Most infant and convertible car seat inserts are provided to help the baby sit better in the car and feel more comfortable. The inserts can be removed when the child is at the weight limit stated in the instruction manual for the car seat.
Only use the inserts that come with your car seat. Anything else can be unsafe, causing your baby to get squished and the harness straps not to be at the correct height.
Boosts your baby’s sitting position
A car seat insert allows your baby to sit up higher in the seat. This insert helps you secure the harness straps, and prevents slouching, which can expose your baby to the risk of injury if there is an accident. This padding lifts up your child and decreases the distance between the seat’s bottom and the lowest harness strap slots. It ensures they are secure in a rear-facing vehicle and that their head isn’t too close to the crotch (which could hinder airflow).
If you have a convertible seat, you can remove the infant carrier seat insert once your child reaches the weight or height limit. This is typically around five to six months old. Check the manual to see whether there are any specific instructions. Also, ensure that the harness straps of your child are in line or just below their shoulders. They might need to be adjusted after you remove the insert.
Some car seat head inserts as well as some that are included in the infant seats themselves – can actually push your child’s head forward, which could limit their airway and put their safety at risk. Review the directions in the manual for your car seat or on the manufacturer’s site to see when and how these head supports are to be used.
It is best to use the insert included with the car seat of your child; never create makeshift solutions, such as putting a rolled up blanket or burp cloth behind their head. Every car seat is tested to ensure that all components work together. Any other insert could hinder the testing process and could compromise your child’s security.
The most secure way to ensure that your child is secure in their seat is using the “pinch test” and you must not squeeze any slack between your finger and the harness at their shoulder. If you are unsure you should consult a certified Child Safety Technician for Passenger Safety or call the customer service number for assistance.
Supports for your baby’s neck and head
A newborn insert is a small cushion designed to your baby’s head and neck. This is because newborns aren’t yet able to develop the muscles that allow them to raise their heads on their own. Car seat inserts for newborns raise your baby’s head up so they can reach the smallest set of shoulder strap slots, and they also assist in keep their head from sliding forward (which could restrict their airways).
Some infant seats come with newborn inserts and other companies also sell head supports that are designed to be used in car seats. Before you add any padding to your baby’s car seat for newborn seat check the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific information about how to safely use the newborn insert or head support in your specific infant car seats seat.
The infant inserts and head support included in many car seats are specifically crafted to provide the extra padding required by infants and small babies. They could be two distinct products that allow for greater flexibility in adjustment, or a single piece that’s more compact to support.
If you choose to use a head support for your infant or insert, keep in mind that your child is likely to outgrow it before reaching the weight and size that is appropriate for their car seat. Never use blankets or burp cloths as makeshift car seat inserts to infants as they can hinder the proper placement of the infant’s neck and head and put them at risk for injury during an accident.
Many parents believe, untruly, that the pillow-like inserts found in some infant seats and those sold separately will keep their baby secure in the event of an accident by preventing a chin to chest position. However, this is not the case. In actual, research has shown that adding an infant insert or head support could actually cause your baby’s head to slump forward, putting them in a vulnerable position. A soft object, such as a rolled up receiving blanket or burp cloth could also invalidate the warranty on your infant car seat.
Keeps your baby’s head in a natural position
If you’ve ever held a baby you’ll know that they need additional head support in order to keep their little heads elevated. Car seats for infants are fitted with a cushioned insert for newborns that keeps your baby in a safe, upright position. Newborn inserts are similar to mini pillows that fit into the seat and provide a comfy cushion for your child. This is essential, especially when you travel for long distances. It will aid your child to sleep and remain awake during the journey.
The insert for newborns will ensure that your baby’s head is placed in a healthy, natural way. This is especially important in rear-facing cars, where the baby’s head could become blocked if it is sunk forward. The insert lifts the child which allows them to reach the lowest set of shoulder strap slots, and also pushes their head back and reduces the chance of choking or obstructing their breathing. It is recommended to always read the instruction manual for your car seat for instructions on how to remove the newborn insert. It will likely specify an age or weight limit.
As your child grows, the insert for the car seat for newborns will naturally shrink to a size that isn’t suitable for your child. As your baby grows, they will naturally outgrow the newborn car seat insert.
It is crucial to test the harness after removing the infant insert from the car of your baby. You can test this by performing the pinch test, in which you put your finger in the gap between the strap on your shoulder and the chest of your baby. If the gap is large or there’s plenty of slack, you should put the newborn insert back in.
Although there are various car seat accessories on the market that you can use for your newborn however, it’s best to stick with the infant insert offered by your car seat’s manufacturer. They are specifically designed to fit in your baby’s car seat and ensure that they are safe while traveling.
Keep your baby safe
The newborn insert is an good infant car seats car seat accessory that ensures babies are at ease and secure. It’s a layer of extra padding that elevates your baby so that harness straps can reach their shoulders or are below (if they’re in a rear facing car seat). Your child may not be able to sit up high enough so that their harness can be adjusted correctly without the insert.
A newborn headrest is beneficial as it makes it more likely that your baby’s head will remain in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin from their chest). Many new parents believe that the pillow-like head piece that comes with some carseats or the rolled receiving blanket or burp cloth parents are advised to put on their child’s head, will protect their child’s head in a crash. However, these extra padding pieces can actually make the chin-to chest positioning worse, as they compress when a crash occurs.
Car seat accessories for newborns are an excellent way to keep your baby comfy while driving, and they’re easy to use as well. They are typically pieces of fabric or foam that are placed under the car seat to raise the seat’s bottom. Some have a cushion and a head-hugger that go under the child, whereas others have just an head-hugger.
Car seat newborn inserts can be removed once the baby is old enough without them, and most manufacturers have the weight or height guidelines for this. This information is available in the manual of the car seat.
If you’re still not sure whether or when your baby is ready to stop using a new car seat, it’s always best to consult an expert! A CPST can give you valuable advice to ensure your baby is safe in their car seat. Adding a consultation to your registry is a simple method to gift your loved children peace of mind when you’re driving with your top rated baby car seats in the back seat!