This Viral Car Seat 'Hack' Is Actually Extremely Dangerous

We’re all about parenting hacks. Anything that solves a common point of frustration for moms and dads is never a bad thing. Except when it puts your child’s life at risk.

Adele Barbaro of the popular mom blog The Real Mumma went viral for what she thought was an ingenious DIY trick to keep her 3-year-old’s head from leaning forward while he slept in the car: stretching a sports bra across the car seat to catch her son’s head. But, it turns out, she was terribly mistaken.

After speaking with paramedics and other trained professionals, she became aware of the dangers behind her quick fix, and took to social media to acknowledge her mistake and encourage others not to try it out.

The reason her idea raises a bunch of red flags is because if a child’s head is fixed to the car seat and there’s a car accident, the torso will go forward and the neck may snap. Meaning, it could cause internal decapitation, CafeMom explains.

Luckily, Barbaro gained some important takeaways on car seat safety from the experience.

“After speaking to a few people, including some paramedics and other trained professionals, I have learned that the most important thing is that you have a car seat that is professionally installed and has its incline correct,” she says.

Other common mistakes parents make when it comes to car seats is switching to forward-facing too soon or buying seats second-hand and not knowing about their prior use. Learn more about car seat safety and what to avoid when you and your family hit the road.

The mom blogger hopes others learn from her mishap and heed her updated warning. Because Barbaro, like all parents, is only human.

“I am not perfect. I don’t always get it right, just like every mum,” she explains. “And although it was a funny post, I would would never share anything that I thought was unsafe for children.”

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.