
Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car seat inserts designed for infants are included with most infant and convertible car seats to help babies get a better fit and feel more comfortable in the car. They can be removed after the child is at a certain weight limit in the manual for the car seat.
Always use the inserts included with your car seat--anything else is risky and could cause your baby to be squeezed or have harness straps that aren't at right height.
Boosts your baby's sitting position
A car seat insert for babies allows your newborn to sit higher in the car seat. This will help you secure the harness straps correctly and securely and prevents sliding that could put your infant at risk of injury in the event of an accident. This padding lifts your child up and shortens the distance between their bottom and the lowest set of straps for harness making sure they're secured in the rear-facing car seat and that their head doesn't get too close to the crotch strap (which could restrict airflow).
If you're using a convertible car seat, the newborn insert is removed when your child has reached a certain weight or height limit; this typically occurs between 5 and 6 months old. Make sure you read the manual for guidelines on this, and make sure your child's harness straps remain level with or below their shoulders. They might need to be adjusted after you remove the infant insert.
Some head supports for car seats or even those that are included with infant seats themselves - could actually make your child's head move forward, which could impede their airway and potentially put their safety in danger. Review the directions in the manual for your car seat or on the manufacturer's site to find out the
best car seats for newborns uk time and method for using these head supports are to be used.
Use only the insert included with your child's car seat. Never use a makeshift solution, like burp cloths or a rolled-up blankets on top of their heads. Each car seat is tested to make sure that all components function. Any other insert could hinder this testing and compromise your child's safety.
The most secure way to ensure that your baby is secure in their car seat is using the "pinch test": you must not squeeze any slack between your finger and the harness at their shoulder. If you aren't sure then contact a Child Passenger Security Technician or the customer service number of the car seat manufacturer.
Supports for your baby's neck and head
A newborn insert is a small cushion designed to your baby's head and neck. This is crucial because the muscles that allow infants to raise their heads on their own haven't yet been achieved. Newborn car seat inserts raise your baby's head up so they can reach the smallest set of shoulder strap slots and they also assist in prevent their head from sagging forward (which could block their airways).
Some infant seats come with inserts for babies, and other companies offer head supports intended to be used in car seats. Before you add any kind 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.
Infant inserts and head supports that come with most car seats are designed to provide additional padding for newborns and tiny 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 choose to use an infant head support or insert, bear in mind that your child will likely outgrow it before reaching the maximum weight and size for their
car seat newborn seat. Do not use blankets or cloth burps to make a car seat insert for infants. They could interfere with the proper position of the infant's neck and head and could cause injuries in the event of a crash.
Many parents believe, untruly, that the pillow-like inserts found in some infant seats and those sold separately will keep their baby safe in case of an accident by preventing a chin to chest position. This is not the case. In fact research has revealed that adding an infant insert or headrest can actually cause your baby's head to sag forward into a compromising position. Additionally the use of a soft object like a rolled receiving blanket or a burp cloth instead of the
infant car seat insert could end the warranty of your infant's seat.
Keeps the head of your baby in its natural position
If you have ever held your baby, you be aware that they require extra support to keep their heads elevated. Car seats for infants come with a padded insert designed for newborns that helps keep your baby in a secure upright position. The newborn inserts are mini pillows that fit in the seat to provide a comfortable seat for your baby. This is important, especially when traveling long distances. They will aid your child to sleep and stay awake during the journey.
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 car seats, where allowing the infant's head to slump forward can block their airways. The insert raises the child's body to allow them to reach the lowest shoulder strap slots. It also pulls the head back to reduce the risk of being choked. You should always check your car seat's instruction manual for directions on how to remove the newborn insert. It is likely to specify the weight limit or age limit.
As your baby gets older they'll naturally outgrow the infant car seat insert. They'll get taller and build the muscle strength to hold their heads without the assistance of an insert, which is when you can consider removing the padding from their seat.
It is important to check the harness before removing the newborn insert from your baby's car. You can do this by doing the pinch test, in which you put your finger in the gap between the strap for your shoulder and the chest of your baby. If there is a large gap or a lot of stretch in the strap, you need to replace the insert for your newborn.
There are many different car seat inserts available for your baby. However, it's best to use the one supplied by the manufacturer of your car seat. They are specifically designed to fit into your baby's car seat and keep them safe during travel.
Keeps your baby comfortable
The insert for newborns is an infant car seat accessory that keeps babies comfortable and safe. It's a layer of extra padding that raises your child to ensure that the harness straps reach their shoulders or are below (if they're in a rear-facing car seat). Without an insert, your child may not sit up high enough to allow their harness be properly adjusted.
A newborn insert is beneficial as it increases the likelihood that your baby's head is in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin from their chest). Many parents believe that the pillow-like inserts that come with certain car seats or the rolled-up receiving blanket or burpcloth to put on their child's face can protect the brain of their child in a crash. However, these extra padding pieces can actually make the chin-to chest positioning worse, as they compress during a crash.
They're simple to use and an excellent option to keep your baby happy while driving. They are typically pieces of foam or fabric that are put under the car seat to raise the seat's bottom. Some come with a cushion and a head-hugger to go under the child, while others just have the head-hugger.
Car seat newborn inserts can be removed when the baby is old enough to fit without them, and most manufacturers have an appropriate weight or height requirement for this. This information is available in the car seat manual.
It is recommended to speak with an expert if you're uncertain about whether or not your baby is ready to quit using the car seat insert for newborns. 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 is possible. Adding a consultation to your registry is a simple way to give your loved ones the gift of peace of mind when you're driving with your baby in the back seat!