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. They can be removed after the child reaches a specified weight limit in the car seat manual.
Only use the inserts provided with your car seat. Anything else could be unsafe, causing your child to get squished and the harness straps to not be at the proper height.
Encourage your baby's sitting posture
A car seat insert designed for newborns allows your tiny baby to sit up higher in the car seat. This will help you secure the harness straps correctly and securely and prevents slouching that can put your infant at risk of injury in the event of an accident. This padding supports your child and decreases the distance between the seat's bottom and the lowest harness strap slot. It ensures that they are secure in a car that is rear-facing and that their head isn't too close to the crotch (which could restrict airflow).
If best infant seat have a convertible seat you can take out the infant insert once your child has reached an appropriate weight or height limit. This is typically around five to six months of age. Check the manual to see if there are any instructions. Also, ensure that the harness straps of your child are in line or lower than their shoulders. They may need to be adjusted after you remove the insert.
Some head supports for car seats as well as some that are included with infant seats themselves - could actually make your child's head move forward, which can restrict their airway and put their safety at risk. Read the instructions in the car seat manual or on the site of the manufacturer to find out the best time and method for using these head supports should be used.
It is best to use the insert included with your child's car seat. do not create improvised solutions, such as putting an unrolled blanket or a burp cloth on their head. Each car seat and its components are rigorously tested to work together as a unit and any other insert can hinder this process and threaten your child's safety.
The most secure way to ensure your baby is comfortable in their seat is by using the "pinch test" and you should not be able to squeeze any slack between your finger and the harness at their shoulder. If you are unsure seek out a certified child Passenger Safety Technician or dial the customer service number for help.
It supports your baby's head and neck
A newborn insert is made to help your baby's neck and head. This is essential because muscle developments that allow infants to hold their heads up independently haven't yet been achieved. Newborn car seat inserts lift your baby's head so they can reach the smallest set of shoulder strap slots, and also help keep their head from sliding forward (which could restrict their airways).
Some infant seats include inserts for babies. Other companies offer head supports designed for use in car seat. Before you add any padding to your baby's car seats, review the instructions of the manufacturer for precise information regarding how to use the insert for newborns or head support in your particular infant seat.
Infant inserts and head supports included in most car seats are designed to provide additional padding for newborns and small babies. This can be a pair of separate items to provide more flexibility or a single item with a more efficient support.
If you decide to utilize an infant insert or head support, remember that they should only be used in a rear-facing orientation, and that they'll likely outgrow them before they reach the maximum weight and height allowed for their car seat. Don't use burp cloths as substitute car seat inserts for infants because they could hinder the proper placement of the neck and head of the infant which could put them at risk for injuries in an accident.
Many parents are misled into thinking that the pillow-like head supports that are included in some infant seats or sold separately will help their baby to remain secure in a crash by helping to prevent a chin-to-chest position. It's not the case. Research suggests 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. In addition, using a soft object such as a rolled receiving blanket or a burp cloth instead of the infant car seat insert could potentially cause the infant seat to lose its warranty.
Keeps your baby's head in its natural position
If you've ever held a newborn you're aware that they require extra head support to keep their heads elevated. This is why infant car seats come with a cushioned newborn insert that helps your baby sit in a comfortable position. The newborn inserts are small pillows that can be placed inside the seat to provide a comfortable seat for your baby. This is especially important when traveling for long distances as it will make it easier for your baby to fall asleep and remain awake during the trip.
The insert for newborns will ensure that your baby's head is placed in a natural, healthy way. This is especially important for rear-facing cars, as the infant's head can be blocked if it slouches forward. The insert raises the child's head and allows them to reach the lowest set shoulder strap slots. It also pushes the head back, reducing the chance of being choked. It is recommended to always read your car seat's instruction manual for instructions on how to remove the newborn insert. It is likely to specify an age or weight limit.
As your baby gets older, they'll naturally outgrow the infant car seat insert. They'll increase in height and build up the muscle strength to hold their heads without the assistance of an insert. This is when you should consider removing the padding from the seat.
When you take the insert for newborns from the car seat of your baby it is vital to make sure that the harness is tight enough to be safe. You can check this by performing a pinch test using your finger between the shoulder straps and the chest of your baby. If the gap is large or there's a lot of slack, you need to put the infant insert back in.
There are a variety of car seat inserts for your baby. However, it's recommended to choose the one supplied by the manufacturer of your car seat. This is because they're designed specifically for your baby's car seat and will be most effective at keeping them secure during travel.
Keep your baby comfortable
The newborn insert is an accessory for car seats that is that is designed to keep babies cozy and secure in their infant seats. It's an extra layer of padding that raises your baby up a little so that the harness straps are located at or below their shoulders (if they're in the rear-facing car seat). Your baby might not be able to sit tall enough to ensure that their harness can be adjusted properly without an insert.
A newborn insert is also beneficial as it makes it more likely that your baby's head will stay in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin from their chests). Many new parents believe that the pillow-like head insert included in some car seats, or the rolled receiving blanket or burp cloth that friends suggest they put alongside their child's head, will protect their baby's head during an accident. These additional padding pieces, however, can actually cause the chest to chin positioning worse as they compress during a crash.
They're easy to use and are a great method to keep your child happy while driving. They're typically made of cloth or foam that is placed underneath the car seat in order to lift up the bottom part of the seat. Some come with a cushion and an ear-hugger that is placed under the child's head, whereas others have just a head-hugger.
Car seat newborn inserts can be removed once the baby is old enough without them. Most manufacturers have the weight or height guidelines for this. You should always follow the instructions in your car seat's manual for this information.
If you're still not sure whether or when your baby will be ready to stop using a newborn car seat insert It is always advisable to seek out an expert! A CPST can provide you with valuable advice to ensure your baby is safe in their car seat. Include a consultation on your registry is an easy method to gift your loved children peace of mind while driving with your baby in the back seat!