Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car seat inserts for newborns 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 once the child reaches a specified weight limit in the manual of the car seat.
Always use the inserts included with your car seat. Anything else is dangerous and could cause your baby to be squeezed or have harness straps that aren't at the proper height.
Encourage your baby's sitting posture
A car seat insert allows your infant to sit up higher in the seat. This insert helps you secure the harness straps and prevents the slouching that can put your baby at risk of injury if there is a crash. The padding raises your child and reduces the distance between the seat's bottom and the lowest strap slots. It ensures that they are safe in a car that is rear-facing and their head is not too close to the crotch (which could hinder airflow).
If you have a convertible seat, you can remove the infant insert once your child has reached a certain weight or height limit. This is typically around five to six months old. Be sure to check the manual for guidelines on this, and make sure the harness straps for your child are still level with or below their shoulders. They might need to be adjusted after removing the infant insert.
Some car seat head inserts as well as some that are included in the infant seats themselves - can actually push your child's head forward, which can restrict their airway and potentially put their safety at risk. So, be sure to always refer to 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.
It is best to use the insert included with your child's car seat; do not create improvised solutions, like placing an unrolled blanket or burp cloth behind their head. Each car seat and its components are thoroughly tested to ensure that they function as a unit and any other insert could interfere with this process and threaten your child's safety.
The "pinch test" is the best way to ensure that your child is safely seated in the seat. You shouldn't be able to squeeze any slack on the shoulder between your finger and harness. If you are unsure you should consult a certified Child Safety Technician for Passenger Safety or call your car seat manufacturer's customer service line to seek assistance.
Supports for your baby's neck and head
A newborn insert is designed to support your baby's neck as well as head. This is important because muscle development that allows infants to stand up on their own haven't yet occurred. Newborn car seat inserts raise your baby's neck so that it can reach the shoulder straps with the smallest slots and also keep their head from slouching forward (which could cause obstruction to airways).
Some infant seats have inserts for newborns. Other companies sell head supports that are specifically designed to be used in car seats. Before adding padding to your child's car seat, review the directions of the manufacturer to ensure that you are using the infant insert or head support in a safe manner.
Infant inserts and head supports that come with most car seats are designed to provide additional padding for infants and small babies. These can be two separate products that allow for greater flexibility in adjustment, or a single unit that's more streamlined for support.
If you choose to use an infant insert or head support, keep in mind that these are intended to be used only in a rear-facing position, and that they'll likely outgrow them before reaching the maximum weight and height allowed for their car seat. Don't use burp cloths as car seat inserts to infants as they can hinder the proper placement of the infant's head and neck and put them at risk for injury during an accident.
Many parents mistakenly believe that the head support pillows included in some infant seats or sold separately will aid their infant stay safe in a crash, by helping to prevent a chin-to-chest position. This is not the case. In fact research has revealed that adding an infant insert or headrest can actually cause your baby's head to slide forward into a compromising position. In addition using a soft item such as a rolled receiving blanket or a burp cloth in place of the newborn car seat insert could void your infant seat's warranty.
Keeps your baby's head in a natural position
If you've ever held a baby, you will be aware that they require extra support to keep their heads straight. Infant car seats are equipped with a padded insert designed for newborns that helps keep your baby in a safe upright position. The newborn inserts are small pillows that fit inside the seat to provide a cushion for your baby. This is crucial, particularly when you travel for long distances. It will help your baby sleep and remain awake throughout the journey.
The insert for newborns will ensure that your baby's neck is positioned in the most natural, healthy way that is possible. This is particularly important in rear-facing cars, where the baby's head could be blocked if it slouches forward. The insert lifts the child, allowing them to reach the smallest set of shoulder strap slots and also pushes their head back and reduces the chance of choking or obstructing their breathing. It's important to note that you should always check the car seat's manual for specific instructions on when to remove the infant insert, as it will likely provide an age limit or weight limit.
As your child grows, the insert for the car seat for newborns will eventually become too small. As your baby grows, they'll naturally outgrow the infant car seat insert.
It is essential to examine the harness before removing the infant insert from the car of your baby. infant car seats that swivel can check this by pinch testing, which involves placing your finger between the straps and the chest of your baby. If there's a large gap or a lot of looseness in the strap, you need to replace the insert for your newborn.
There are a variety of car seat inserts available on the market for your newborn. However, it is best to select the one provided by the manufacturer of your car seat. They're designed specifically for your baby's specific car seat and are most effective at keeping them safe while traveling.
Helps keep your baby comfy
The newborn insert is an accessory for car seats designed to keep babies comfy and secure in their infant seats. It's a layer of padding that boosts your baby up a little to ensure that the harness straps are at or below their shoulders (if they're in the rear-facing car seat). Without an insert, your baby may not be sitting high enough to allow their harness to be properly adjusted.
A newborn headband can be a good idea, because it makes it more likely for your baby's chin away from their chest. Many parents believe that the pillow-like inserts that come with certain car seats or the rolled up receiving blanket or burpcloth to place on top of their child's face will shield the baby's brain in the event of an accident. These extra padding pieces, however, can actually make the chin to chest positioning more difficult as they expand during the event of a crash.
Newborn car seat accessories are an excellent way to keep your baby comfy during the drive and they're simple to use as well. They're typically a piece of foam or cloth that is inserted under the car seat in order 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 just have the head-hugger.
Inserts for newborn car seats can be removed once the baby is old enough without them, and many manufacturers have the weight or height guidelines for this. This information is available in the manual for car seats.
If you're not sure when your baby is ready to stop using a newborn car seat it is best to seek out an expert! A CPST can provide you with valuable advice to ensure your baby is using their car seat safely. A consultation added to your registry is a great way to give loved ones the gift of peace of mind while driving with your child in the back seat!