Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
The majority of convertible and infant
car seat for newborn seat inserts are provided to help the baby sit better in the car and feel more comfortable. They can be removed once the child has reached a certain weight limit in the manual for the car seat.
Only use the inserts that come in your car seat. Anything else is dangerous, causing your baby to get squished and the harness straps to not be at the correct height.
It helps your baby's sit position
A car seat insert permits your
infant car seats on sale to sit higher in the seat. This insert aids in securing the harness straps and prevents slouching, which can expose your baby to the risk of injury in the event that there is a crash. This padding lifts your child's height and reduces the distance between their bottom and the bottom set of harness strap slots to ensure they're safe in the rear-facing car seat and that their head doesn't get too close to the straps that connect their crotches (which can restrict airflow).
If you're using convertible car seats, the newborn insert is removed when your child reaches a certain weight or height limit. This typically occurs between 5 and 6 months old. Read the manual to find out if there are any instructions. Also, ensure that the harness straps of your child are level or below their shoulders. They might need to be adjusted after you remove the insert.
Certain head supports, such as those that come with infant seats, can actually push the child's head backwards. This could limit their airway and put their safety in danger. So, be sure to always refer to the car seat manual and the manufacturer's website for guidelines on when and what to do with these types of head supports.
You should only use the insert included with your child's car seat; do not create improvised solutions, like placing a rolled up blanket or a burp cloth over their head. Each car seat and its components are thoroughly tested to function as a whole and using any other insert can interfere with the process and compromise your child's safety.
Remember, the safest way to ensure that your child is secure in their car seat is using the "pinch test" and you must not pinch any slack between your finger and the harness at their shoulder. If you aren't sure then contact the Child Passenger Security Technician or the customer service number of the manufacturer of your car seat.
Supports for your baby's neck and head
A newborn insert is made to help your baby's neck and head. This is crucial because the muscles that allow infants to stand up on their own haven't been achieved. Newborn car seat inserts lift your baby's head to ensure they can reach the smallest set of shoulder strap slots and they also assist in keep their head from sliding forward (which could hinder their airways).
Some infant seats come with inserts for newborns, and other companies sell head supports that are designed for use in car seats. Before adding any padding to your child's car seat check the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure that you are using the newborn insert or head support safely.
Infant inserts and head support included in most car seats are designed to provide extra padding for newborns and tiny babies. These can be two separate items that offer more flexibility in adjustment, or one unit that is more streamlined for support.
If you decide to use a head support for your infant or insert, bear in mind that your child is likely to outgrow it before reaching the maximum weight and size for their car seat. Don't use burp cloths as substitute car seat inserts to infants because they could hinder the proper placement of the neck and head of the infant which could put them at risk for injury in the event of an accident.
Many parents are misled into thinking that the pillow-like head supports included in some infant seats or sold separately will aid their infant stay secure in a crash by helping to prevent a chin-to-chest position. But this isn't the case. In actual, research has shown that the addition of an infant insert or head support could actually cause your baby's head to slump forward into a compromising position. A soft object, such as a rolled up receiving blanket or burp cloth could also void the warranty of your infant car seat.
Keeps the baby's head in its natural position
If you have ever held the baby, you be aware that they require extra support to keep their heads up. Car seats for infants come with a cushioned insert for newborns that keeps your baby in a safe, upright position. The newborn inserts are mini pillows that fit inside the seat to provide a comfortable seat for your baby. This is particularly important when you travel long distances as it will make it easier for your child to fall asleep and remain awake during the trip.
The newborn insert will also ensure that your baby's head is positioned in a natural and healthy way. This is especially important in rear-facing car seats where the child's head can lean forward can hinder their breathing. The insert raises the child, allowing them reach the shoulder strap slots. It also pushes the head back to reduce the risk of being choked. You should always check your car seat's instruction manual for directions on how to remove the newborn insert. It is likely to specify an age or weight limit.
As your child grows, the insert for a newborn car seat will eventually become too small. They'll get taller and develop the muscle strength needed to hold their heads up without the help of an insert, which is when you should consider taking the padding off their seat.
It is crucial to test the harness before removing the newborn insert from your baby's car. You can check this by performing a pinch test, which involves placing your finger between the straps and your baby's chest. If the gap is wide or there's plenty of slack, you must put the newborn insert back into.
There are many different car seat inserts available for your newborn. However, it is
best car seats to use the one supplied by the manufacturer of your car seat. This is because they're made specifically for your baby's specific car seat and will be the most effective in keeping them secure during travel.
Keeps your baby comfortable
The newborn insert is an infant car seat accessory that helps keep babies at ease and secure. It's a layer of padding that raises your baby up a little so that the harness straps are on or below their shoulders (if they're in a rear-facing car seat). Without an insert, your baby may not be sitting high enough to allow their harness be properly adjusted.
A newborn insert is also beneficial as it makes it more likely that your baby's head will stay in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin from their chest). Many new parents believe that the head pillow that comes with certain carseats 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 a crash. However, these extra padding pieces could actually make the chin-to chest positioning worse, as they compress in 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 as well. They are typically pieces of fabric or foam that are inserted under the car seat to raise the seat's bottom. Some include a head hugger and a cushion that go under the child to lift them up, while others are just a head hugger on its own.
Inserts for infant car seats can be removed when the infant is old enough without them. Most manufacturers have a weight or height recommendation for this. You should 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 unsure whether or not your baby is ready to stop using the
newborn car seat insert. A CPST will provide you with helpful advice to ensure that your baby is using their car seat safely. Adding a consultation to your registry is an easy way to give loved children peace of mind while driving with your child in the back seat!