Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car seat inserts for infants are included in the majority of convertible and infant car seats to help baby get a better fit and feel more comfortable in the car. They can be removed when the child has reached a certain weight limit in the car seat manual.
Only use the inserts that come with your car seat. Anything else can be unsafe, causing your baby to be squeezed and the harness straps not to be at the proper height.
It helps your baby's sit position
A car seat insert lets your baby to sit up higher in the seat. This insert assists in securing the harness straps and stops sliding, which could expose your baby to the risk of injury in the event that there's a crash. The padding helps lift your child's height and reduces the distance between their bottom and the bottom set of straps for harness, ensuring they're secure 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 you're using a convertible car seat the insert for your newborn can be removed when your child reaches a certain weight or height limit; this typically occurs between 5 and 6 months old. Be sure to check the manual for guidance on this, and also make sure that the harness straps of your child remain level with or below their shoulders. They may need to be re-adjusted after you have removed the infant insert.
Some car seat head inserts or even those that come with the infant seats themselves - can actually cause your child's head to move forward, which could limit their airway and put their safety at risk. Review the directions in the car seat manual or on the website of the manufacturer to determine when and how 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 putting the blanket in a roll or a burp cloth over their head. Every car seat is tested to ensure that all components work. Utilizing any other insert may hinder this testing and affect your child's security.
The "pinch test" is the most effective way to ensure that your baby is safely seated in the seat. You should not be able to pinch any slack on the shoulder between your fingers and the harness. If you are in doubt, consult a certified Child Safety Technician for Passenger Safety or call the customer service line to seek assistance.
Supports for your baby's neck and head
A newborn insert is a cushion designed to help your baby's head and neck. This is because infants 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 they can reach the lowest set of shoulder strap slots, and they also assist in keep their head from slumping forward (which could restrict their airways).
Some infant seats come with inserts for babies, and other companies offer head support products that are intended to be used in car seats. Before you add any padding to your child's car seat consult the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure that you are using the infant insert or the head support safely.
Infant inserts and head supports that are included in the majority of car seats are designed to provide additional padding for newborns and small babies. These can be two separate items that offer more flexibility in adjustment, or a single piece that's more compact for support.
If you choose to use an infant head support or insert, bear in mind that your child will outgrow it before reaching the maximum weight and size for their car seat. Don't use burp cloths as substitute car seat inserts for newborns, as these can hinder the proper placement of the neck and head of the infant, putting them at risk for injury during a crash.
Many parents believe that the pillow-like head supports included in some infant seats or sold separately will help their baby to remain safe in a crash by helping to prevent a chin-to chest position. This isn't the case. Research suggests that adding an insert or head support to your infant's seat could cause the head to slump forward, placing it in a dangerous 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 end the warranty of your infant's seat.
Keeps the baby's head in its natural position
If you have ever held a baby, you will know that they need extra support to keep their heads up. Car seats for infants are fitted with a padded insert designed for newborns to keep your child in a secure, upright position. The newborn inserts are mini pillows that fit inside the seat to provide a comfortable seat for your baby. This is crucial, particularly when traveling for long distances. They can help your baby fall asleep and remain awake during the journey.
The newborn insert also ensures that your baby's neck is positioned in the most natural and healthy way that is possible. This is especially important in rear-facing cars, where the head of the infant can become obstructed if it slumps forward. The insert raises the child's body and allows them to reach the lowest set shoulder strap slots. It also pulls the head back to lessen the risk of being choked. You should always check the instruction manual for your car seat for directions on how to remove the infant insert. It is likely to specify an age or weight limit.
As your child grows, the insert for car seats for newborns will eventually become too small. As your baby grows, they'll naturally outgrow the newborn car seat insert.
It is important to check the harness after removing the newborn insert from your baby's car. You can test this by pinch testing using your finger between the shoulder straps and your baby's chest. If there's a large gap or a lot of stretch in the strap, you need to replace the insert for your newborn.
While there are a few various car seat accessories on the market that you could apply to your newborn but it's recommended to stick to the infant insert supplied by your car seat's manufacturer. They are designed to fit into your baby's car seat and keep them safe during travel.
Keeps your baby comfortable
The newborn insert is an infant car seat accessory that ensures babies are at ease and secure. It's a layer of extra padding that elevates your baby so that the harness straps reach their shoulders or are below (if they are in a rear facing car seat). Without an insert, your child might not sit high enough to allow their harness be properly adjusted.
A newborn insert is also a good idea because it increases the likelihood that your baby's head will remain in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin from their chests). Many new parents think that the pillow-like head piece included in some car seats, or the rolled receiving blanket or burp cloth friends suggest they put alongside their child's head will protect their child's head in a crash. However, these additional padding pieces can actually make the chin-to chest positioning more difficult, as they expand during a crash.
They're easy to use and an excellent option to keep your baby happy while driving. They're usually a piece of foam or cloth that is inserted under the car seat to raise up the bottom of the seat. Some come with a cushion and a head-hugger to go under the child's head, whereas others have just a head-hugger.
The car seat inserts designed for newborns can be removed after the baby is big enough to fit without them. best car seat for newborn Push Chairs & Prams have a suggested weight or height. This information is available in the car seat manual.
If you're not sure whether or when your baby will be ready to stop using a new car seat, it's always best to speak with an expert! A CPST can give you 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 children peace of mind as you travel with your child in the back seat.