Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car seat inserts for infants are included with most infant and convertible car seats to allow babies to fit better and be more comfortable in the car. They can be removed when the child is at a certain weight limit in the manual of the car seat.
Use only the inserts included with your car seat. Anything else is dangerous, causing your baby to get squished and the harness straps not to be at the correct height.
Boost your baby's sitting posture
A car seat insert for babies allows your newborn to sit higher up in the seat. This will help you secure the harness straps properly and securely, and it also prevents the slouching that could put your baby at 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 harness strap slots making sure they're secured in the rear-facing car seat and that their head isn't too close to the straps that connect their crotches (which can restrict airflow).
If infant car seats that swivel have a convertible seat you can remove the newborn insert once your child reaches a certain weight or height limit. This usually occurs between five to six months of age. Be sure to check the manual for guidance on this, and also make sure the harness straps for your child remain level with or below their shoulders. They may need to be re-adjusted after removing the infant insert.
Certain head support devices, like those that come with infant seats, can actually make the child's head tilt forward. This could limit their airway and put their safety in danger. Check the instructions in the manual for your car seat or on the manufacturer's site to find out the best time and method for using these head supports should be used.
Make sure to use only the insert that came with your child's car seat. Do not use a substitute solution, like an old 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 unit and any other insert could disrupt this process and jeopardize your child's safety.
Remember, the safest way to ensure that your baby is snugly seated in their car seat is using the "pinch test" and you must not squeeze any slack between you finger and the harness at their shoulder. If you're not sure you are not sure, call the Child Passenger Security Technician or the customer service number of the manufacturer of your car seat.
Supports for your baby's neck and head
A newborn insert is made to help your baby's neck and head. This is because infants aren't yet able to develop the muscles that will allow them to raise their heads on their own. Newborn car seat inserts raise your baby's head to ensure that they can get to the lowest set of shoulder strap slots, and they also help to prevent their head from sagging forward (which could block their airways).
Some infant seats come with newborn inserts Other companies also sell head supports that are intended to be used in car seats. However, before you add any kind of padding to your baby's car seat review the instructions of the manufacturer for more specific instructions about how to safely use the insert for newborns or head support for your specific infant seat.
Infant inserts and head supports included in most car seats are designed to provide extra padding for infants and small babies. They can be two separate products that allow for greater flexibility in adjustment, or a single unit that's more compact to support.
If you decide to use a head support for your infant or insert, bear in mind that your child will likely outgrow it before they reach the maximum weight and size for their car seat. Don't use burp cloths as substitute car seat inserts for newborns as they can interfere with the proper positioning of the neck and head of the infant, putting them at risk of injury during an accident.
Many parents believe, untruly, that the pillow-like inserts found in certain infant seats and those sold separately will keep their baby safe in an accident by preventing a chin to chest position. However, this is not the case; in fact research has revealed that adding an infant insert or head support could actually cause your baby's head to slump forward in a dangerous position. In addition using a soft item like a rolled receiving blanket or a burp cloth in place of the newborn car seat insert could 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. Car seats for infants come with a cushioned insert for newborns that helps keep your baby in a secure, upright position. The newborn inserts are mini pillows that fit inside the seat to provide a cushion for your baby. This is especially important when traveling long distances, as it will make it easier for your baby to fall asleep and remain awake throughout the trip.
The insert for babies will ensure that your baby's head is placed in a healthy, natural way. This is especially important in rear-facing car seats where the baby's head being allowed to slump forward can hinder their breathing. The insert raises the child's head to allow them to reach the lowest set shoulder strap slots. It also pulls the head back to reduce the risk of getting choked. Always check the manual of your car seat for directions on how to remove the newborn insert. It's likely to include the weight limit or age limit.
As your baby gets older they'll naturally outgrow their infant car seat insert. As your baby grows, they'll naturally outgrow the infant car seat insert.
It is crucial to test the harness after removing the infant insert from your baby's car. You can test this by performing a pinch test, which involves placing your finger between the shoulder straps and your baby's chest. If the gap is wide or there's plenty of slack, you must put the infant insert back in.
Although there are different car seat accessories available on the market to apply to your newborn however, 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 ensure that they are safe while traveling.
Helps keep your baby comfy
The newborn insert is an infant car seat accessory that helps keep babies comfortable and safe. It's a layer of padding that elevates your baby so that the harness straps reach their shoulders or lower (if they're in a rear-facing car seat). Without an insert, your child may not sit up high enough to allow their harness to be properly adjusted.
A newborn headrest is a good idea because it increases the chances that your baby's head is in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin from their chest). Many new parents believe that the pillow-like head insert that comes with some carseats, or the rolled receiving blanket or burp cloth that parents are advised to put on their child's head, will shield their child's head in a crash. However, these extra padding pieces could actually make the chin-to-chest positioning worse, as they compress during a crash.
They are easy to use and are a great method to keep your child happy while driving. They're typically 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 have just the head-hugger.
Inserts for infant car seats can be removed once the infant is old enough without them, and many manufacturers have an appropriate weight or height requirement for this. This information can be found in the car seat manual.
It's best to consult a professional if you are uncertain about whether or not your baby is ready to stop using the infant car seat insert. A CPST can give you useful advice to make sure your baby is safe in their car seat. A consultation can be added to your registry to give your precious children peace of mind as you travel with your baby in your back seat.