Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car seat inserts designed 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 reaches a specified weight limit in the manual for the car seat.
Only use the inserts provided with your car seat. Anything else is dangerous, causing your baby to be squeezed and the harness straps to not be at the proper height.
Helps to increase your baby's sitting posture
A car seat insert allows your infant to sit up higher in the seat. This insert aids in securing the harness straps, and prevents slouching, which can expose your baby to the risk of injury if there is a crash. This padding lifts your child up and shortens the distance between their bottom and the lowest set of straps for harness, ensuring they're secure in the rear-facing car seat and that their head doesn't get too close to the straps that connect their crotches (which can hinder airflow).
If you have a convertible seat, you can take out the infant insert once your child reaches an appropriate weight or height limit. This is typically around five to six months old. Be sure to read the manual for instructions regarding this, and make sure the harness straps for your child remain level with or below their shoulders. They may need to be re-adjusted after you remove the infant insert.
Some car seat head inserts - and even some that are included in the
infant carrier seat seats themselves - could actually push your child's head forward, which could impede their airway and put their safety at risk. Review the directions 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 are to be used.
Use only the insert included with your child's car seat. Never use a makeshift solution, such as burp cloths or a rolled-up blanket on top of their head. Each car seat and its components are thoroughly tested to ensure that they function as a whole and using any other insert can disrupt this process and jeopardize your child's safety.
The "pinch test" is the
best infant carrier car seat method to ensure that your baby is securely seated in the seat. You should not be able to pinch any slack at the shoulder between your finger and harness. If you aren't sure then contact a Child Passenger Security Technician or the customer service number of your car seat manufacturer.
It supports your baby's head and neck
A newborn insert is a cushion that is designed to support your baby's head and neck. This is important because muscles that allow infants to hold their heads up on their own haven't been achieved. Newborn car seat inserts lift your baby's head up so that they can get to the lowest set of shoulder strap slots, and also help prevent their head from sagging forward (which could hinder their airways).
Some infant seats come with inserts for newborns, and other companies offer head supports designed for use in car seats. But, before you put any type of padding to your baby's car seats, review the instructions of the manufacturer for precise information regarding how to use the infant insert or head support for your specific infant seat.
Infant inserts and head supports that come with most car seats are designed to provide extra padding for newborns and tiny babies. They can be two separate products that allow for greater flexibility in adjustment, or one unit that is more compact for support.
If you decide to utilize an infant insert or head support, remember that these are only suitable for use in rear-facing mode, and that they'll likely outgrow them before your baby reaches the maximum weight and height allowed for their car seat. Do not use blankets or cloth burps to create an insert for car seats for newborns. They can impede the proper position of the infant's neck or head and could cause injury in a crash.
Many parents believe, untruly, that the pillow-like inserts included in certain infant seats and those sold separately will keep their baby safe in an accident by preventing a chin from a chest position. However, this is not the case; in fact research has revealed that adding an infant insert or head support can actually cause your baby's head to sag forward in a dangerous position. A soft object, such as a blanket that has been rolled up or burp cloth, could also invalidate the warranty of your infant car seat.
Keeps your baby's head in a natural position
If you've ever held a baby you're aware that they require additional head support to keep their heads up. Infant car seats are equipped with a padded insert designed for newborns that helps keep your baby in a secure, upright position. The newborn inserts are small pillows that fit in the seat to provide a comfortable seat for your baby. This is crucial, particularly when traveling for long distances. It will aid your child to fall asleep and remain awake throughout the journey.
The insert for babies will ensure that your baby's head is positioned in a natural and healthy way. This is particularly important in rear-facing car seats, where the baby's head being allowed to lean forward can hinder their breathing. The insert raises the child's body, allowing them reach the shoulder strap slots. It also pushes the head back to reduce the risk of getting choked. It is recommended to always read the manual of your car seat for instructions on how to remove the infant insert. It is likely to specify an age or weight limit.
As your baby grows older they'll naturally outgrow the infant car seat insert. They'll get taller and build the muscle strength needed to hold their heads without the assistance of an insert, which is when you should consider removing the padding from their seat.
It is essential to examine the harness before removing the newborn insert from the car of your baby. You can check this by conducting a pinch test. In this test, you place your finger in the space between the strap for your shoulder and the chest of your baby. If there's a large gap or lots of looseness in the strap, you need to replace the insert for your newborn.
There are numerous car seat inserts available for your newborn. However, it is recommended to choose the one provided by the manufacturer of your car seat. They are specifically designed to fit into your baby's car seat, and will ensure that they are safe while traveling.
Keeps your baby snug
The newborn insert is an accessory for car seats designed to keep babies comfortable and secure in their infant seats. It's a layer of padding that raises your baby's height so that the harness straps are located at or below their shoulders (if they're in the rear-facing car seat). Without an insert, your child may not sit up high enough for their harness to be properly adjusted.
A newborn headband can be a good idea, since it will make it more likely for your baby's chin to remain off their chest. Many parents believe that the pillow-like insert that comes with certain carseats or the rolled up receiving blanket or burpcloth that friends suggest that they place alongside their child's face will shield the baby's brain during a crash. These extra padding pieces, however, could actually make the chin to chest position worse when they compress in an accident.
Car seat accessories for newborns are an excellent way to keep your baby comfy while driving and are easy to use as well. These are usually pieces of fabric or foam that are placed under the car seat to raise the bottom of the seat. Some come with a cushion as well as an ear-hugger that is placed under the child, while others have just the head-hugger.
Car seat inserts for infants can be removed when the baby is large enough to be able to live without them. Most manufacturers will have a weight or height. Always adhere to the guidelines in your car seat's manual for this information.
It is
best car seats for newborns uk to talk to an expert if uncertain whether your baby is ready to quit using the
newborn car seat insert. A CPST can provide you with valuable advice to ensure your baby is using their car seat in a safe manner. A consultation added to your registry is a simple way to give loved ones the gift of peace of mind while driving with your child in the back seat!
