Blanket rolls may be placed on both sides of the infant to provide lateral support for the head and neck. A small rolled diaper or blanket between the crotch strap and the infant may be added to reduce slouching. Until engineering modifications can be implemented to prevent this problem, a firm roll of cloth or newspaper can be wedged under the car safety seat below the infant's feet to achieve this angle. An infant should never be left unattended in a car safety seat. Families should minimize travel for infants at risk for respiratory compromise.
Many nurseries monitor preemie infants in car seats before discharge.
Infants with documented apnea, bradycardia or drops in oxygenation in a semiupright position should travel in a car safety bed, lying flat. Parents of these infants should avoid using other upright equipment such as infant swings, infants seats and infant carriers. Infants sent home on apnea monitors should have portable monitors during travel. Power should last twice the expected travel time. Portable medical equipment such as monitors and oxygen tanks should be secured or wedged on the floor or under the seat.