Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
The majority of convertible and infant car seat inserts come with to help the baby fit better in the car and feel more comfortable. The inserts can be removed once the child reaches the weight limit set in the instruction manual for the car seat.
Always make sure you use the inserts that come with your car seat. Anything else is risky and could cause your child to be squeezed or have harness straps that aren't at proper level.
It helps your baby's sit position
A car seat insert designed for infants lets your baby to sit up higher in the seat. This helps you fasten the harness straps securely and correctly, and it also prevents slouching that can expose your child to the risk of injury in the event of a crash. The padding raises your child's head and reduces the distance between the seat's bottom and the lowest strap slots. It ensures they are safe in a rear-facing car and that their head isn't too close to the crotch (which can restrict the airflow).
If you're using convertible car seats the insert for your newborn is removed when your child has reached a certain weight or height limit; this is typically around 5-6 months old. Be sure to check the manual for guidelines regarding this, and make sure your child's harness straps are not sagging below their shoulders - they might need to be adjusted after you remove the infant insert.
Certain headrests for car seats as well as some that come with the infant seats - could actually cause your child's head to move forward, which could limit their airway and put their safety at risk. Therefore, make sure you always check the manual for your car seat and the website of the manufacturer for guidelines on when and how to use these types of head supports.
Use only the insert that came along with your child's seat. Never use a makeshift solution, like burp cloths or a rolled-up blankets on top of their heads. Each car seat and its components are rigorously tested to ensure that they function as a whole, and using any other insert could hinder this process and jeopardize your child's safety.
The "pinch test" is the most effective way to ensure that your child is safely seated in the seat. You should not be able to pinch any loose slack in the shoulder between your finger and harness. If you're not sure then contact an expert in Child Passenger Security or the customer service number of the manufacturer of your car seat.
Supports best infant carrier car seat and neck
A newborn insert is made to support your baby's neck as well as head. This is important because muscles that allow infants to stand up on their own haven't yet been achieved. Car seat inserts for newborns raise your baby's head so they can reach the smallest 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 babies Other companies also offer head support products that are specifically designed to be used in car seats. Before you add any padding to your child's car seats, review the directions of the manufacturer to ensure that you are using the newborn insert or head support in a safe manner.
The infant inserts and head support that are included in many car seats are crafted to provide the extra padding required by newborns and babies of smaller sizes. This could be a pair of separate pieces for greater flexibility or a single item with a more compact support.
If you decide to utilize an infant insert or head support, keep in mind that they should only be used in rear-facing mode, 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 infants. They can interfere with the proper positioning of the infant's neck and head which could result in injuries in the event of the event of a crash.
Many parents believe, wrongly that the pillow-like inserts found in certain infant seats and those sold separately will keep their infant safe in an accident by preventing a chin to chest position. This is not the case. In actual research has proven that adding an infant insert or headrest can actually cause your baby's head to slump forward, putting them in a vulnerable position. In addition, using a soft object like a rolled reception blanket or a burp cloth instead of the infant car seat insert could potentially cause the infant seat to lose its warranty.
Keeps your baby's head in its natural position
If you have ever held the baby, you know that they need extra support to keep their heads up. This is why infant car seats come with a cushioned newborn insert that can help your baby sit in a comfortable position. The newborn inserts are mini pillows that fit in the seat to provide a comfortable seat for your baby. This is crucial, particularly when traveling for long distances. They will aid your child to fall asleep and remain awake throughout the journey.
The insert for newborns will ensure that your baby's head is positioned in a natural and healthy way. This is especially important in rear-facing cars, where the baby's head could become obstructed if it slumps forward. The insert raises the child's head, allowing them reach the lowest shoulder strap slots. It also pushes the head back, reducing the chance of choking. You should always check the instruction manual for your car seat for directions on how to remove the newborn insert. It's likely to include the weight limit or age limit.
As your child grows, the insert used for the car seat for newborns will eventually become too small. They'll grow taller and build the strength and muscle to hold their heads up without the help of an insert, which is the time to think about eliminating the padding from 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 doing a pinch test, where you place your finger in the space between the strap on your shoulder and your baby's chest. If there is a large gap or a lot of stretch in the strap, you need to replace the newborn insert.
While there are a few different car seat accessories on the market that you could use for your newborn however, it's best to stick with the infant insert offered by your car seat's manufacturer. They are designed to fit into your baby's car seat, and will ensure their safety during travel.
Make sure your baby is comfortable
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 extra layer of padding that raises your baby to ensure that harness straps can reach their shoulders or lower (if they are in a rear-facing car seat). Without an insert, your child may not be sitting high enough for their harness to be properly adjusted.
A newborn insert could be a good idea because it makes it more likely that your baby's chin off their chest. Many parents believe that the pillow-like insert included with certain carseats, or the receiving blanket that is rolled up or burpcloth to place on top of their child's face can protect the baby's brain during a crash. These additional padding pieces, however, could actually cause the chest to chin positioning more difficult as they expand during an accident.
They're simple to use and an excellent way to keep your baby at ease while driving. They are typically pieces of foam or fabric that are placed under the car seat in order to raise the seat's bottom. Some come with a cushion and a head-hugger to go under the child, while others are just an head-hugger.
Inserts for infant car seats can be removed once the infant is old enough to fit without them. Most manufacturers have a weight or height recommendation for this. This information can be found in the manual for car seats.
If you're still not sure when your baby will be ready to stop using a new car seat insert it is best to consult an expert! A CPST can give you useful advice to make sure your baby is using their car seat in a safe manner. A consultation added to your registry is a simple way to give loved ones security when driving with your baby in the back seat!