Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car seat inserts for infants are provided with the majority of convertible and infant car seats to allow babies to fit better and be more comfortable in the car. The inserts can be removed when the child reaches the weight limit set in the instruction manual for the car seat.
Only use the inserts that come with your car seat. Anything else can be unsafe, causing your baby to be squeezed and the harness straps to not be at the right height.
Helps to increase your baby's sitting posture
A car seat insert lets your infant to sit higher in the seat. This insert assists in securing the harness straps, and prevents slouching, which can expose your baby to the risk of injury if there is an accident. This padding supports your child and reduces the distance between the seat's bottom and the lowest harness strap slot. It ensures that they are safe in a car that is rear-facing and that their head isn't too close to the crotch (which could restrict airflow).
If you have a convertible seat, you can remove the newborn insert once your child reaches an appropriate weight or height limit. This is typically around five to six months old. Make sure you read the manual for instructions on this, and make sure that the harness straps of your child are still level with or below their shoulders. They might need to be adjusted after you have removed the infant insert.
Certain head supports, such as those used in infant seats, could cause the child's head to tilt forward. This can limit their airway and put their safety in danger. So, ensure that you always check the manual for your car seat and the manufacturer's website for guidelines on when and what to do with these types of head supports.
Only use the insert included with your child's seat. Do not use a substitute solution, like burp cloths or a rolled-up blanket on top of their head. Each car seat is tested to ensure that all components work. Using any other insert could interfere with the testing process and could compromise your child's security.
Remember, the safest way to ensure that your child is secure in their car seat is applying the "pinch test": you must not pinch any slack between your finger and the harness at their shoulder. If you have any doubts, consult a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician or call the customer service line to seek assistance.
Supports for your baby's neck and head
A newborn insert is designed to support your baby's neck and head. This is important because muscle development that allows infants to stand up on their own haven't yet occurred. Newborn car seat inserts raise the neck of your baby so that it can reach the lowest set shoulder strap slots and also keep their head from slouching forward (which could cause obstruction to airways).
Some infant seats have newborn inserts. Other companies also sell head supports specifically designed for use in car seat. Before you add any padding to your child's car seats, consult the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure that you are using the infant insert or the head support properly.
Infant inserts and head supports that come with most car seats are designed to provide extra padding for newborns and tiny babies. This can be a pair of separate items to provide more flexibility, or a single piece with a more streamlined support.
If infant car seat that swivels choose 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. Do not use burp or blanket cloths as car seat inserts for newborns, as these can interfere with the proper positioning of the infant's neck and head and put them at risk of injuries in a crash.
Many parents are misled into thinking that the head support pillows included in certain infant seats or sold separately will aid their infant stay secure in a crash by aiding in preventing a chin-to-chest position. This isn't the case. Research suggests 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, like an unrolled receiving blanket or burp cloth, may also invalidate the warranty of your infant car seat.
Keeps your baby's head in a natural position
If you've ever held a baby you're aware that they require additional head support in order to keep their little heads up. Car seats for infants come with a padded insert designed for newborns that keeps your baby in a safe, upright position. Newborn inserts are like miniature pillows that fit inside the seat and provide a comfortable cushion for your child. This is important, especially when traveling long distances. It can help your baby sleep and stay awake during the journey.
The newborn insert will also ensure that your baby's head is placed in a healthy, natural way. This is particularly important in rear-facing cars, where the head of the infant can be blocked if it slouches forward. The insert raises the child's head, allowing them reach the lowest set shoulder strap slots. It also pushes the head back to lessen the chance of choking. It is important to note that you must always refer to the manual for your car seat to find specific instructions on when to remove the infant insert in order to stipulate an age limit or weight limit.
As your child grows, the insert for the car seat for newborns will eventually become too small. As your baby grows, they'll naturally outgrow the newborn car seat insert.
It is crucial to test the harness when you remove the newborn insert from the car of your baby. You can do this by conducting a pinch test. In this test, you place your finger in the space between the strap for your shoulder and your baby's chest. If there is a large gap or a lot of slack in the strap, it is recommended to replace the newborn insert.
Although there are different car seat accessories on the market that you could use for your baby, it is best to stick with the infant insert offered by your car seat's manufacturer. They are designed to fit your baby's car seat and will ensure that they are safe while traveling.
Helps keep your baby comfy
The insert for newborns is an infant car seat accessory that ensures babies are at ease and secure. It's an extra layer of padding that boosts your baby up a little to ensure that the harness straps are at or below their shoulders (if they're in the rear-facing car seat). Without an insert, your child may not be sitting high enough for their harness to be properly adjusted.
A newborn insert can also be a good idea as it will make it more likely for your baby's chin off their chest. Many parents believe that the pillow-like insert that comes with certain carseats, or the receiving blanket that is rolled up or burpcloth that friends suggest to place on top of their child's face will shield the brain of their child in a crash. These additional padding pieces, however, can actually make the chin-to-chest position worse when they compress during an accident.
Car seat accessories for newborns are a great way to help keep your baby comfy while driving, and they're easy to use too. They're usually a piece of cloth or foam that is placed underneath the car seat to raise up the bottom of the seat. Some include a head-hugger and a cushion which both are placed under the child's head to lift them up while others are simply a head hugger on its own.
Car seat inserts for infants can be removed when the baby is big enough to fit in without them. The majority of manufacturers have a suggested weight or height. This information is available in the car seat manual.
It's best to consult a professional if you are unsure whether or not your baby is ready to stop using the infant car seat insert. A CPST will provide you with useful advice to make sure your baby is using their car seat safely. Include a consultation on your registry is a simple method to gift your loved ones the gift of security when driving with your child in the back seat!