Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car seat inserts for infants are included in the majority of infant and convertible car seats to allow babies to fit better and be more comfortable in the car. Inserts can be removed when the child reaches the weight limit stated in the instruction manual for the car seat.
Always use the inserts that come with your car seat. Anything else is risky and could cause your baby to be squeezed or straps that aren't at appropriate level.
Encourage your baby's sitting posture
A car seat insert for babies allows your newborn to sit higher up in the car seat. This insert helps you secure the harness straps and prevents slouching, which can expose your baby to the risk of injury if there's a crash. The padding raises your child and decreases the distance between the seat's bottom and the lowest harness strap slots. It makes sure that they are safe in a rear-facing vehicle and their head is not too close to the crotch (which could hinder airflow).
If you have a convertible seat you can take out the infant insert once your child has reached the weight or height limit. best car seats infant occurs between five to six months old. Be sure to read the manual for guidelines on this, and make sure that the harness straps of your child are not sagging below their shoulders. They may need to be re-adjusted after removing the infant insert.
Some head inserts, including those used in infant seats, can actually push the child's head forward. This could impede their airway and put their safety in danger. So, ensure that you always check the manual for your car seat as well as the site of the manufacturer for instructions on when and what to do with these types of head supports.
Only use the insert that came with your child's car seat. Do not use a flimsier solution, such as a burp cloth or rolled-up blanket behind their head. Every car seat is tested to ensure that all components function. Using any other insert could hinder the testing process and could compromise your child's security.
The "pinch test" is the best method to ensure that your child is secure in the seat. You should not be able pinch any slack at the shoulder between your fingers and the harness. If you aren't sure you are not sure, call a Child Passenger Security Technician or the customer service number of the car seat manufacturer.
Supports for your baby's neck and head
A newborn insert is a small cushion that is designed to your baby's head and neck. This is important because 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 get to the lowest set of shoulder strap slots, and they also assist in prevent their head from sagging forward (which could restrict their airways).
Some infant seats come with newborn inserts and other companies also 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 you are using the newborn insert or head support safely.
Infant inserts and head support that come with most car seats are designed to provide extra padding for infants and small babies. They could be two distinct products that allow for greater flexibility in adjustment or a single unit that's more compact to support.
If you decide to utilize an infant insert or head support, remember that these are intended to be used only in a rear-facing position, and that they'll likely outgrow them before your baby reaches the maximum weight and height allowed for their car seat. Never use blankets or cloth burps to create 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 injuries in the event of an accident.
Many parents believe, wrongly that the pillow-like inserts found in certain infant seats and those sold separately will keep their child safe in case of an accident by preventing a chin-to- chest position. This isn't the case. In fact, research suggests that the addition of an insert or head support to the infant's seat can cause the head to slump forward, putting it in an unsafe position. Additionally using a soft item like a rolled reception blanket or a burp cloth instead of the infant car seat insert could cause the infant seat to lose its warranty.
Keeps the baby's head in a natural position
If you've ever held a newborn you're aware that they require additional head support in order to keep their heads elevated. Infant car seats are equipped with a padded insert for newborns that helps keep your baby in a secure upright position. Newborn inserts are similar to miniature pillows that fit inside the seat and provide a comfortable cushion for your child. This is especially important when traveling for long distances as it will make it easier for your baby to fall asleep and remain awake throughout the trip.
The newborn insert will also ensure that your baby's head is placed in a natural and healthy way. This is particularly important in rear-facing car seats, as allowing the infant's head to lean forward can block their airways. The insert raises the child up which allows them to reach the smallest set of shoulder strap slots, and pushes their head backwards and reduces the chance of choking or blocking their breathing. You should always check your car seat's instruction manual for instructions 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 their newborn car seat insert. As your baby grows, they will naturally outgrow the infant car seat insert.
It is important to check the harness before removing the newborn insert from the car of your baby. You can test this by pinch testing by placing your finger between the shoulder straps and the chest of your baby. If there is a large gap or a lot of slack in the strap, you need to replace the insert for your newborn.
Although there are various car seat accessories on the market that you can use for your baby however, it's recommended to stick to the infant insert supplied by the manufacturer of your car seat. They are specifically designed to fit into your baby's car seat, and will ensure that they are safe while traveling.
Keep your baby safe
The newborn insert is an accessory for car seats that is designed to keep babies cozy and secure in their infant seats. It's an additional layer of padding that raises your baby's height to ensure that the harness straps are on or below their shoulders (if they're in a rear-facing car seat). Without an insert, your baby might not sit high enough for their harness to be properly adjusted.
A newborn insert is also beneficial as it increases the chances that your baby's head will stay in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin from their chests). Many new parents believe that the pillow-like head insert included in some car seats, or the rolled receiving blanket or burp cloth friends suggest they put alongside their child's head will protect the head of their child in an accident. However, these extra padding pieces can actually make the chin-to-chest positioning worse, since they compress during a crash.
They're simple to use and a great option to keep your baby happy while driving. These are usually pieces of foam or fabric that are placed under the car seat in order to raise the seat's bottom. Some have a cushion and a head-hugger to go under the child, whereas others have just an head-hugger.
Inserts for infant car seats can be removed once the infant is old enough to be able to fit without them, and many manufacturers have the weight or height guidelines for this. This information is available in the manual for car seats.
It's best to consult a professional if you are uncertain about whether or not your baby is at the point of removing the car seat insert for newborns. A CPST can offer valuable advice to ensure you're using the car seat properly for your baby to ensure that they're as safe as is possible. Adding a consultation to your registry is a simple method to gift your loved children peace of mind while driving with your baby in the back seat!