Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car seat inserts 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. The inserts can be removed once the child reaches the weight limit set in the instruction manual for the car seat.
Only use the inserts that come in your car seat. Anything else is unsafe, causing your child to get squished and the harness straps to not be at the right height.
It helps your baby's sit position
A car seat insert for babies allows your newborn to sit up higher in the car seat. This insert helps you secure the harness straps and stops the slouching that can expose your baby to the risk of injury if there's an accident. This padding lifts up your child and reduces the distance between the seat's bottom and the lowest harness strap slot. It ensures that they are secure in a car that is rear-facing and their head is not too close to the crotch (which could hinder airflow).
If best infant carrier car seat using convertible car seats, the newborn insert can be removed when your child has reached a certain weight or height limit; this is typically around 5-6 months old. Read the manual to find out what instructions are included. Also, ensure that the harness straps of your child are in line or just below their shoulders. They might need to be adjusted after you remove the insert.
Certain head support devices, like those used in infant seats, could cause the child's head to tilt forward. This can limit their airway and put their safety in danger. Check the instructions in the car seat manual or on the manufacturer's site to determine the best time and method for using these head supports should be used.
Use only the insert included 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 ensure that all components work. Using any other insert may hinder this testing and affect your child's security.
Remember, the most secure method to ensure that your baby is comfortable in their car seat is applying the "pinch test": you should not be able to pinch any slack between your finger and the harness at their shoulder. If you aren't sure you are not sure, call an expert in Child Passenger Security or the customer service number of your car seat manufacturer.
Supports for your baby's neck and head
A newborn insert is a cushion designed to help support your baby's head as well as neck. This is because infants have not yet developed the muscles that allow them to raise their heads on their own. Car seat inserts for newborns raise your baby's head so they can get to the lowest set of shoulder strap slots, and also help prevent their head from sagging forward (which could hinder their airways).
Some infant seats have newborn inserts. Other companies offer head supports designed for use in car seats. Before you add any padding to your child's car seat, consult the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure that you are using the infant insert or head support in a safe manner.
Infant inserts and head support included in most car seats are designed to provide extra padding for infants and small babies. This can be a pair of separate items to provide more flexibility, or a single piece with a more compact support.
If you choose to use an infant insert or head support, keep in mind that these are only suitable for use in a rear-facing position and that they'll outgrow them before they reach the maximum weight and height permitted for their car seat. Do not use burp or blanket cloths as substitute car seat inserts for newborns because they could hinder the proper positioning of the neck and head of the infant, putting them at risk for injuries in a crash.
Many parents believe, wrongly that the pillow-like inserts 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. However, this is not the case. In actual research has revealed that adding an infant insert or head support can actually cause your baby's head to sag forward in a dangerous position. In addition the use of a soft object like a rolled reception blanket or a burp cloth instead of the infant car seat insert could potentially end the warranty of your infant's seat.
Keeps your baby's head in its natural position
If you've ever held a newborn, you know they need additional head support to keep their tiny heads elevated. This is why infant car seats are with a padded infant insert that allows your baby to sit in a safe position. The newborn inserts are mini pillows that fit inside the seat to provide a cushion for your baby. This is crucial when you travel long distances because it makes it easier for your child to fall asleep and stay awake during the trip.
The insert for babies will ensure that your baby's head is positioned in a healthy, natural way. This is especially important for rear-facing car seats, as allowing the infant's head to lean forward can block their airways. The insert lifts the child, allowing them to reach the lowest set of shoulder strap slots, and pushes their head backwards, which reduces the risk of choking or obstructing their breathing. Always check your car seat's instruction manual for instructions on how to remove the newborn insert. It is likely to specify the weight limit or age limit.
As your child grows, the insert for car seats for newborns will eventually become too small. As your baby grows, they will naturally outgrow the newborn car seat insert.
It is important to check the harness when you remove the infant insert from the car of your baby. You can check this by performing a pinch test using your finger between the straps and your baby's chest. If there is a large gap or a lot of stretch in the strap, you should replace the newborn insert.
While there are a few different car seat accessories on the market that you could use for your newborn but it's recommended to stick to the infant insert supplied by the manufacturer of your car seat. They're designed specifically for your baby's specific car seat and will be most effective in keeping them safe while traveling.
Helps keep your baby comfy
The newborn insert is a car seat accessory designed to keep babies comfy and safe in their infant seats. It's an extra layer of padding that raises your baby so that harness straps can reach their shoulders or lower (if they're in a rear facing car seat). Without an insert, your baby may not sit up high enough to allow their harness be adjusted properly.
A newborn headband can be a good idea, since it will make it more likely that your baby's chin to remain away from their chest. Many parents believe that the pillow-like insert that comes with certain carseats, or the rolled up receiving blanket or burpcloth suggested by friends to place on top of their child's face will protect the brain of their child in an accident. These extra padding pieces, however, can make the chin to chest positioning worse as they compress during the event of a crash.
Newborn car seat accessories are a great way to help keep your baby comfy during the drive and they're simple to use too. They are typically pieces of foam or fabric that are inserted under the car seat in order to raise the seat's bottom. Some come with a cushion and a head-hugger that go under the child, whereas others have just a head-hugger.
The car seat inserts for newborns can be removed once the baby is large enough to be able to live without them. Most manufacturers have a recommended weight or height. Always adhere to the guidelines in your car seat's manual for this information.
It is recommended to speak with a professional if you are uncertain about whether or not your baby is ready to stop using the infant car seat insert. A CPST can provide helpful advice to ensure that you're using the correct car seat for your baby and that they are as safe as possible. Include a consultation on your registry is a great way to give loved ones security when driving with your child in the back seat!