Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car seat inserts for infants are included in the majority of infant and convertible car seats to allow babies to fit better and be more comfortable in the car. Inserts can be removed when the child is at the weight limit stated in the manual of the car seat.
Always 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 the proper level.
It helps your baby's sit position
A car seat insert for infants lets your baby to sit up higher in the car seat. This allows you to fasten the harness straps properly and securely and prevents slouching that can expose your child to the risk of injury in the event of collision. The padding helps lift your child up and shortens the distance between their bottom and the bottom set of straps for harness, ensuring they're secure in the rear-facing car seat and that their head doesn't get too close to the strap around their crotch (which can restrict airflow).
If you have a convertible seat you can take out the infant insert once your child reaches a certain weight or height limit. This usually occurs between five to six months old. Read the manual to find out whether there are any specific instructions. Also, ensure that the harness straps of your child are at or lower than their shoulders. They may have to be adjusted after you remove the insert.
Certain headrests for car seats - and even some that come with the
portable infant car seat seats themselves - could actually push your child's head forward, which could impede their airway, and could put their safety at risk. Therefore, make sure you always refer to the car seat manual and the site of the manufacturer for instructions on when and what to do with these types of head supports.
It is best to use the insert included with your child's car seat; never create makeshift solutions, like placing a rolled up blanket or a burp cloth on their head. Every
car seat for Newborn seat is tested to make sure that all components function. Using any other insert may hinder the testing process and could compromise your child's security.
The most secure way to ensure that your child is comfortable in their seat is by applying the "pinch test" and you should not be able to pinch any slack between your finger and the harness on their shoulder. If you're not sure you are not sure, call the 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 tiny cushion that is designed to support your baby's head as well as neck. This is because infants aren't yet able to develop the muscles that allow them to raise their heads on their own. Car seat inserts for newborns raise your baby's neck so that it can fit into the shoulder strap with the lowest slots and prevent their head from sliding forward (which could hinder airways).
Some infant seats include inserts for newborns. Other companies sell head supports designed for use in car seat. Before adding padding to your child's car seats, consult the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure you are using the infant insert or head support in a safe manner.
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. They could be two distinct items that offer more flexibility in adjustment, or a single piece that's more compact for support.
If you decide to use an infant head support or insert, keep in mind that your child is likely to outgrow it before reaching the weight and size that is appropriate for their car seat. Don't use blankets or burps to create a car seat insert for newborns. They can impede the proper positioning of the infant's neck or head which could result in injuries in the event of a crash.
Many parents believe, incorrectly, that the pillow-like inserts included in certain infant seats and those sold separately will keep their child secure in the event of an accident by preventing a chin from a chest position. This is not the case; in fact, research has shown that adding an infant insert or head support could actually cause your baby's head to slide forward into a compromising position. A soft object, such as a blanket that has been rolled up or burp cloth, may also void the warranty of your infant car seat.
Keeps the head of your baby in its natural position
If you've ever held the baby, you know that they require additional support to keep their heads straight. Car seats for infants are fitted with a padded insert for newborns that helps keep 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 especially important when traveling for long distances as it will make it easier for your child to fall asleep and remain awake during the trip.
The insert for newborns will ensure that your baby's head is set in a healthy, natural way. This is particularly important in rear-facing cars, where the head of the infant can become blocked if it is sunk forward. The insert raises the child and allows them to reach the bottom set of shoulder strap slots, and also pushes their head back and reduces the chance of choking or blocking their breathing. It's worth mentioning that you must always refer to the car seat's manual for specific instructions on when to remove the insert for your newborn and when to remove it, as it may provide an age or weight limit.
As your child grows, the insert used for the car seat for newborns will eventually become too small. They'll increase in height and develop the strength and muscle to hold their heads without the help of an insert, which is when you can consider eliminating the padding from their seat.
It is important to check the harness after removing the infant insert from your baby's car. You can check this by pinch testing using your finger between the straps and your baby's chest. If there is a significant gap or a lot of looseness in the strap, it is recommended to replace the newborn insert.
While there are a few different car seat accessories on the market that you could use for your baby however, it's recommended to stick with the infant insert supplied by the manufacturer of your car seat. This is because they're designed specifically for your baby's specific car seat and will be most effective in making sure they're safe during travel.
Keep your baby comfortable
The insert for newborns is an infant car seat accessory that keeps babies secure and comfortable. It's a layer of padding that raises your baby so that harness straps can reach their shoulders or are below (if they are in a
rear facing infant car seat-facing car seat). Without an insert, your baby might not sit high enough for their harness to be adjusted properly.
A newborn insert is also an excellent idea as it increases the chances that your baby's head will stay in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin off their chest). Many new parents think that the pillow-like head piece that comes with certain carseats or the rolled reception blanket or burp cloth that parents are advised to put on their child's head, will protect their child's head in a crash. These extra padding pieces, however, can cause the chest to chin position worse when they compress during a crash.
Car seat accessories for newborns are an excellent way to keep your baby in a comfortable position when driving, and they're easy to use as well. They're typically made of fabric 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 that sit under the child to lift them up while others are simply a head hugger on its own.
The car seat inserts designed for infants can be removed when the baby is large enough to fit in without them. The majority of manufacturers have a recommended weight or height. It is recommended to follow the instructions in your car seat manual for this information.
If you're still uncertain about when your baby will be ready to stop using a newborn car seat insert, it's always
best car seat to seek out an expert! A CPST can give you helpful advice to ensure that your baby is safe in their car seat. Include a consultation on your registry is a simple way to give your loved children peace of mind when you're driving with your baby in the back seat!