Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car seat inserts for infants are provided with the majority of convertible and infant car seats to help babies get a better fit and feel more comfortable in the car. Inserts can be removed when the child reaches 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 unsafe and can cause your baby to be squished or have harness straps that aren't the appropriate level.
Helps to increase your baby's sitting posture
A car seat insert permits your newborn to sit up higher in the seat. This insert aids in securing the harness straps and stops slouching, which can expose your baby to the risk of injury if there is a crash. The padding raises your child's height and reduces the distance between their bottom and the lowest set of harness strap slots, ensuring they're secure in the rear-facing car seat and that their head isn't too close to the strap around their crotch (which could restrict airflow).
If you're using convertible car seats, the newborn insert can be removed when your child has reached a certain weight or height limit; this is typically around 5-6 months old. Check the manual to see whether there are any specific instructions. Also, make sure that the harness straps of your child are level or lower than their shoulders. They may need to be adjusted after removing the insert.
Certain head supports, such as those included in infant seats, may push the child's head backwards. This could impede their airway and put their safety in danger. Therefore, make sure you always refer to the manual for your car seat and the site of the manufacturer for instructions on when and how to use these types of head supports.
Make sure to use only the insert that came with your child's seat. Never use a makeshift solution, such as a burp cloth or rolled-up blankets on top of their heads. Every car seat and its components are thoroughly tested to function as a system and any other insert can disrupt this process and threaten your child's safety.
The "pinch test" is the best method to make sure that your child is safely seated in the seat. You shouldn't be able to squeeze any slack at the shoulder between your fingers and the harness. If you aren't sure, contact an expert in Child Passenger Security or the customer service number of the car seat manufacturer.
Helps support your baby's head and neck
A newborn insert is a cushion that is designed to support your baby's head as well as neck. This is because newborns have not yet developed the muscles that allow them to lift their heads on their own. Newborn car seat inserts raise your baby's neck so that it can reach the lowest set shoulder strap slots and also keep their head from slouching forward (which could hinder airways).
Some infant seats have inserts for newborns. best car seat infant sell head supports that are specifically designed to be used in car seat. However, before you add any kind of padding to your baby's car seat consult the manufacturer's instructions for specific information about how to safely use the newborn insert or head support in your specific infant seat.
The infant inserts and head support that are included in many car seats are crafted to provide the extra padding needed for newborns and babies of smaller sizes. This can be a pair of separate items for more flexibility or a single item with a more efficient support.
If you choose to use a head support for your infant or insert, keep in mind that your child is likely to outgrow it before reaching the maximum weight and size for their car seat. Do not use blankets or cloth burps to make an insert for your car seat for newborns. They can interfere with the proper positioning of the baby's neck and head, which could lead to injuries in an accident.
Many parents believe, wrongly that the pillow-like inserts in some infant seats and those sold separately will keep their infant safe in an accident by preventing a chin-to- chest position. This is not true. In fact, research suggests that the addition of an insert or head support to the infant's seat can cause the head to sag forward, putting it in a dangerous position. In addition, using a soft object like a rolled reception blanket or a burp cloth in place of the infant car seat insert could potentially end the warranty of your infant's seat.
Keeps your baby's head in a natural position
If you've ever held a newborn, you know they need extra head support to keep their little heads up. This is why infant car seats come with a cushioned newborn insert that allows your baby to sit in a safe position. The newborn inserts are small pillows that fit in the seat to provide a comfortable seat for your baby. This is especially important when traveling for long distances because it makes it easier for your child to fall asleep and remain awake throughout the trip.
The newborn insert will also ensure that your baby's head is positioned in a natural and healthy way. This is especially important for rear-facing car seats, where the baby's head being allowed to lean forward can restrict their airways. The insert raises the child up, allowing them to reach the bottom set of shoulder strap slots and also pushes their head back to reduce the risk of choking or restricting their breathing. You should always check the manual of your car seat for directions on how to remove the newborn insert. It's likely to include the weight limit or age limit.
As your baby grows older, they'll naturally outgrow the newborn car seat insert. They'll get taller and build up the strength and muscle to hold their heads up without the aid of a seat insert. This is the time to think about removing the padding from their seat.
It is crucial to test the harness before removing the infant insert from the car of your baby. You can test this by performing a pinch test. In this test, you place your finger in the space between the strap for your shoulder and the chest of your baby. If the gap is big or there's a lot of slack, you should put the newborn insert back in.
There are numerous car seat inserts available on the market for your baby. However, it is recommended to choose the one provided by the manufacturer of your car seat. They are designed to fit your baby's car seat and keep them safe during travel.
Helps keep your baby comfy
The newborn insert is a car seat accessory that is designed to keep babies cozy and safe in their infant seats. It's a 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 a rear-facing car seat). Your baby may not be able to sit high enough so that their harness can be adjusted appropriately without the insert.
A newborn insert can also be a good idea as it will make it more likely for your baby's chin away from their chest. Many parents believe that the pillow-like insert that comes with certain carseats or the rolled-up receiving blanket or burpcloth to put on their child's face will shield the brain of their child in the event of a crash. These additional padding pieces, however, can make the chin to chest position worse when they compress in the event of a crash.
They're easy to use and are a great way to keep your baby at ease while driving. They're typically a piece of fabric or foam that is inserted under the car seat to lift up the bottom part of the seat. Some include a head hugger and a cushion that both are placed under the child's head to lift them up, while others are merely a head hugger on its own.
Inserts for newborn car seats can be removed when the infant is old enough to fit without them. Most manufacturers have an appropriate weight or height requirement for this. This information is available in the car seat manual.
If you're not sure whether or when your baby will be ready to stop using a newborn car seat it is best to speak with an expert! A CPST can offer valuable advice to ensure you're using your baby's car seat correctly to ensure that they're as safe as possible. A consultation can be added to your registry to give your precious ones peace of mind while you travel with your child in your back seat.