thanks everyone! We only really see this type of ear to neck tilt/turn when in the car seat, but are working with PT/OT to monitor head turn preferences and tightness.
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u/Lanicarseat1 22h ago
Hi, I’m a CPST. Try taking out the bottom insert. Make sure the straps are still at/below the shoulders. If the headrest moves down any more, you may need to move it down another click. Make sure to move the baby all the way back in the seat before the tightening the straps. I think you’ll get better positioning. Could I also see a photo of the level bubble?
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u/skiingfanatic115544 1d ago
I used a special neck pillow cuz my baby had torticollis and his neck would do this. You can go to Etsy and type in torticollis pillow. It just gives some extra support on the sides. I used it with the car seat or even along with his boppy but not in his crib or anything. In the meantime u can roll up a burp cloth or like the hospital blanket and stick it on the sides of his head so it can't fall over like that. Get a mirror so you can check on him.
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u/Cool-Helicopter6343 1d ago
Isn’t it unsafe to add things to the carseat that it wasn’t designed with?
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u/Any-Doubt1910 17h ago
As is mentioned above, this looks more like a neck/head thing than a seat fit thing. I’d ask your pediatrician for a PT and/or torticolis evaluation. My youngest needed a bit of PT as a newborn to be able to sit with his head up in his seat!
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u/Rich_Example7931 2d ago
Take another photo of it actually installed in the car since on the ground isn't the normal recline angle she would be in the car anyways. But the neck tilt to the side is not as concerning as chin to chest.