Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car seat inserts for infants are included with most infant and convertible car seats to help babies fit better and be more comfortable in the car. They can be removed when the child has reached a certain weight limit in the manual for the car seat.
Only use the inserts provided with your car seat. Anything else is unsafe, causing your child to be squeezed and the harness straps to not be at the proper height.
Increase your baby's sit-up posture
A car seat insert permits your infant to sit up higher in the seat. This will help you secure the harness straps correctly and securely and also stops the slouching that could put your infant at risk of injury in the event of an accident. This padding lifts your child's height and reduces the distance between their lower and the lowest set of straps for harness to ensure they're safe in the car seat that faces rearwards and that their head isn't too close to the strap around their crotch (which can restrict airflow).
If you're using convertible car seats the infant insert can be removed when your child reaches a certain weight or height limit. infant carrier seat is usually around 5-6 months old. Be sure to check the manual for guidelines on this, and also make sure your child's harness straps are still level with or below their shoulders. They might require adjustment after you have removed the infant insert.
Some car seat head inserts as well as some that are included in the infant seats themselves - can actually cause your child's head to move forward, which could limit their airway, and could put their safety at risk. So, ensure that you always refer to the manual for your car seat and the manufacturer's website for guidelines on when and how to use these types of head supports.
It is best to use the insert included with the car seat of your child; do not create improvised solutions, like placing a rolled up blanket or a burp cloth on their head. Each car seat is tested to ensure that all components work together. Any other insert may hinder the testing process and could compromise your child's safety.
Remember, the safest way to ensure that your baby is snugly seated in their seat is by using the "pinch test" You should not be able to pinch any slack between your finger and the harness at their shoulder. If you're not sure, contact a Child Passenger Security Technician or the customer service number of the manufacturer of your car seat.
Helps support your baby's head and neck
A newborn insert is designed to support your baby's neck and head. This is essential because muscles that allow infants to hold their heads up on their own haven't been achieved. Newborn car seat inserts raise the neck of your baby so that it can fit into the lowest set shoulder strap slots, and also prevent their head from slouching forward (which could block airways).
Some infant seats include inserts for babies. Other companies sell head supports designed for use in car seats. However, before you add any type of padding to your baby's car seat, consult the manufacturer's instructions for more specific instructions about how to safely use the newborn insert or head support in your specific infant seat.
The infant inserts and head support that come with many car seats are specifically designed to provide the additional padding needed by 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 decide to use a head support for your infant or insert, keep in mind that your child will likely outgrow it before they reach the weight and size that is appropriate for their car seat. Never use blankets or cloth burps to make an insert for car seats for infants. They can interfere with the proper positioning for the infant's neck and head and could cause injuries in the event of the event of a crash.
Many parents are misled into thinking that the pillow-like head supports included in some infant seats or sold separately can help their newborn to stay safe in a crash, by aiding in preventing a chin-to-chest position. However, this is not the case. In fact research has revealed that the addition of an infant insert or headrest can actually cause your baby's head to slide forward into a compromising position. Additionally the use of a soft object such as a rolled receiving blanket or a burp cloth in place of the infant car seat insert could end the warranty of your infant's seat.
Keeps the head of your baby in a natural posture
If you've ever held a newborn you're aware that they require additional head support in order to keep their little heads elevated. This is why infant car seats come equipped with a padded newborn insert that helps your baby sit in a secure position. The newborn inserts are small pillows that fit in the seat to provide a comfortable seat for your baby. This is particularly important when traveling for long distances because it makes it easier for your child to sleep and remain awake throughout the trip.
The newborn insert also ensures that the neck of your baby is positioned in the most natural and healthy manner that is possible. 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 which allows them to reach the lowest set of shoulder strap slots, and then pushes their head backwards, which reduces the risk of choking or obstructing their breathing. Always check your car seat's instruction manual for instructions on how to remove the infant insert. It will likely specify an age or weight limit.
As your child grows, the insert for car seats for newborns will naturally become too small. They'll increase in height and build the strength and muscle to hold their heads without the help of a seat insert. This is the time to think about taking the padding off the seat.
When you take the insert for newborns out of your baby's car seat, it is crucial to ensure that the harness is secure enough to be safe. You can test this by pinch testing using your finger between the shoulder straps and the chest of your baby. If there's a large gap or lots of slack in the strap, it is recommended to replace the newborn insert.
There are many different car seat inserts on the market for your newborn. However, it is recommended to choose the one provided by the manufacturer of your car seat. This is because they're designed specifically for your baby's car seat and are most effective in making sure they're safe during travel.
Make sure your baby is comfortable
The newborn insert is an accessory for car seats designed to keep babies comfortable and secure in their infant seats. It's an extra layer of padding that boosts your baby up a little so that the harness straps are at or below their shoulders (if they're 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 properly without an insert.
A newborn insert could be a good idea since it will make it more likely for your baby's chin to remain off their chest. Many new parents think 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 baby's head during an accident. These extra padding pieces, however, could actually make the chin-to-chest positioning worse as they compress during the event of a crash.
They're simple to use and an excellent option to keep your baby at ease while driving. These are usually pieces of fabric or foam that are inserted under the car seat to raise the bottom of the seat. Some come with a cushion as well as a head-hugger that go under the child, while others are just the head-hugger.
Car seat inserts for newborns can be removed once the baby is large enough to be able to live without them. Most manufacturers will have a weight or height. This information is available in the manual for car seats.
If you're still not sure when your baby will be ready to stop using a newborn car seat, it's always best to consult an expert! A CPST can provide helpful advice to ensure that you're using the correct car seat for your baby and that they are as secure as they can be. A consultation can be added to your registry to give your loved children peace of mind when you travel with your child in your back seat.