4 lb Car Seats

[ScammRNC]

How do other units handle discharging infants that are less than 5 lbs? We typically require the parents to purchase 4 lb car seats or the infant will be placed in a car bed. But we have had physicians at times "OK" a baby that weighs a couple of ounces less than 5 lbs to be DC'd in a 5 lb car seat as long as it "fits" the infant. Our staff is uneasy about this. Any input would be appreciated.

[katierobin23]

We have zero restrictions for car seat weight ratings. Most nurses and doctors in my unit have no clue that such a thing even exists. If they pass their car seat test, they can go home in it. It's ridiculous.

[klone, MSN, RN]

From my own experience, with my last child who was born at 36 weeks, I bought him a seat rated to 5lb. He was around 6 lb at d/c (spent 10 days in NICU, then special care for RDS). He did not fit it AT ALL. So even with those seats that are rated to 5 lbs, I would be surprised if the infant actually safely fit in it (especially a combination seat, as opposed to a bucket-type).

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

We have no restrictions either. As long as they are strapped in and pass the car seat challenge, they go home.

[NICURN29]

As long as they fit in the seat and pass their test, they can go. The only babies we send home in carbeds are ones who have failed their corificeat test twice.