Car Seat Inserts For Newborns

Car seat inserts for infants are included in the majority of infant and convertible car seats to help babies fit better and be more comfortable in the car. The inserts can be removed once 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 unsafe and can cause your baby to be squeezed or have harness straps that aren't at appropriate height.

Boosts your baby's sitting position

A car seat insert designed for babies allows your newborn to sit higher in the seat. This allows you to fasten the harness straps securely and correctly and also stops slouching that can expose your child to the risk of injury in the event of an accident. The padding helps lift your child's head and reduces the distance between their bottom and the lowest set of harness strap slots making sure they're secured in the car seat that faces rearwards and that their head doesn't get too close to the crotch strap (which can restrict airflow).

If you have a convertible seat you can remove the infant insert once your child has reached the weight or height limit. This is typically around five to six months of age. Read the manual to find out if there are any instructions. Also, ensure that the harness straps of your child are in line or below their shoulders. They may have to be adjusted after removing the insert.

Some head supports for car seats as well as some 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 at risk. Read the instructions in the car seat manual or on the manufacturer's site to find out when and how these head supports should be used.

Only use the insert that came with your child's car seat. Never use a makeshift solution, like a burp cloth or rolled-up blanket behind their head. Each car seat is tested to make sure that all components work together. Any other insert could interfere with the testing process and could compromise your child's safety.

The "pinch test" is the most effective way to ensure that your baby is safely seated in the seat. You should not be able to pinch any loose slack in the shoulder between your fingers and the harness. If you have any doubts you should consult a certified Child Safety Technician for Passenger Safety or call your car seat manufacturer's customer service number for help.

Supports for your baby's neck and head

A newborn insert is a cushion designed to help support your baby's head and neck. This is important because muscles that allow infants to stand up on their own haven't yet occurred. Car seat inserts for newborns raise your baby's head up so they can reach the lowest set of shoulder strap slots, and also help keep their head from slumping forward (which could block their airways).

Some infant seats include inserts for newborns. Other companies sell head supports that are specifically designed to be used in car seat. Before you add any type of padding to your baby's car seats, consult the manufacturer's instructions for specific information regarding how to use the newborn insert or head support in your particular infant seat.

The infant inserts and head support included in the majority of car seats are designed to provide the extra padding needed for newborns and smaller babies. This can be a pair of separate items to provide more flexibility or a single unit with a more streamlined support.

If you decide to use an infant head support or insert, keep in mind that your child will outgrow it before reaching the maximum weight and size for their car seat. Never use blankets or burp cloths as car seat inserts for newborns, as these can hinder the proper positioning of the infant's head and neck which could put them at risk for injury in the event of a crash.

Many parents are misled into thinking that the pillow-like head supports that are included in some infant seats or sold separately will aid their newborn to stay safe in a crash by helping to prevent a chin-to chest position. But this isn't the case; in fact research has revealed that the addition of an infant insert or headrest can actually cause your baby's head to slide forward, putting them in a vulnerable position. Additionally, using a soft object like a rolled receiving blanket or a burp cloth in place of the infant car seat insert could potentially cause the infant seat to lose its warranty.

Keeps the baby's head in its natural position

If you've ever held a baby you'll know that they need additional head support in order to keep their heads elevated. This is why infant car seats come with a padded infant insert that allows your baby to sit in a safe position. Newborn inserts are like miniature pillows that can be inserted into the seat and provide a comfy cushion for your child. This is important, especially when you travel for long distances. They will help your baby sleep and stay awake during the journey.

The insert for newborns will ensure that your baby's head is set in a natural, healthy way. This is especially important for rear-facing car seats, as the baby's head being allowed to lean forward can hinder their breathing. The insert lifts the child up which allows them to reach the smallest set of shoulder strap slots and pushes their head backwards and reduces the chance of choking or obstructing their breathing. It's worth mentioning that you should always consult the manual of your car seat for specific instructions on how to remove the infant car seat cheap insert, as it will likely provide an age limit or weight limit.

As your baby gets older, they'll naturally outgrow the infant car seat insert. They'll get taller and build the strength and muscle to hold their heads up without the help of a seat insert. This is when you should consider eliminating the padding from the seat.

It is crucial to test the harness after removing the newborn insert from your baby's car. You can check this by pinch testing by placing your finger between the straps and the chest of your baby car seat. If there is a large gap or a lot of looseness in the strap, you should replace the newborn insert.

There are many different car seat inserts that are available for your baby. However, it's best to use the one supplied by the manufacturer of your car seat. This is because they're made specifically for your baby's car seat and will be the most effective in making sure they're safe during travel.

Keeps your baby comfortable

The insert for newborns is an infant car seat accessory that ensures babies are at ease and secure. It's a layer of extra padding that elevates your baby to ensure that harness straps can reach their shoulders or below (if they're in a rear facing car seat). Your child may not be able to sit up high enough to ensure that their harness can be adjusted appropriately without the insert.

A newborn insert is also beneficial as it increases the chances that your baby's head will remain in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin off their chest). Many new parents believe that the head pillow included in some car seat newborn insert seats or the rolled reception blanket or burp cloth friends suggest they put alongside their child's head, will protect the head of their child in an accident. These additional padding pieces, however, could actually cause the chest to chin positioning more difficult as they expand during an accident.

They are easy to use and are a great option to keep your baby happy while driving. These are usually pieces of foam or fabric that are placed under the car seat in order to raise the bottom of the seat. Some come with a cushion as well as a head-hugger that go under the child, while others have just a head-hugger.

Car seat newborn inserts can be removed when the infant is old enough to fit without them. Most manufacturers have the weight or height guidelines for this. This information is found in the manual for car seats.

If you are still not sure whether or when your baby is ready to stop using a newborn car seat insert it is best to consult an expert! A CPST can provide helpful advice to ensure that you're using the car seat properly for your baby and that they are as secure as they can be. Include a consultation on your registry is a simple way to give loved ones the gift of security when driving with your child in the back seat!