Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car seat inserts for infants are included with most convertible and infant car seats to allow babies to fit better and be more comfortable in the car. They can be removed when the child is at a certain weight limit in the manual for the car seat.
Use only the inserts included in your car seat. Anything else can be dangerous, causing your baby to be squished and for the harness straps to not be at the proper height.
Helps to increase your baby's sitting posture
A car seat insert permits your newborn to sit up higher in the seat. This insert assists in securing the harness straps, and prevents sliding, which could put your baby at risk of injury if there's an accident. The padding helps lift your child's height and reduces the distance between their bottom and the lowest set of straps for harness making sure they're secured in the car seat that faces rearwards and that their head doesn't get too close to the crotch strap (which can restrict airflow).
If you're using convertible car seats the infant insert is removed when your child has reached a certain weight or height limit. This is usually around 5-6 months old. Read the manual to find out whether there are any specific instructions. Also, ensure that the harness straps of your child are at or below their shoulders. They might need to be adjusted after removing the insert.
Certain headrests for car seats as well as some that are included with infant seats - could actually make your child's head move forward, which can restrict their airway and potentially put their safety at risk. Therefore, make sure you always check the car seat manual and the manufacturer's website for guidelines on when and how to use these types of head supports.
Use only the insert that came with your child's car seat. Do not use a flimsier solution, such as a burp cloth or rolled-up blankets on
top rated baby car seats of their heads. Every car seat and its components are thoroughly tested to ensure that they function as a system, and using any other insert can interfere with this process and threaten your child's safety.
The "pinch test" is the most effective way to make sure that your child is safely seated in the seat. You should not be able pinch any slack at the shoulder between your fingers and the harness. If you are in doubt, consult a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician or call the customer service line to seek assistance.
It supports your baby's head and neck
A newborn insert is a cushion designed to help your baby's head and neck. 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 they can reach the lowest set of shoulder strap slots, and also help keep their head from slumping forward (which could hinder their airways).
Some infant seats come with inserts for newborns and other companies also offer head supports specifically designed for use in car seats. Before adding padding to your child's car seat, consult the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure that you are using the newborn insert or the head support safely.
Infant inserts and head support that come with most car seats are designed to provide additional padding for infants and small babies. These can be two separate items that offer more flexibility in adjustment or a single unit that's more compact to support.
If you choose to use an infant insert or head support, keep in mind that they are only suitable for use in a rear-facing orientation and that they'll outgrow them before reaching the maximum weight and height allowed for their car seat. Do not use blankets or cloth burps to make a car seat insert for babies. They can interfere with the proper positioning for the baby's neck and head, which could lead to injuries in the event of a crash.
Many parents are misled into thinking that the pillow-like head supports that are included in some infant seats or sold separately will aid their baby to remain safe in a crash by aiding in preventing a chin-to-chest position. It's not the case. In fact, research shows that the addition of an insert or head support to your infant's seat could cause the head to slump forward, putting it into an unsafe position. A soft object, such as a rolled up receiving blanket or burp cloth, may also void the warranty of your infant car seat.
Keeps your baby's head in a natural position
If you've ever held a newborn you're aware that they require extra head support to keep their heads elevated. Car seats for infants are fitted with a cushioned insert for newborns that helps keep your baby in a secure upright position. The newborn inserts are mini pillows that fit inside the seat to provide a cushion for your
top rated baby car seats. This is essential, especially when you travel for long distances. They can help your baby fall asleep and remain awake throughout the journey.
The insert for newborns will also ensure that your baby's neck is placed in the most natural and healthy way possible. This is especially important for rear-facing car seats, as the child's head can lean forward can block their airways. The insert raises the child's body and allows them to reach the lowest shoulder strap slots. It also pulls the head back, reducing the chance of being choked. It is important to note that you should always consult the car seat's manual for specific instructions on when to remove the infant insert in order to specify an age or weight limit.
As your child grows, the insert used for a newborn car seat will eventually become too small. As your baby grows, they will naturally outgrow the newborn car seat insert.
It is essential to examine the harness when you remove the newborn insert from your baby's car. You can check this by doing 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 the gap is wide or there's plenty of slack, you must put the infant insert back in.
There are numerous car seat inserts for your newborn. However, it's
best car seat infant to use the one supplied by the manufacturer of your car seat. This is because they're made specifically for your baby's specific car seat and are the most effective in keeping them secure during travel.
Keep your baby safe
The insert for newborns is an infant car seat accessory that keeps babies secure and comfortable. It's an extra layer of padding that raises your baby so that harness straps can reach their shoulders or are below (if they're in a rear facing car seat). Without an insert, your child might not sit high enough for their harness to be adjusted correctly.
A newborn insert can also be a good idea since it will make it more likely for your baby's chin away from their chest. Many new parents believe that the head pillow included in some car seats or the rolled receiving blanket or burp cloth that parents are advised to put on their child's head will protect their child's head in a crash. However, these extra padding pieces can actually make the chin-to-chest position more difficult, as they expand when a crash occurs.
They are easy to use and a great method to keep your child at ease while driving. These are usually pieces of fabric or foam that are placed under the car seat to raise the seat's bottom. Some come with a cushion and an ear-hugger that is placed under the child, whereas others just have an head-hugger.
Inserts for infant
car seat newborn insert seats can be removed once the infant is old enough to be able to fit without them. Most manufacturers have an appropriate weight or height requirement for this. It is recommended to follow the directions in the manual for your car seat for this information.
It's best to consult a professional if you are uncertain whether your baby is at the point of removing the newborn car seat insert (
this link). A CPST can provide you with valuable advice to ensure your baby is safe in their car seat. A consultation can be added to your registry to give your loved children peace of mind as you travel with your child in the back seat.
