Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car seat inserts for newborns are provided with the majority of infant and convertible car seats to help baby fit better and be more comfortable in the car. They can be removed after the child is at a certain weight limit in the car seat manual.
Always use the inserts that come with your car seat. Anything else is risky and could cause your baby to get squeezed or straps that aren't at the appropriate level.
Encourage your baby's sitting posture
A car seat insert designed for infants lets your baby to sit higher up in the seat. This helps you fasten the harness straps properly and securely and prevents the slouching that could expose your child to the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Pushchairs And Prams lifts your child's height and reduces the distance between their bottom and the lowest set of harness strap slots, ensuring they're secure in the rear-facing car seat and that their head doesn't get too close to the straps that connect their crotches (which can hinder airflow).
If you have a convertible seat, you can take out the infant insert once your child has reached a certain weight or height limit. This is usually around five to six months of age. Make sure you read the manual for guidelines on this, and make sure the harness straps for your child are still level with or below their shoulders. They might require adjustment after removing the infant insert.
Some head supports for car seats or even those that come with the infant seats - could actually make your child's head move forward, which could limit their airway and potentially put their safety in danger. So, be sure to always read the car seat manual and the website of the manufacturer for guidelines on when and how to use these types of head supports.
You should only use the insert included with your child's car seat. never create makeshift solutions, such as putting an unrolled blanket or burp cloth behind their head. Every car seat is tested to make sure that all components work together. Using any other insert may hinder the testing process and could compromise your child's security.
The most secure way to ensure that your baby is comfortable in their seat is by applying the "pinch test": you should not be able to pinch any slack between your finger and the harness on their shoulder. If you are in doubt, consult a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician or call your car seat manufacturer's customer service number for assistance.
It supports your baby's head and neck
A newborn insert is a cushion that is designed to support your baby's head and neck. This is because infants aren't yet able to develop the muscles that will allow them to lift their heads on their own. Newborn car seat inserts raise the neck of your baby so that it is able to reach the shoulder straps with the smallest slots, and also prevent their head from slouching forward (which could cause obstruction to airways).
Some infant seats come with newborn inserts and other companies also offer head support products that are specifically designed for use in car seats. Before you add any padding to your child's car seats, consult the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure that you are using the newborn insert or the head support safely.
Infant inserts and head support that are included in the majority of car seats are designed to provide additional padding for newborns and small babies. They can be two separate products that allow for greater flexibility in adjustment or a single piece that's more compact to support.
If you decide to utilize an infant insert or head support, be aware that these are intended to be used only in rear-facing mode, and that they'll likely outgrow them before they reach the maximum weight and height allowed for their car seat. Don't use blankets or burps to make an insert for car seats for babies. They can interfere with the proper positioning for the infant's neck and head which could result in injury in a crash.
Many parents believe, untruly that the pillow-like inserts found in some infant seats and those sold separately will keep their infant safe in case of an accident by preventing a chin to chest position. But this isn't the case; in fact, research has shown that the addition of an infant insert or head support can actually cause your baby's head to slide forward into a compromising position. Additionally using a soft item like a rolled receiving blanket or a burp cloth in place of the newborn car seat insert could potentially end the warranty of your infant's seat.
Keeps the baby's head in a natural position
If you've ever held a baby, you know they need extra head support to keep their tiny heads elevated. Car seats for infants are fitted with a cushioned insert for newborns that helps keep your baby in a secure upright position. The newborn inserts are mini pillows that fit in the seat to provide a cushion for your baby. This is essential, especially when traveling for long distances. It will aid your child to sleep and remain awake during the journey.
The insert for babies will ensure that your baby's head is set in a natural, healthy way. This is particularly important in rear-facing cars, where the baby's head could become blocked if it is sunk forward. The insert raises the child up which allows them to reach the bottom set of shoulder strap slots and pushes their head back and reduces the chance of choking or restricting their breathing. Always check the manual of your car seat for directions on how to remove the newborn insert. It is likely to specify an age or weight limit.
As your baby gets older, they'll naturally outgrow the newborn car seat insert. As your baby grows, they'll naturally outgrow the newborn car seat insert.
When you take the newborn insert out of the car seat for your baby it is vital to ensure that the harness is still snug enough to ensure safety. You can check this by performing a pinch test, where you place your finger in the space between the strap for your shoulder and the chest of your baby. If the gap is wide or there's a lot of slack, you need to put the infant insert back in.
Although there are various car seat accessories on the market that you could use for your baby however, it's recommended to stick to the infant insert offered by your car seat's manufacturer. They are designed to fit in your baby's car seat and ensure their safety during travel.
Keep your baby safe
The newborn insert is a car seat accessory designed to keep babies comfy 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 the rear-facing car seat). Without an insert, your baby may not sit up high enough to allow their harness to be adjusted correctly.
A newborn insert can also be a good idea as it will make it more likely that your baby's chin to stay away from their chest. Many new parents think that the pillow-like head insert included in some car seats, or the rolled receiving blanket or burp cloth that parents are advised to put on their child's head, will protect their baby's head during the event of a crash. However, these additional padding pieces could actually make the chin-to chest positioning worse, as they compress during a crash.
They're easy to use and an excellent method to keep your child at ease while driving. These are usually pieces of foam or fabric that are put under the car seat in order to raise the bottom of the seat. Some come with a cushion and an ear-hugger that is placed under the child's head, whereas others have just a head-hugger.
The car seat inserts for infants can be removed when the infant is big enough to be able to live without them. Most manufacturers have a suggested weight or height. This information is available in the manual for car seats.
If you're not sure when your baby will be ready to quit using a newborn car seat insert, it's always best to speak with an expert! A CPST can offer valuable advice to ensure you're using the car seat properly for your baby, so they'll be as secure as they can be. Include a consultation on your registry is an easy way to give your loved children security when driving with your child in the back seat!