Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Most infant and convertible car seat inserts come with to help the baby sit better in the car and to be more comfortable. Inserts can be removed once the child reaches the weight limit stated in the manual of the car seat.
Only use the inserts that come with your car seat. Anything else could be unsafe, causing your baby to get squished and the harness straps to not be at the correct height.
Boost your baby's sitting posture
A car seat insert allows your baby to sit higher in the seat. This allows you to fasten the harness straps properly and securely, and it also prevents sliding that could put your baby at risk of injury in the event of collision. The padding helps lift your child's head and reduces the distance between their lower and the lowest 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 remove the newborn insert once your child reaches a certain weight or height limit. This is usually around five to six months old. Check the manual to see whether there are any specific instructions. Also, ensure that the harness straps of your child are in line or just below their shoulders. They may have to be adjusted after removing the insert.
Some head inserts, including those used in infant seats, can actually cause the child's head to tilt backwards. This could impede their airway and put their safety in danger. Read the instructions in the car seat manual or on the site of the manufacturer to determine when and how these head supports should be used.
Use only the insert that came with your child's car seat. Do not use a substitute solution, such as an old burp cloth or rolled up blankets on top of their heads. Each car seat and its components are rigorously tested to work together as a unit, and using any other insert could hinder this process and threaten your child's safety.
Remember, the most secure method to ensure that your child is comfortable in their seat is by applying the "pinch test" and you must not squeeze any slack between you finger and the harness at their shoulder. If you are unsure you should consult a certified Child Safety Technician for Passenger Safety or call the customer service line to seek help.
It supports your baby's head and neck
A newborn insert is a cushion designed to help support your baby's head as well as neck. This is important because muscles that allow infants to raise their heads independently haven't yet occurred.
Car seat inserts for newborns raise your baby's head up so that they can reach the lowest set of shoulder strap slots, and also help prevent their head from sagging forward (which could block their airways).
Some infant seats come with inserts for newborns Other companies also offer head support products that are designed for use in car seats. However, before you add any padding to your baby's car seat review the instructions of the manufacturer for precise information about how to safely use the insert for newborns or head support for your specific infant seat.
Infant inserts and head support that come with most car seats are designed to provide additional padding for infants and small babies. It could be a set of separate pieces for greater flexibility or a single unit with a more efficient support.
If you decide to use an infant insert or head support, be aware that they are only suitable for use in a rear-facing position, and that they'll likely outgrow them before they reach the maximum weight and height permitted for their car seat. Don't use blankets or burps to make an insert for car seats for newborns. They could interfere with the proper position of the infant's neck or head, which could lead to injuries in a crash.
Many parents mistakenly believe that the pillow-like head inserts included in certain infant seats or sold separately will help their baby to remain secure in a crash by helping to prevent a chin-to chest position. But this isn't the case; in fact, research has shown that using an infant insert or head support can actually cause your baby's head to slump forward, putting them in a vulnerable position. Additionally, using a soft object such as a rolled receiving blanket or a burp cloth in place of the infant car seat insert could potentially void your infant seat's warranty.
Keeps your baby's head in a natural position
If you have ever held the baby, you know that they need extra support to keep their heads elevated. This is why infant car seats are with a cushioned newborn insert that can help your baby sit in a comfortable position. The newborn inserts are mini pillows that fit inside the seat to provide a cushion for your baby. This is important, especially when traveling long distances. They will aid your child to sleep and remain awake during the journey.
The insert for newborns will ensure that your baby's neck is positioned in the most natural, healthy way that is possible. 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 which allows them to reach the lowest set of shoulder strap slots and then pushes their head back to reduce the risk of choking or obstructing their breathing. You should always check the manual of your car seat for instructions on how to remove the infant insert. It is likely to specify an age or weight limit.
As your baby grows older they'll naturally outgrow their
newborn car seat insert. They'll get taller and build up the strength and muscle to hold their heads without the aid of an insert. This is when you can consider taking the padding off the seat.
It is essential to examine the harness after removing the infant insert from the car of your baby. You can test this by performing a pinch test, which involves placing your finger between the straps and the chest of your baby. If there is a large gap or lots of slack in the strap, you should replace the newborn insert.
Although there are different car seat accessories on the market to use for your newborn however, it's recommended to stick to the newborn insert provided by the manufacturer of your car seat. This is because they're designed specifically for your baby's car seat and are most effective in keeping them safe while traveling.
Keep your baby comfortable
The newborn insert is an accessory for car seats that is that is designed to keep babies cozy and safe in their infant seats. It's an additional layer of padding that raises your baby up a little to ensure that the harness straps are on or below their shoulders (if they're in the 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 is an excellent idea as it increases the likelihood that your baby's head will stay in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin from their chests). Many new parents believe that the pillow-like head insert that comes with certain carseats, or the rolled receiving blanket or burp cloth parents are advised to put on their child's head, will protect the head of their child in an accident. These additional padding pieces however, can actually cause the chest to chin position worse when they compress during the event of a crash.
They're easy to use and a great method to keep your child at ease while driving. They are typically pieces of foam or fabric that are placed under the car seat in order to raise the bottom of the seat. Some have a cushion and an ear-hugger that is placed under the child's head, whereas others have just an head-hugger.
Car seat newborn inserts can be removed when the infant is old enough to fit without them, and many manufacturers have an appropriate weight or height requirement for this. This information is available in the manual of the car seat.
It is
best car seats for newborns uk to talk to an expert if you're uncertain whether your baby is ready to stop using the infant car seat insert. A CPST will provide you with useful advice to make sure your baby is using their car seat safely. A consultation added to your registry is a simple way to give loved children peace of mind when you're driving with your child in the back seat!