Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
The majority of infant car seat travel and convertible car seat inserts are included to help the baby sit better in the car and feel more comfortable. They can be removed when the child has reached a certain weight limit in the manual for the car seat.
Only use the inserts provided with your car seat. Anything else is unsafe, causing your baby to be squished and for the harness straps to not be at the right height.
Increase your baby’s sit-up posture
A car seat insert for infants lets your baby to sit up higher in the car seat. This insert assists in securing the harness straps and stops the slouching that can expose your baby to the risk of injury in the event that there is a crash. This padding supports your child and decreases the distance between the seat’s bottom and the lowest strap slot. It makes sure that they are safe in a car that is rear-facing and that their head isn’t too close to the crotch (which can restrict the airflow).
If you have a convertible seat you can take out the infant car seat for travel insert once your child reaches the weight or height limit. This is usually around five to six months of age. Read the manual to find out if there are any instructions. Also, make sure that the harness straps of your child are level or just below their shoulders. They might need to be adjusted after removing the insert.
Certain head supports, such as those used in infant car seat that swivels seats, may cause the child’s head to tilt backwards. This can limit their airway and put their safety at risk. Read the instructions in the car seat manual or on the manufacturer’s site to find out when and how these head supports are to be used.
Make sure to use only the insert that came along with your child’s car seat. Do not use a substitute solution, like a burp cloth or rolled-up blanket behind their head. Each car seat and its components are rigorously tested to ensure that they function as a whole and using any other insert can hinder the process and compromise your child’s safety.
Remember, the safest way to ensure that your baby is snugly seated in their seat is using the “pinch test”: you must not squeeze any slack between you finger and the harness on their shoulder. If you are unsure, contact the Child Passenger Security Technician or the customer service number of your car seat manufacturer.
Helps support your baby’s neck and head
A newborn insert is made to support your baby’s neck and head. This is due to the fact that infants aren’t yet able to develop the muscles that will allow them to lift their heads on their own. Newborn car seat inserts lift 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 slumping forward (which could block their airways).
Some infant seats come with inserts for newborns Other companies also offer head supports intended for use in car seats. But, before you put any padding to your baby’s car seat, check the manufacturer’s guidelines for more specific instructions regarding how to use the newborn insert or head support in your specific infant seat.
The infant inserts and head support that come with the majority of car seats are designed to provide the additional padding needed by newborns and smaller babies. It could be a set of separate pieces for greater flexibility, or a single piece with a more efficient support.
If you choose to use an infant head support or insert, bear in mind that your child will likely 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 for infants because they could interfere with the proper positioning of the infant’s head and neck and put them at risk for injuries in a crash.
Many parents believe that the pillow-like head inserts included in certain infant seats or sold separately will help their newborn to stay safe in a crash, by helping to prevent a chin-to chest position. It’s not the case. In fact, research shows that the addition of an insert or head support to the infant’s seat could cause the head to sag forward, putting it in an unsafe position. A soft object, like an unrolled receiving blanket or burp cloth, could also invalidate the warranty of your infant car seat.
Keeps the baby’s head in a natural position
If you’ve ever held a newborn you’re aware that they require extra head support to keep their little heads up. This is why infant car seats come with a padded infant insert that can help your baby sit in a safe position. Inserts for newborns are like mini pillows that fit into the seat and provide a comfortable cushion for your child. This is important, especially 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 head is set in a healthy, natural way. This is particularly important in rear-facing car seats, where allowing the infant’s head to slide forward could block their airways. The insert raises the child and allows them to reach the lowest set shoulder strap slots. It also pushes the head back to reduce the chance of choking. It’s important to note that you must always refer to the manual for your car seat to find specific instructions on how to remove the infant insert in order to specify an age limit or weight limit.
As your baby gets older they’ll naturally outgrow the newborn car seat insert. They’ll increase in height and develop the muscle strength to hold their heads without the assistance of an insert. This is the time to think about eliminating the padding from the seat.
It is crucial to test the harness after removing the newborn insert from your baby’s car. You can check this by performing a pinch test, where you place your finger in the space between the shoulder strap and your baby car seat‘s chest. If the gap is large or there’s lots of slack you should put the newborn insert back into.
There are a variety of car seat inserts that are available for your baby. However, it is best to use the one supplied by the manufacturer of your car seat. They are specifically designed to fit into your baby’s car seat, and will ensure their safety during travel.
Keeps your baby snug
The newborn insert is a car seat accessory designed to keep babies comfortable and safe in their infant seats. It’s a layer of extra padding that raises your child so that the harness straps reach their shoulders or are below (if they are in a rear facing car seat). Without an insert, your baby may not sit up high enough to allow their harness to be adjusted properly.
A newborn insert can also be a good idea, as it will make it more likely for your baby’s chin away from their chest. Many new parents believe that the head pillow that comes with certain carseats or the rolled reception blanket or burp cloth people suggest they place on their child’s head, will shield their child’s head in the event of a crash. These additional padding pieces, however, can actually make the chin to chest positioning worse as they compress during the event of a crash.
Car seat accessories for newborns are a great way to help keep your baby comfy during the drive and are easy to use too. They’re usually a piece of foam or cloth that is placed underneath the car seat to lift up the bottom of the seat. Some come with a cushion as well as a head-hugger to go under the child, whereas others are just the head-hugger.
The car seat inserts for newborns can be removed after the baby is big enough to be able to live without them. The majority of manufacturers have a recommended weight or height. You should always adhere to the guidelines in your car seat’s manual for this information.
It is best to talk to a professional if you are uncertain about whether or not your baby is ready to stop using the newborn car seat insert. A CPST can give you valuable advice to ensure your baby is using their car seat in a safe manner. A consultation can be added to your registry to give your precious ones peace of mind while you travel with your child in your back seat.