Most infant and convertible car seat inserts are included to help the baby sit better in the car and be more comfortable. Inserts can be removed once the child is at the weight limit set in the manual of the car seat.
Only use the inserts that come with your car seat. Anything else is unsafe, causing your child to get squished and the harness straps not to be at the correct height.
Helps to increase your baby’s sitting posture
A car seat insert allows your newborn to sit higher in the seat. This insert assists in securing the harness straps, and prevents the slouching that can expose your baby to the risk of injury if there is an accident. This padding lifts your child up and shortens the distance between their bottom and the bottom set of straps for harness making sure they’re secured in the car seat that faces rearwards and that their head isn’t too close to the straps that connect their crotches (which could restrict airflow).
If you’re using convertible car seats, the newborn insert is removed when your child hits a specific weight or height limit; this is usually around 5-6 months old. Check the manual to see whether there are any specific instructions. Also, make sure that the harness straps of your child are level or lower than their shoulders. They may have to be adjusted after removing the insert.
Certain head support devices, like those used in infant seats, can actually push the child’s head forward. This could impede their airway and put their safety in danger. Read 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 should be used.
It is best to use the insert included with your child’s car seat. Never create your own solutions, such as placing the blanket in a roll or a burp cloth on their head. Each car seat and its components are thoroughly tested to work together as a unit, and using any other insert could disrupt the process and compromise your child’s safety.
The “pinch test” is the best method to ensure that your baby is securely seated in the seat. You should not be able pinch any slack on the shoulder between your finger and harness. If you are in doubt seek out a certified child Passenger Safety Technician or dial your car seat manufacturer’s customer service line to seek help.
Helps support your baby’s neck and head
The newborn insert is designed to support your baby’s neck as well as head. This is essential because muscles that allow infants to hold their heads up on their own haven’t yet been achieved. Car seat inserts for newborns raise your baby’s head up so they can reach the smallest set of shoulder strap slots and also help prevent their head from sagging forward (which could block their airways).
Some infant seats include newborn inserts. Other companies sell head supports that are specifically designed to be used in car seat. However, before you add any kind of padding to your baby’s car seat, consult the manufacturer’s instructions for more specific instructions regarding how to use the newborn insert or head support in your particular infant seat.
Infant inserts and head supports that come with most car seats are designed to provide additional padding for newborns and tiny babies. This can be a pair of separate items to provide more flexibility or a single item with a more efficient support.
If you decide to use a head support for your infant or insert, keep in mind that your child will likely outgrow it before they reach the weight and size that is appropriate for their car seat. Never use blankets or burp cloths as car seat inserts to infants as they can hinder the proper placement of the neck and head of the infant and put them at risk for injury in the event of an accident.
Many parents are misled into thinking that the pillow-like head supports included in some infant car seats that swivel seats or sold separately will aid their newborn to stay safe in a crash, by helping to prevent a chin-to chest position. However, this is not the case. In actual research has proven that the addition of an infant insert or headrest can actually cause your baby’s head to sag forward into a compromising position. Additionally the use of a soft object like a rolled receiving blanket or a burp cloth instead of the newborn car seat insert could potentially end the warranty of your infant’s seat.
Keeps your baby’s head in its natural position
If you’ve ever held a baby, you will know that they require additional support to keep their heads up. This is why infant car seats are with a cushioned newborn insert that allows your baby to sit in a comfortable position. The newborn inserts are small pillows that fit inside the seat to provide a cushion for your baby. This is essential, especially when you travel for long distances. It will help your baby sleep and stay awake throughout the journey.
The insert for newborns will ensure that your baby’s head is set in a healthy, natural way. This is especially important for rear-facing cars, where the head of the infant can become blocked if it is sunk forward. The insert raises the child’s body and allows them to reach the lowest shoulder strap slots. It also pushes the head back to lessen the chance of getting choked. It is recommended to always read the instruction manual for your car seat for instructions on how to remove the newborn insert. It’s likely to include an age or weight limit.
As your baby grows older they’ll naturally outgrow their infant car seat insert. As your baby grows, they’ll naturally outgrow the infant car seat insert.
When you take the insert for newborns from the car seat for your baby, it is crucial to ensure that the harness is secure enough to be safe. You can test this by using a pinch test, which involves placing your finger between the shoulder straps and the chest of your baby. If the gap is big or there’s plenty of slack, you need to put the infant insert back in.
There are a variety of car seat inserts available for your newborn. However, it’s best to use the one provided by the manufacturer of your car seat. They are designed to fit in your baby’s car seat and will ensure their safety during travel.
Make sure your baby is comfortable
The insert for newborns is an infant car seat cheap car seat accessory that ensures babies are comfortable and safe. It’s an extra layer of padding that boosts your baby up a little so that the harness straps are located at or below their shoulders (if they’re in the rear-facing car seat). Without an insert, your baby may not sit up high enough to allow their harness be adjusted properly.
A newborn insert 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 chests). Many parents believe that the pillow-like insert included with certain carseats, or the rolled up receiving blanket or burpcloth suggested by friends to put on their child’s face will shield the brain of their child in a crash. These additional padding pieces, however, can actually cause the chest to chin positioning more difficult as they expand during a crash.
They’re simple to use and are a great option to keep your baby at ease while driving. They’re usually a piece of foam or cloth that is inserted underneath the car seat to raise up the bottom part of the seat. Some include a head-hugger and a cushion that are placed under the child’s head to lift them up, while others are just a head hugger on its own.
The car seat inserts designed for infants can be removed when the baby is large enough to be able to live without them. The majority of manufacturers have a recommended weight or height. You should always follow the instructions in your car seat manual for this information.
If you are still not sure whether or when your baby is ready to quit using a newborn car seat, it’s always best to seek out an expert! A CPST can provide valuable guidance to ensure that you are using the correct car seat for your baby and that they are as safe as possible. A consultation added to your registry is a great way to give your loved ones peace of mind while driving with your baby in the back seat!