Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car seat inserts designed for infants are included in the majority of infant and convertible car seats to help babies get a better fit and feel more comfortable in the car. Inserts can be removed once the child is at the weight limit specified in the instruction manual for the car seat.
Always make sure you use the inserts that come with your car seat--anything else is risky and could cause your child to be squeezed or straps that aren't at the appropriate level.
Boosts your baby's sitting position
A car seat insert lets your baby to sit up higher in the seat. This allows you to fasten the harness straps securely and correctly, and it also prevents slouching that can put your baby at risk of injury in the event of an accident. This padding supports your child's head and reduces the distance between the bottom of the seat and the lowest strap slot. It ensures they are safe in a rear-facing vehicle and their head is not too close to the crotch (which can restrict the airflow).
If you have a convertible car seat, you can remove the newborn insert once your child reaches a certain weight or height limit. This is typically around five to six months old. Be sure to check the manual for guidance on this, and make sure the harness straps for your child are still level with or below their shoulders. They may need to be re-adjusted after you remove the infant insert.
Some head supports for car seats - and even some that are included in the infant seats - could actually make your child's head move forward, which could limit their airway and potentially put their safety at risk. Therefore, make sure you always check the car seat manual and the site of the manufacturer for instructions on when and how to use these kinds of head supports.
You should only use the insert included with your child's car seat. Never create your own solutions, such as placing a rolled up blanket or a burp cloth over their head. Each car seat and its components are rigorously tested to ensure that they function as a system, and using any other insert could interfere with this process and jeopardize your child's safety.
The "pinch test" is the best method to ensure that your baby is safely seated in the seat. You should not be able pinch any slack on the shoulder between your fingers and the harness. If you are in doubt, consult a certified Child Safety Technician for Passenger Safety or call the customer service number to seek help.
Supports for your baby's neck and head
A newborn insert is a small cushion that is designed to support your baby's head as well as neck. This is crucial because the muscle development that allows infants to stand up on their own haven't yet been achieved. Car seat inserts for newborns raise your baby's head so they can reach the smallest set of shoulder strap slots, and they also help to keep their head from sliding forward (which could restrict their airways).
Some infant seats come with inserts for babies Other companies also offer head supports specifically designed to be used in car seats. But, before you put any padding to your baby's car seat, check the manufacturer's guidelines for precise information on how to safely use the infant insert or head support in your particular infant seat.
Infant inserts and head supports that are included in the majority of car seats are designed to provide additional padding for newborns and small babies. It could be a set of separate items to provide more flexibility or a single item with a more compact support.
If you choose to use an infant head support or insert, keep in mind that your child will likely outgrow it before reaching the weight and size that is appropriate for their car seat. Never use blankets or burp cloths as makeshift car seat inserts for newborns as they can interfere with the proper positioning of the infant's head and neck which could put them at risk for injury during an accident.
infant car seats uk believe that the pillow-like head inserts included in certain infant seats or sold separately can help their baby to remain safe in a crash by aiding in preventing a chin-to-chest position. It's not the case. Research shows that the addition of an insert or head support to your infant's car seat could cause the head to slump forward, placing it in a dangerous position. A soft object, such as an unrolled receiving blanket or burp cloth could also invalidate the warranty of your infant car seat.
Keeps the baby's head in its natural position
If you've ever held a baby you're aware that they require additional head support in order to keep their tiny heads up. This is why infant car seats come with a padded infant insert that allows your baby to sit in a safe position. Inserts for newborns are like miniature pillows that can be inserted into the seat and provide a comfortable cushion for your child. This is especially important when traveling long distances, because it makes it easier for your baby to fall asleep and stay awake during the trip.
The newborn insert will also ensure that the neck of your baby is positioned in the most natural and healthy way possible. This is especially important in rear-facing vehicles, where the infant's head can be blocked if it slouches forward. The insert raises the child's head to allow them to reach the lowest shoulder strap slots. It also pushes the head back, reducing the risk of getting choked. It's worth mentioning that you should always check the manual of your car seat for specific instructions on when to take off the infant insert and when to remove it, as it may stipulate an age or weight limit.
As your baby grows older, they'll naturally outgrow the newborn car seat insert. They'll increase in height and develop the muscle strength to hold their heads without the assistance of an insert. This is when you should consider eliminating the padding from the seat.
It is crucial to test the harness before removing the newborn insert from your baby's car. You can check this by conducting a pinch test, where you put your finger in the space between the strap for your shoulder and the chest of your baby. If there's a large gap or lots of stretch in the strap, you should replace the insert for your newborn.
There are many different car seat inserts that are available on the market for your baby. However, it's best to select the one provided by the manufacturer of your car seat. They are designed to fit your baby's car seat, and will keep them safe during travel.
Keeps your baby comfortable
The newborn insert is an accessory for car seats that is designed to keep babies comfy and secure in their infant seats. It's a layer of extra padding that raises your child so that the harness straps reach their shoulders or below (if they are in a rear facing car seat). Your baby may not be able to sit high enough so that their harness can be adjusted correctly without the insert.
A newborn insert is also beneficial as it increases the likelihood that your baby's head is in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin away from their chests). Many parents believe that the pillow-like inserts that come with certain carseats or the receiving blanket that is rolled up or burpcloth suggested by friends to put on their child's face can protect 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 a crash.
Car seat accessories for newborns are an excellent way to keep your baby comfy while driving, and they're easy to use too. They are typically pieces of fabric or foam that are put under the car seat in order to raise the bottom of the seat. Some come with a cushion as well as an ear-hugger that is placed under the child, while others are just the head-hugger.
Car seat inserts for newborns can be removed after the baby is large enough to be able to live without them. The majority of manufacturers will have a weight or height. This information is available in the car seat manual.
If you're still uncertain about when your baby will be ready to stop using a new car seat insert, it's always best to seek out an expert! A CPST can provide helpful advice to ensure you're using the correct car seat for your baby, so they'll be as safe as possible. Include a consultation on your registry is a simple way to give loved children peace of mind while driving with your baby in the back seat!