Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car seat inserts for newborns are included in the majority of infant and convertible car seats to help baby fit better and be more comfortable in the car. The inserts can be removed once the child reaches the weight limit set in the instruction manual for the car seat.
Use only the inserts included in your car seat. Anything else is unsafe, causing your baby to get squished and the harness straps to not be at the correct height.
Boost your baby's sitting posture
A car seat insert designed for newborns allows your tiny baby to sit higher up in the seat. This insert helps you secure the harness straps and stops slouching, which can put your baby at risk of injury in the event that there is a crash. This padding supports your child's head and reduces the distance between the bottom of the seat and the lowest harness strap slots. It ensures they are secure in a rear-facing car and that their head isn't too close to the crotch (which can restrict the airflow).
If you're using a convertible car seat the insert for your newborn can be removed once your child reaches a certain weight or height limit; this is typically around 5-6 months old. Make sure you read the manual for guidelines on this, and also make sure the harness straps for your child are not sagging below their shoulders - they might require adjustment after you have removed the infant insert.
Certain head supports, such as those included in infant seats, can actually cause the child's head to tilt backwards. This could limit their airway and put their safety at risk. Review the directions in the car seat manual or on the site of the manufacturer to determine when and how these head supports should be used.
Use only the insert that came along with your child's seat. Never use a makeshift solution, like an old burp cloth or rolled up blankets on top of their heads. Each car seat is tested to make sure that all components work together. Any other insert could interfere with the testing process and could compromise your child's safety.
The "pinch test" is the most effective way to make sure that your child is secure in the seat. You should not be able to pinch any loose slack in the shoulder between your finger and harness. If you are unsure, contact an expert in Child Passenger Security or the customer service number of your car seat manufacturer.
Supports for your baby's neck and head
The newborn insert is designed to support your baby's neck as well as head. This is essential because muscle development that allows infants to stand up independently haven't yet occurred. Newborn car seat inserts raise your baby's neck so that it can fit into the shoulder strap with the lowest slots and prevent their head from sliding
forward facing infant car seat (which could block airways).
Some infant seats come with inserts for newborns, and other companies sell head supports that are designed to be used in car seats. But, before you put any type of padding to your baby's car seat check the manufacturer's guidelines for specific information on how to safely use the infant insert or head support in your specific
infant car seats uk seat.
The infant inserts and head supports that are included in the majority of car seats are designed to provide the additional padding needed by infants and small babies. They could be two distinct products that allow for greater adjustability or one unit that is more compact for support.
If you choose to use an infant head support or insert, keep in mind that your child will likely outgrow it before they reach the maximum weight and size for their car seat. Never use blankets or burp cloths as car seat inserts to infants as they can interfere with the proper placement of the neck and head of the infant and put them at risk of injuries in a crash.
Many parents believe, wrongly that the pillow-like inserts included in some infant seats as well as those sold separately will keep their child secure in the event of an accident by preventing a chin-to- chest position. It's not the case. In fact, research indicates that the addition of an insert or head support to the infant's seat could cause the head to sag forward, placing it in a dangerous position. A soft object, like a blanket that has been rolled up or burp cloth, could also invalidate the warranty on your
infant carrier seat best car seat seat.
Keeps your baby's head in a natural position
If you've ever held a baby you'll know that they need additional head support in order to keep their little heads up. Car seats for infants come with a cushioned insert for newborns that keeps your baby in a safe upright position. Newborn inserts are similar to miniature pillows that can be inserted into the seat and provide a comfortable cushion for your child. This is especially important when traveling long distances, because it makes it easier for your baby to sleep and remain awake during the trip.
The insert for newborns will ensure that your baby's head is set in a natural, healthy way. This is especially important for rear-facing car seats, as allowing the infant's head to slump forward can hinder their breathing. The insert raises the child up, allowing them to reach the lowest set of shoulder strap slots and also pushes their head backwards to reduce the risk of choking or restricting their breathing. It is recommended to always read the instruction manual for your car seat for directions on how to remove the infant insert. It is likely to specify a weight or age limit.
As your baby grows older they'll naturally outgrow the newborn car seat insert. They'll get taller and build up the muscle strength needed to hold their heads without the aid of a seat insert. This is when you can consider removing the padding from the seat.
It is important to check the harness when you remove the newborn insert from the car of your baby. You can test this by performing a pinch test, where you put your finger in the gap between the strap for your shoulder and your baby's chest. If there's a large gap or lots of slack in the strap, you need to replace the insert for your newborn.
While there are a few different car seat accessories available on the market that you can use for your baby however, it's recommended 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 car seat and will be the most effective in keeping them secure during travel.
Keep your baby comfortable
The newborn insert is an accessory for car seats that is designed to keep babies cozy and secure in their infant seats. It's a layer of padding that boosts your baby's height to ensure that the harness straps are located 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 insert is a good idea because it makes it more likely that your baby's head will remain in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin off their chest). Many new parents think that the pillow-like head piece included in some car seats or the rolled reception blanket or burp cloth that parents are advised to put on their child's head, will protect their baby's head during an accident. These additional padding pieces however, can make the chin-to-chest positioning worse as they compress in a crash.
Newborn car seat accessories are an excellent way to keep your baby comfy during the drive and they're simple to use too. They're typically a piece of fabric or foam that is inserted under the car seat in order to lift up the bottom of the seat. Some include a head-hugger and a cushion that are placed under the child's head to raise them up, while others are just head huggers on their own.
Car seat newborn inserts can be removed once the baby is old enough to fit without them. Most manufacturers have a weight or height recommendation for this. This information can be found in the manual for car seats.
It is
best car seat newborn uk to talk to an expert if uncertain about whether or not your baby is ready to stop using the infant car seat insert. A CPST can provide valuable guidance to ensure that you are using the car seat properly for your baby and that they are as safe as is possible. A consultation added to your registry is a simple way to give your loved ones peace of mind while driving with your child in the back seat!
