Towel Under a Car Seat? When It’s Safe to Level It

Can you put a towel under a car seat to make it level?

Sometimes—but only in the specific way your car seat manufacturer allows. A rolled towel (or a tightly taped pool noodle) is commonly permitted for rear-facing seats to achieve the correct recline angle when the vehicle seat slope makes the car seat sit too upright. However, placing a towel loosely under the entire seat, stacking multiple towels, or using soft padding to “shim” the seat can reduce stability and may be unsafe.

When a towel can be appropriate

If your rear-facing car seat manual says a rolled towel is allowed, it’s typically placed at the “seat bight” (the crack where the vehicle seat back meets the seat bottom) under the car seat base. The goal is to match the recline indicator on the car seat (bubble, line, or level marker) so the seat is properly angled for your child’s age and head control.

When not to use a towel

Don’t use a towel if your manual prohibits it, if it changes the installation so the seat can move more than 1 inch at the belt path, or if you’re trying to fix side-to-side tilt by stuffing fabric under one edge. Also avoid putting any towel or padding behind the child or under the harness to “position” them—aftermarket padding can interfere with harness fit.

A safer way to get the right fit and protect your seats

If the real goal is keeping upholstery clean from scuffs, crumbs, and indentations, use a dedicated, compatible protector instead of improvised towels. For a detailed walk-through, see this guide: https://owleys.com/guide-hexy-one-car-seat-protector-mat/.

FAQ

Can you put a towel under a car seat to level it?

Yes, but only if your car seat’s instructions allow it and it’s used exactly as directed (often as a tightly rolled towel at the seat bight for rear-facing recline). Re-check the recline indicator and make sure the seat is still securely installed.

How to stop child slumping in car seat?

Check that the seat recline is appropriate for your child’s age, and ensure the harness is snug with the chest clip at armpit level. If slumping continues, confirm the headrest and harness height settings match the manual and consider having the installation inspected by a CPST.

Can you put a towel under a car seat to protect the seat?

It’s not recommended as a protector because towels can compress and shift, which may affect stability. Use a manufacturer-approved car seat protector or follow your car seat maker’s guidance for anything placed under the seat.