Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car seat inserts for newborns are provided with the majority of infant and convertible car seats to help baby get a better fit and feel more comfortable in the car. The inserts can be removed when the child is at the weight limit specified in the instruction manual for the car seat.
Always use the inserts that come with your car seat for newborn seat. Anything else is risky and could cause your baby to get squeezed or have harness straps that aren’t the appropriate level.
Increase your baby’s sit-up posture
A car seat insert for babies allows your newborn to sit higher up in the car seat. This allows you to fasten the harness straps correctly and securely, and it also prevents sliding that could expose your child to the risk of injury in the event of an accident. The padding raises your child’s height and reduces the distance between their bottom and the lowest set of straps for harness, ensuring they’re secure in the car seat that faces rearwards and that their head doesn’t get too close to the crotch strap (which could restrict airflow).
If you’re using convertible car seats, the newborn insert can be removed when your child hits a specific weight or height limit; this is typically around 5-6 months old. Make sure you read the manual for guidelines on this, and make sure that the harness straps of your child are not sagging below their shoulders. They might need to be adjusted after you remove the infant insert.
Certain head supports, such as those used in infant seats, may cause the child’s head to tilt backwards. This can limit their airway and put their safety in danger. Check the instructions in the manual for your car seat or on the site of the manufacturer to see the best time and method for using these head supports are to be used.
Use only the insert that came with your child’s seat. Do not use a flimsier solution, such as a burp cloth or rolled-up blanket on top of their head. Every car seat and its components are rigorously tested to work together as a whole and using any other insert can interfere with this process and jeopardize your child’s safety.
The most secure way to ensure your baby is snugly seated in their car seat is applying the “pinch test” You should not be able to squeeze any slack between you finger and the harness at their shoulder. If you aren’t sure then contact an expert in Child Passenger Security or the customer service number of the manufacturer of your car seat.
Helps support your baby’s neck and head
A newborn insert is designed to help your baby’s neck and head. This is important because muscle development that allows infants to raise their heads on their own haven’t been achieved. Newborn car seat inserts raise the neck of your baby so that it can fit into the shoulder straps with the smallest slots and also keep their head from slouching forward (which could cause obstruction to airways).
Some infant seats come with newborn inserts Other companies also sell head supports that are specifically designed for use in car seats. However, before you add any type of padding to your baby’s car seats, check the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific information on how to safely use the insert for newborns or head support in your particular infant seat.
The infant car seats best inserts and head support that come with the majority of car seats are crafted to provide the extra padding needed for newborns and babies of smaller sizes. They can be two separate items that offer more adjustability or a single piece that’s more compact for support.
If you decide to use an infant insert or head support, keep in mind that these should only be used in a rear-facing orientation and that they’ll outgrow them before your baby reaches the maximum weight and height permitted for their car seat. Do not use burp or blanket cloths as car seat inserts for newborns because they could hinder the proper placement of the infant’s neck and head which could put them at risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Many parents believe, incorrectly, that the pillow-like inserts found in some infant seats and those sold separately will keep their infant safe in case of an accident by preventing a chin-to- chest position. This is not the case. In fact research has proven that the addition of an infant insert or headrest can actually cause your baby’s head to sag forward in a dangerous position. A soft object, like a rolled up receiving blanket or burp cloth, could also invalidate the warranty of your infant car seat newborn car seat.
Keeps the baby’s head in a natural position
If you’ve ever held your baby, you know that they need extra support to keep their heads straight. This is why infant car seats are equipped with a padded newborn insert that allows your baby to sit in a safe position. The newborn inserts are small pillows that fit inside the seat to provide a comfortable seat for your baby. This is crucial, particularly when you travel for long distances. It will aid your child to fall asleep and remain awake throughout the journey.
The insert for newborns will ensure that your baby’s neck is placed in the most natural, healthy way that is possible. This is especially important for rear-facing car seats where the child’s head can lean forward can hinder their breathing. The insert raises the child up and allows them to reach the bottom set of shoulder strap slots and also pushes their head backwards to reduce the risk of choking or blocking their breathing. It’s worth mentioning that you should always check the manual of your car seat for specific instructions on how to remove the insert for your newborn and when to remove it, as it may stipulate an age or weight limit.
As your baby gets older they’ll naturally outgrow the infant car seat insert. They’ll increase in height and develop the strength and muscle to hold their heads without the assistance of an insert. This is when you can consider eliminating the padding from their seat.
When you take the insert for newborns out of your baby’s car seat It is essential that you check that the harness is still snug enough to ensure safety. You can check this by pinch testing, which involves placing your finger between the straps and the chest of your baby. If the gap is wide or there’s plenty of slack, you must put the newborn insert back in.
Although there are various car seat accessories on the market to use for your newborn but it’s best to stick with the infant insert supplied by your car seat’s manufacturer. They are specifically designed to fit into your baby’s car seat, and will ensure that they are safe while traveling.
Keep your baby safe
The insert for newborns is an infant car seat accessory that helps keep babies comfortable and safe. It’s an extra layer of padding that lifts your baby up a little to ensure that the harness straps are located at or below their shoulders (if they’re in a rear-facing car seat). Your baby might not be able to sit up high enough to ensure that their harness can be adjusted properly without an insert.
A newborn insert could be a good idea, because it makes it more likely for your baby’s chin off their chest. Many new parents believe that the pillow-like head insert included in some car seats, or the rolled receiving blanket or burp cloth friends suggest they put alongside their child’s head, will protect their baby’s head during a crash. These extra padding pieces, however, could actually make the chin to chest positioning more difficult as they expand in an accident.
They’re simple to use and a great method to keep your child at ease while driving. They are typically pieces of fabric or foam that are inserted under the car seat in order to raise the seat’s bottom. Some come with a head hugger and a cushion that sit under the child to raise them up, while others are just a head hugger on its own.
Car seat newborn inserts can be removed once the baby is old enough without them, and most manufacturers have an appropriate weight or height requirement for this. You should always adhere to the guidelines in your car seat manual for this information.
If you’re still not sure when your baby will be ready to stop using a newborn car seat it is best to speak with an expert! A CPST can provide helpful advice to ensure that you’re using the correct car seat for your baby to ensure that they’re as safe as possible. Adding a consultation to your registry is an easy method to gift your loved ones peace of mind when you’re driving with your child in the back seat!