Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car seat inserts designed for infants are included in the majority of infant and convertible car seats to help babies get a better fit and feel more comfortable in the car. The inserts can be removed once the child reaches the weight limit specified in the instruction manual for the car seat.
Always use the inserts included with your car seat--anything else is risky and could cause your child to be squeezed or have harness straps that aren't at the proper height.
Increase your baby's sit-up posture
A car seat insert for babies allows your newborn to sit higher in the seat. This allows you to fasten the harness straps properly and securely and prevents slouching that can put your baby at risk of injury in the event of collision. The padding raises your child's head and reduces the distance between their bottom and the lowest set of straps for harness to ensure they're safe in the car seat that faces rearwards and that their head doesn't get too close to the strap around their crotch (which can restrict airflow).
If you're using a convertible car seat, the newborn insert can be removed once your child has reached a certain weight or height limit; this is typically around 5-6 months old. Check the manual to see if there are any instructions. Also, ensure that the harness straps of your child are at or lower than their shoulders. They may need to be adjusted after removing the insert.
Certain headrests for car seats or even those that are included in the infant seats themselves - can actually make your child's head move forward, which could limit their airway and potentially put their safety at risk. Read the instructions in the manual of your car seat or on the site of the manufacturer to find out when and how these head supports are to be used.
You should only use the insert that came with your child's car seat; never create makeshift solutions, like placing the blanket in a roll or a burp cloth over their head. Each car seat and its components are thoroughly tested to ensure that they function as a whole and any other insert could hinder this process and threaten your child's safety.
The "pinch test" is the best method to ensure that your child is securely seated in the seat. You shouldn't be able to squeeze any slack on the shoulder between your fingers and the harness. If you have any doubts seek out a certified child Passenger Safety Technician or dial the customer service line to seek assistance.
Supports for your baby's neck and head
A newborn insert is a tiny cushion that is designed to support your baby's head and neck. This is crucial because the muscle developments that allow infants to raise their heads independently haven't yet been achieved. Newborn car seat inserts raise your baby's head to ensure they can reach the lowest set of shoulder strap slots and they also help to keep their head from sliding forward (which could hinder their airways).
Some infant seats come with inserts for newborns and other companies also offer head support products that are specifically designed for use in car seats. However, before you add any kind of padding to your baby's car seat, consult the manufacturer's instructions for specific information regarding how to use the infant insert or head support for your specific infant seat.
The infant inserts and head supports included in the majority of car seats are designed to provide additional padding needed by newborns and smaller babies. This could be a pair of separate pieces for greater flexibility, or a single piece with a more efficient support.
If you decide to utilize an infant insert or head support, remember that these are only suitable for use in a rear-facing orientation, and that they'll likely outgrow them before your baby reaches the maximum weight and height permitted for their car seat. Do not use blankets or cloth burps to create a car seat insert for babies. They can interfere with the proper positioning of the infant's neck or head, which could lead to injury in an accident.
Many parents believe, wrongly that the pillow-like inserts in some infant seats as well as those sold separately will keep their infant safe in case of an accident by preventing a chin from a chest position. This is not true. In fact, research indicates that adding an insert or head support to your infant's seat can cause the head to sag forward, putting it into a dangerous position. A soft object, such as an unrolled receiving blanket or burp cloth, may also invalidate the warranty on your infant car seat.
Keeps your baby's head in a natural position
If you've ever held a baby you're aware that they require extra head support to keep their tiny heads elevated. Infant car seats are equipped with a cushioned insert for newborns to keep your child in a safe, upright position. The inserts for newborns are miniature pillows that fit inside the seat to provide a comfortable seat for your baby. This is crucial when traveling for long distances because it makes it easier for your child to fall asleep and stay awake during the trip.
The newborn insert will also ensure that your baby's neck is placed in the most natural and healthy way that is possible. This is especially important for rear-facing car seats, as allowing the infant's head to lean forward can restrict their airways. The insert lifts the child which allows them to reach the bottom set of shoulder strap slots, and also pushes their head backwards to reduce the risk of choking or restricting their breathing. It is important to note that you should always consult the car seat's manual for specific instructions on when to remove the insert for your newborn, as it will likely specify an age or weight limit.
As your child grows, the insert for a newborn car seat will naturally shrink to a size that isn't suitable for your child. As your baby grows, they will naturally outgrow the infant car seat insert.
When car seats by age take the newborn insert from the car seat of your baby It is essential that you check that the harness is still secure enough to be safe. You can do this by performing a pinch test, where you place your finger in the gap between the strap for your shoulder and your baby's chest. If the gap is wide or there's a lot of slack, you must put the infant insert back in.
Although there are various car seat accessories on the market that you can use for your newborn, it is best to stick with the infant insert offered by your car seat's manufacturer. They're designed specifically for your baby's specific car seat and are most effective in keeping them safe while traveling.
Keeps your baby snug
The newborn insert is an accessory for car seats that is designed to keep babies comfortable and secure in their infant seats. It's an additional layer of padding that boosts your baby up a little to ensure that the harness straps are located at or below their shoulders (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 also an excellent idea as it increases the chances that your baby's head is in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin off their chest). Many parents believe that the pillow-like inserts that come with certain car seats or the receiving blanket that is rolled up or burpcloth to place on top of their child's face will shield the baby's brain during an accident. These extra padding pieces, however, can make the chin-to-chest position worse when they compress in the event of a crash.
Car seat accessories for newborns are an excellent way to keep your baby comfy when driving and they're simple to use too. These are usually pieces of fabric or foam that are put under the car seat to raise the seat's bottom. Some come with a cushion as well as an ear-hugger that is placed under the child's head, whereas others have just the head-hugger.
Inserts for infant car seats can be removed when the baby is old enough to be able to fit without them, and many manufacturers have the weight or height guidelines for this. It is recommended to adhere to the guidelines in your car seat manual for this information.
It is best to talk to a professional if you are unsure whether or not your baby is ready to stop using the car seat insert for newborns. A CPST can provide valuable guidance to ensure that you are using the car seat properly for your baby to ensure that they're as safe as possible. Include a consultation on your registry is a great method to gift your loved ones peace of mind when you're driving with your baby in the back seat!