Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car seat inserts for newborns are provided with the majority of convertible and infant car seats to help baby fit better and be more comfortable in the car. The inserts can be removed when the child is at the weight limit stated in the manual of the car seat.
Always use the inserts that come with your car seat--anything else is dangerous and could cause your baby to get squished or have harness straps that aren't at the appropriate height.
Increase your baby's sit-up posture
A car seat insert allows your newborn to sit higher in the seat. This insert helps you secure the harness straps, and prevents slouching, which can put your baby at risk of injury in the event that there's an accident. This padding supports your child and decreases the distance between the bottom of the seat and the lowest strap slots. It ensures they are safe in a car that is rear-facing and that their head isn't too close to the crotch (which could hinder airflow).
If you have a convertible car seat, you can remove the infant insert once your child reaches a certain weight or height limit. This is typically around five to six months of age. Be sure to read the manual for instructions regarding this, and make sure that the harness straps of your child are still level with or below their shoulders - they may need to be re-adjusted after removing the infant insert.
Certain head support devices, like those included in infant seats, may cause the child's head to tilt forward. This could impede their airway and put their safety in danger. So, be sure to always read the manual for your car seat and the site of the manufacturer for instructions on when and how to use these kinds of head supports.
You should only use the insert included with the car seat of your child; do not create improvised solutions, such as placing an unrolled blanket or a burp cloth over their head. Each car seat and its components are rigorously tested to work together as a system and any other insert can disrupt the process and compromise your child's safety.
Remember, the most secure method to ensure that your baby is snugly seated in their seat is applying the "pinch test" You must not squeeze any slack between you finger and the harness on their shoulder. If you are in doubt you should consult a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician or dial the customer service number to seek help.
Supports your baby's head and neck
A newborn insert is designed to support your baby's neck as well as head. This is because newborns do not yet have the muscles that will allow them to raise their heads on their own. Newborn car seat inserts lift your baby's head so that they can get to the lowest set of shoulder strap slots and they also assist in keep their head from slumping forward (which could hinder their airways).
Some infant seats include inserts for babies. Other companies sell head supports designed for use in car seat. Before you add any padding to your child's car seats, check the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure you are using the newborn insert or head support safely.
The infant inserts and head supports included in many car seats are specifically designed to provide the additional padding needed by infants and small babies. They could be two distinct items that provide greater flexibility in adjustment or one unit that is more compact to support.
If you choose to use an infant head support or insert, keep 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 car seat inserts for newborns as they can interfere with the proper placement of the infant's neck and head, putting them at risk of injury during a crash.
Many parents mistakenly believe that the pillow-like head inserts included in certain infant seats or sold separately can help their infant stay safe in a crash by aiding in preventing a chin-to-chest position. This isn't the case. In fact, research suggests that adding an insert or head support to the
infant car seats on sale's seat can cause the head to slump forward, placing it in an unsafe position. In addition using a soft item like a rolled receiving blanket or a burp cloth instead of the infant car seat insert could void your infant seat's warranty.
Keeps your baby's head in its natural position
If you've ever held a baby, you will be aware that they require extra support to keep their heads straight. Car seats for infants are fitted with a padded insert designed for newborns that keeps your baby in a safe upright position. The newborn inserts are mini pillows that can be placed inside the seat to provide a cushion for your baby. This is crucial when traveling for long distances because it makes it easier for your baby to fall asleep and stay awake throughout the trip.
The insert for newborns will ensure that your baby's head is positioned in a healthy, natural way. This is especially important in rear-facing cars, as the head of the infant can become blocked if it is sunk forward. The insert raises the child's head, allowing them reach the lowest set shoulder strap slots. It also pushes the head back, reducing the chance of being choked. It's important to note that you should always consult the car seat's manual for specific instructions on when to remove the
infant car seat that swivels insert in order to stipulate an age limit or weight limit.
As your child grows, the insert for car seats for newborns will eventually become too small. They'll get taller and develop the strength and muscle to hold their heads up without the assistance of a seat insert. This is when you can consider eliminating the padding from the seat.
It is important to check the harness when you remove the infant insert from your baby's car. You can test this by using a pinch test, which involves placing your finger between the straps and your baby's chest. If the gap is big or there's plenty of slack, you need to put the infant insert back in.
While there are a few different car seat accessories on the market that you could use for your newborn, it is best to stick with the infant insert offered by the manufacturer of your car seat. This is because they're designed specifically for your baby's specific car seat and will be most effective in keeping them secure during travel.
Keeps your baby snug
The insert for newborns is an infant car seat accessory that ensures babies are comfortable and safe. It's an extra layer of padding that elevates your baby to ensure that the harness straps reach their shoulders or are below (if they are in a rear-facing car seat). Your baby might not be able to sit up high enough to ensure that their harness can be adjusted appropriately without the insert.
A newborn insert is also beneficial as it increases the likelihood that your baby's head is in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin from their chests). Many new parents think that the pillow-like head insert that comes with certain carseats or the rolled reception blanket or burp cloth that people suggest they place on their child's head, will shield their baby's head during an accident. However, these additional padding pieces can actually make the chin-to-chest position worse, since they compress when a crash occurs.
Newborn car seat accessories are a great way to help keep your baby comfortable when driving and they're simple to use too. These are usually pieces of fabric or foam that are placed under the car seat in order to raise the seat's bottom. Some include a head hugger and a cushion which both sit under the child to lift them up, while others are merely head huggers on their own.
Car seat newborn inserts can be removed once the baby is old enough to fit without them, and most manufacturers have a weight or height recommendation for this. Always follow the directions in your car seat manual for this information.
It is best to talk to a professional if you are unsure whether or not your baby is ready to stop using the
newborn car seat insert. A CPST can give you helpful advice to ensure that your baby is using their car seat safely. A consultation can be added to your registry to give your beloved children peace of mind when you travel with your baby in the back seat.
