Most infant and convertible car seat inserts are included to help the baby sit better in the car and be more comfortable. The inserts can be removed when the child is at the weight limit specified in the manual of the car seat.
Always use the inserts that come with your car seat–anything else is risky and could cause your baby to be squeezed or straps that aren’t at right level.
Encourage your baby’s sitting posture
A car seat insert lets your infant to sit higher in the seat. This helps you fasten the harness straps securely and correctly and also stops slouching that can 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 lower and the lowest set of straps for harness, ensuring they’re secure in the car seat that faces rearwards and that their head isn’t too close to the strap around their crotch (which could restrict airflow).
If you have a convertible seat, you can remove the infant insert once your child has reached the weight or height limit. This is usually around five to six months of age. Go through the manual to determine if there are any instructions. Also, make sure that the harness straps of your child are level or below their shoulders. They might need to be adjusted after you remove the insert.
Certain head support devices, like those that come with infant seats, could make the child’s head tilt backwards. This can limit their airway and put their safety in danger. So, be sure to always read the manual for your car seat and the website of the manufacturer for guidelines on when and how to use these types of head supports.
Use only the insert included with your child’s car seat. Never use a makeshift solution, like an old burp cloth or rolled up blankets on top of their heads. Each car seat is tested to ensure that all components work. Any other insert could interfere with the testing process and could compromise your child’s safety.
Remember, the safest way to ensure your baby is secure in their seat is using the “pinch test”: you must not squeeze any slack between your finger and the harness on their shoulder. If you have any doubts seek out a certified child Passenger Safety Technician or dial your car seat manufacturer’s customer service number to seek help.
Supports for your baby’s neck and head
A newborn insert is designed to help your baby’s neck and head. This is because newborns have not yet developed the muscles that allow them to raise their heads on their own. Newborn car seat inserts lift your baby’s head so that they can get to the lowest set of shoulder strap slots and they also assist in keep their head from slumping forward (which could hinder their airways).
Some infant car seat for travel seats come with inserts for babies, and other companies offer head supports specifically designed for use in car seats. However, before you add any kind of padding to your baby’s car seat review the instructions of the manufacturer for precise information regarding how to use the insert for newborns or head support for your specific infant seat.
The infant inserts and head support included in many car seats are designed to provide extra padding required by newborns and babies of smaller sizes. This can be a pair of separate items to provide more flexibility or a single unit with a more compact support.
If you choose to use an infant insert or head support, remember that they are intended to be used only in a rear-facing orientation and that they’ll outgrow them before reaching the maximum weight and height that is allowed 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 which could put them at risk for injuries in a crash.
Many parents believe, wrongly that the pillow-like inserts found in certain infant seats and those sold separately will keep their child safe in case of an accident by preventing a chin from a chest position. This is not the case. In actual research has proven that using an infant insert or head support can actually cause your baby’s head to slump forward facing infant car seat, putting them in a vulnerable position. In addition the use of a soft object like a rolled receiving blanket or a burp cloth in place of the infant car seat inserts for newborns seat insert could void your infant seat’s warranty.
Keeps the head of your baby in its natural position
If you’ve ever held the baby, you be aware that they require extra support to keep their heads elevated. This is why infant car seats are equipped with a padded newborn insert that can help your baby sit in a comfortable position. Newborn inserts are like mini pillows that fit into the seat and provide a comfy cushion for your child. This is crucial when you travel long distances because it makes it easier for your baby to sleep and remain awake during the trip.
The newborn insert will also ensure that your baby’s head is set in a natural and healthy way. This is particularly important in rear-facing cars, where the baby’s head could become blocked if it is sunk forward. The insert raises the child which allows them to reach the bottom set of shoulder strap slots, and pushes their head backwards to reduce the risk of choking or blocking their breathing. You should always check your car seat’s instruction manual for directions on how to remove the newborn insert. It’s likely to include the weight limit or age limit.
As your child grows, the insert for the car seat for newborns will naturally become too small. As your baby grows, they will naturally outgrow the newborn car seat insert.
When you take the newborn insert out of the car seat of your baby it is vital to make sure that the harness is still tight enough to be safe. You can check this by using a pinch test, which involves placing your finger between the straps and the chest of your baby. If the gap is big or there’s a lot of slack, you should put the newborn insert back in.
While there are a few different car seat accessories available on the market that you can apply to your newborn however, it’s best to stick with the infant insert offered by the manufacturer of your car seat. They’re designed specifically for your baby’s specific car seat and will be the most effective in keeping them secure during travel.
Keeps your baby snug
The insert for newborns is an infant car seat accessory that keeps babies comfortable and safe. It’s an extra layer of padding that elevates your baby to ensure that harness straps can reach their shoulders or are below (if they are in a rear-facing car seat). Your baby might not be able to sit high enough to ensure that their harness can be adjusted correctly without the insert.
A newborn headband can be a good idea, as it will make it more likely that your baby’s chin off their chest. Many parents believe that the pillow-like insert included with certain carseats or the receiving blanket that is rolled up or burpcloth suggested by friends to put on their child’s face can protect the baby’s brain in the event of an accident. These additional padding pieces however, can make the chin-to-chest positioning worse as they compress during the event of a crash.
Car seat accessories for newborns are an excellent way to keep your baby in a comfortable position when driving and they’re simple to use too. They are typically pieces of foam or fabric that are put under the car seat to raise the bottom of the seat. Some include a head-hugger and a cushion that both go under the child to raise them up, while others are merely a head hugger on its own.
The car seat inserts for infants can be removed when the baby is big enough to fit in without them. Most manufacturers have a recommended weight or height. It is recommended to adhere to the guidelines in your car seat’s manual for this information.
It’s best car seat for newborn uk to consult a professional if you are uncertain about whether or not your baby is ready to quit using the newborn car seat insert. A CPST will provide you with useful advice to make sure your baby is using their car seat safely. A consultation can be added to your registry to give your beloved ones peace of mind while you drive with your baby in your back seat.