car seat inserts for newborns (
the advantage)
Car seat inserts designed for infants are provided with the majority of convertible and
infant car seats to help baby get a better fit and feel more comfortable in the car. Inserts can be removed once the child reaches the weight limit set in the manual of the car seat.
Only use the inserts that come in your car seat. Anything else could be unsafe, causing your baby to get squished and the harness straps not to be at the correct height.
It helps your baby's sit position
A car seat insert allows your baby to sit higher in the seat. This will help you secure the harness straps properly and securely, and it also prevents the slouching that could expose your child to the risk of injury in the event of a crash. This padding lifts your child up and shortens the distance between their bottom and the lowest set of harness strap slots making sure they're secured in the rear-facing car seat and that their head doesn't get too close to the crotch strap (which can restrict airflow).
If you have a convertible car seat, you can remove the newborn insert when your child reaches an appropriate weight or height limit. This usually occurs between five to six months old. 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 you remove the infant insert.
Certain headrests for car seats or even those that are included in the infant seats themselves - can actually push your child's head forward, which could impede their airway and potentially put their safety at risk. Read the instructions in the car seat manual or on the site of the manufacturer to find out when and how these head supports should be used.
It is best to use the insert that came with your child's car seat. never create makeshift solutions, such as putting an unrolled blanket or a burp cloth on their head. Every car seat and its components are thoroughly tested to work together as a system and using any other insert could hinder this process and jeopardize your child's safety.
The "pinch test" is the most effective way to ensure that your baby is secure in the seat. You should not be able pinch any loose slack in the shoulder between your finger and harness. If you aren't sure you are not sure, call a Child Passenger Security Technician or the customer service number of your car seat manufacturer.
Supports for your baby's neck and head
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 raise their heads on their own haven't yet been achieved. Car seat inserts for newborns raise your baby's head to ensure they can get to the lowest set of shoulder strap slots, and also help prevent their head from sagging forward (which could block their airways).
Some infant seats come with newborn inserts, and other companies offer head support products that are specifically designed to be used in car seats. But, before you put any kind of padding to your baby's car seats, consult the manufacturer's instructions for more specific instructions on how to safely use the newborn insert or head support in your specific infant seat.
Infant inserts and head support that come with most car seats are designed to provide additional padding for newborns and tiny babies. This could be a pair of separate pieces for greater flexibility or a single unit with a more efficient support.
If you choose to use an
infant car seats uk 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. Do not use blankets or cloth burps to create a car seat insert for babies. They can impede the proper position of the infant's neck and head and could cause injury in an accident.
Many parents believe, incorrectly, that the pillow-like inserts found in some
infant car seats cheap seats and those sold separately will keep their child secure in the event of an accident by preventing a chin to chest position. This isn't the case. In fact, research shows that adding an insert or head support to your infant's seat could cause the head to sag forward, placing it in an unsafe position. A soft object, such as a rolled up receiving blanket or burp cloth, may also invalidate the warranty of your infant car seat.
Keeps your baby's head in its natural position
If you have ever held your baby, you be aware that they require extra 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 safe upright position. The inserts for newborns are miniature pillows that fit inside the seat to provide a cushion for your baby. This is particularly important when traveling long distances, as it will make it easier for your baby to fall asleep and stay awake throughout the trip.
The insert for newborns will ensure that your
lightweight baby car seat's head is set in a natural, healthy way. This is especially important for rear-facing vehicles, where the baby's head could become obstructed if it slumps forward. The insert lifts the child and allows them to reach the smallest set of shoulder strap slots and pushes their head backwards and reduces the chance of choking or restricting their breathing. It's worth mentioning that you must always refer to the car seat's manual for specific instructions on when to remove the infant insert, as it will likely stipulate an age or weight limit.
As your child grows, the insert used for the car seat for newborns will naturally become too small. As your baby grows, they'll naturally outgrow the newborn car seat insert.
When you take the newborn insert from your baby's car seat it is vital that you check that the harness is still tight enough to be safe. You can check this by performing a pinch test using your finger between the shoulder straps and your baby's chest. If the gap is wide or there's a lot of slack, you need to put the newborn insert back into.
There are many different car seat inserts available for your baby. However, it is recommended to choose the one provided by the manufacturer of your car seat. This is because they're made specifically for your baby's car seat and will be most effective at keeping them safe while traveling.
Keep your baby comfortable
The newborn insert is a car seat accessory designed to keep babies comfy and safe in their infant seats. It's a layer of padding that raises your child so that harness straps can reach their shoulders or lower (if they're in a rear-facing car seat). Your
lightweight baby car seat might not be able to sit high enough so that their harness can be adjusted correctly without an insert.
A newborn insert is also a good idea because it makes it more likely that your baby's head is in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin away from their chest). Many new parents believe that the pillow-like head insert that comes with certain carseats, or the rolled receiving blanket or burp cloth people suggest they place on their child's head, will protect their baby's head during the event of a crash. However, these additional padding pieces can actually make the chin-to-chest positioning more difficult, as they expand during a crash.
Car seat accessories for newborns are an excellent way to keep your baby comfortable when driving and they're simple to use too. 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 have a cushion and an ear-hugger that is placed under the child, whereas others are just the head-hugger.
Car seat newborn inserts can be removed once the baby is old enough without them, and most manufacturers have the weight or height guidelines for this. Always follow the instructions in the manual for your car seat for this information.
If you're uncertain about when your baby is ready to stop using a newborn car seat it is best to consult an expert! A CPST can provide valuable guidance to ensure that you are using your baby's car seat correctly and that they are as safe as is possible. Adding a consultation to your registry is an easy way to give loved ones peace of mind while driving with your child in the back seat!
