Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car seat inserts for infants are included in the majority of infant and convertible car seats to allow babies to get a better fit and feel more comfortable in the car. Inserts can be removed when the child is at the weight limit stated in the instruction manual for the car seat.
Always make sure you use the inserts that come with your car seat--anything else is unsafe and can cause your baby to be squeezed or have harness straps that aren't at appropriate level.
Increase your baby's sit-up posture
A car seat insert designed for babies allows your newborn to sit up higher in the car seat. This allows you to fasten the harness straps correctly and securely and prevents slouching that can expose your child to the risk of injury in the event of collision. This padding supports your child's head and reduces the distance between the seat's bottom and the lowest strap slots. It makes sure that they are secure in a rear-facing car and that their head isn't too close to the crotch (which could restrict airflow).
If you have a convertible car seat, you can remove the infant insert when your child reaches an appropriate weight or height limit. This is usually around five to six months old. Make sure you read the manual for instructions on this, and make sure your child's harness straps are still level with or below their shoulders. They might require adjustment after removing the infant insert.
Some car seat head inserts as well as some that are included in the infant seats - could actually push your child's head forward, which could impede their airway, and could put their safety at risk. Review the directions in the manual for your car seat or on the website of the manufacturer to see when and how these head supports are to be used.
Make sure to use only the insert that came with your child's seat. Do not use a flimsier solution, like burp cloths or a rolled-up blanket on top of their head. Each car seat and its components are thoroughly tested to work together as a unit, and using any other insert can interfere with the process and compromise your child's safety.
The most secure way to ensure that your baby is snugly seated in their car seat is applying the "pinch test" You must not pinch any slack between your finger and the harness on their shoulder. If you have any doubts, consult a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician or dial your car seat manufacturer's customer service line to seek help.
Supports for your baby's neck and head
A newborn insert is a tiny cushion that is designed to support your baby's head as well as neck. This is important because muscle developments that allow infants to hold their heads up on their own haven't occurred. Newborn car seat inserts lift your baby's head to ensure that they can reach the smallest set of shoulder strap slots, and they also assist in keep their head from sliding forward (which could hinder their airways).
Some infant seats come with inserts for newborns, and other companies offer head supports specifically designed for use in car seats. But, before you put any padding to your baby's car seats, review the instructions of the manufacturer for more specific instructions about how to safely use the newborn insert or head support in your specific infant seat.
best infant car seat and head supports that come with the majority of car seats are designed to provide extra padding needed 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 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 outgrow them before they reach the maximum weight and height that is allowed for their car seat. Do not use blankets or cloth burps to make an insert for car seats for babies. They could interfere with the proper position of the infant's neck and head, which could lead to injuries in the event of an accident.
Many parents believe, untruly that the pillow-like inserts found in certain infant seats and those sold separately will keep their child secure in the event of an accident by preventing a chin to chest position. This is not the case. In fact research has revealed that using an infant insert or head support can actually cause your baby's head to slump forward, putting them in a vulnerable position. A soft object, like an unrolled receiving blanket or burp cloth, could also void the warranty of your infant car seat.
Keeps your baby's head in a natural position
If you've ever held your baby, you know that they need extra support to keep their heads up. Car seats for infants are fitted with a cushioned insert for newborns that keeps your baby in a secure, upright position. The newborn inserts are small pillows that can be placed inside the seat to provide a cushion for your baby. This is essential, especially when traveling long distances. It can help your baby fall asleep and remain awake throughout the journey.
The newborn insert also ensures that the neck of your baby is positioned in the most natural, healthy manner that is possible. This is especially important in rear-facing car seats where the baby's head being allowed to lean forward can restrict their airways. The insert lifts the child up and allows them to reach the lowest set of shoulder strap slots and also pushes their head backwards and reduces the chance of choking or obstructing their breathing. It is recommended to always read your car seat's instruction manual for instructions on how to remove the infant insert. It will likely specify an age or weight limit.
As your child grows, the insert for car seats for newborns will naturally shrink to a size that isn't suitable for your child. As your baby grows, they'll naturally outgrow the infant car seat insert.
It is crucial to test the harness before removing the newborn insert from your baby's car. You can check this by pinch testing by placing your finger between the shoulder straps and the chest of your baby. If the gap is wide or there's plenty of slack, you must 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 but it's recommended to stick with the infant insert supplied by the manufacturer of your car seat. They are specifically designed to fit your baby's car seat, and will ensure their safety during travel.
Keep your baby safe
The newborn insert is an accessory for car seats that is designed to keep babies comfortable and safe in their infant seats. It's a layer of padding that elevates your baby to ensure that the harness straps reach their shoulders or below (if they are in a rear facing car seat). Without an insert, your child may not sit up high enough for their harness to be adjusted properly.
A newborn headband can be a good idea, as it will make it more likely that your baby's chin off their chest. Many new parents believe that the pillow-like head insert that comes with some carseats or the rolled reception blanket or burp cloth that parents are advised to put on their child's head, will shield the head of their child in an accident. However, these extra padding pieces can actually make the chin-to-chest positioning worse, as they compress when a crash occurs.
Newborn car seat accessories are a great way to help keep your baby comfortable during the drive and are easy to use as well. These are usually pieces of fabric or foam that are put under the car seat in order to raise the bottom of the seat. Some include a head-hugger and a cushion that both sit under the child to lift them up while others are just head huggers on their own.
Inserts for infant car seats can be removed when 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.
If you're not sure whether or when your baby is ready to stop using a new car seat It is always advisable to speak with an expert! A CPST will provide you with useful advice to make sure your baby is using their car seat in a safe manner. Adding a consultation to your registry is a great method to gift your loved ones peace of mind while driving with your baby in the back seat!