Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car seat inserts designed for infants are included with most convertible and infant car seats to allow babies to fit better and be more comfortable in the car. They can be removed once the child has reached a certain weight limit in the car seat manual.
Only use the inserts that come with your car seat. Anything else is unsafe, causing your child to get squished and the harness straps to not be at the right height.
Boosts your baby's sitting position
A car seat insert for infants lets your baby to sit up higher in the seat. This insert assists in securing the harness straps and prevents slouching, which can expose your baby to the risk of injury if there is an accident. This padding lifts up your child and decreases the distance between the bottom of the seat and the lowest strap slots. It ensures they are secure in a car that is rear-facing and their head is not too close to the crotch (which could restrict airflow).
If you have a convertible seat you can take out the infant insert once your child has reached an appropriate weight or height limit. This usually occurs between five to six months of age. Be sure to read the manual for guidance regarding this, and make sure that the harness straps of your child are still level with or below their shoulders - they may need to be re-adjusted after you remove the infant insert.
Some car seat head inserts or even those that are included with infant seats themselves - can actually cause your child's head to move forward, which could limit their airway and potentially put their safety at risk. 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 how to use these types of head supports.
Only use the insert that came with your child's car seat. Never use a makeshift solution, such as a burp cloth or rolled-up blanket on top of their head. Every car seat and its components are rigorously tested to work together as a unit and any other insert can disrupt this process and threaten your child's safety.
The "pinch test" is the best method to ensure that your child is securely seated in the seat. You should not be able pinch any loose slack in the shoulder between your fingers and the harness. If you are unsure you should consult a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician or dial the customer service number for assistance.
It supports your baby's neck and head
A newborn insert is a tiny cushion that is designed to your baby's head and neck. This is because infants do not yet have the muscles that will allow them to lift their heads on their own. Car seat inserts for newborns raise the neck of your baby so that it can reach the shoulder strap with the lowest slots and also keep their head from slouching forward (which could hinder airways).
Some infant seats include inserts for newborns. Other companies offer head supports that are specifically designed to be used in car seat. Before you add any padding to your child's car seat check the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure you are using the infant insert or the head support properly.
The infant inserts and head supports that are included in many car seats are specifically designed to provide the extra padding required by infants and small babies. This could be a pair of separate items to provide more flexibility, or a single piece with a more efficient support.
If you decide to use an infant insert or head support, be aware that they should only be used in a rear-facing orientation and that they'll outgrow them before your baby reaches the maximum weight and height permitted for their car seat. Don't use blankets or burps to create an insert for your car seat for babies. They can interfere with the proper position of the baby's neck and head which could result in injuries in the event of a crash.
Many parents believe, incorrectly, 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. This isn't the case. Research shows that the addition of an insert or head support to your infant's car seat can cause the head to slump forward, putting it into an unsafe 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 your baby's head in a natural position
If you have ever held the baby, you be aware that they require extra support to keep their heads up. This is why infant car seats come equipped with a padded newborn insert that helps your baby sit in a comfortable 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 traveling for long distances as it will make it easier for your child to sleep and remain awake during the trip.
The insert for newborns also ensures that the neck of your baby is positioned in the most natural and healthy way possible. This is particularly important in rear-facing car seats, where the child's head can slump forward can block their airways. The insert raises the child's body to allow them to reach the lowest set shoulder strap slots. It also pulls the head back to reduce the chance of choking. It is recommended to always read your car seat's instruction manual for instructions on how to remove the infant insert. It is likely to specify the weight limit or age limit.
As your baby gets older, they'll naturally outgrow the newborn car seat insert. They'll increase in height and develop the strength and muscle to hold their heads without the assistance of an insert, which is when you can consider eliminating the padding from their seat.
It is important to check the harness before removing the newborn insert from the car of your baby. You can test this by conducting a pinch test, where you put your finger in the gap between the strap on your shoulder and the chest of your baby. If there's a large gap or lots of stretch in the strap, you should replace the newborn insert.
Although there are different car seat accessories available on the market that you could use for your newborn however, it's recommended to stick to the newborn insert provided by the manufacturer of your car seat. They are designed to fit into your baby's car seat and will ensure their safety during travel.
Keeps your baby snug
The insert for newborns is an infant car seat accessory that ensures babies are comfortable and safe. It's an extra layer of padding that lifts your baby's height so that the harness straps are on or below their shoulders (if they're in a rear-facing car seat). Without an insert, your child may not sit up high enough to allow their harness be adjusted correctly.
A newborn insert is beneficial as it increases the chances that your baby's head will stay in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin away from their chest). Many parents believe that the pillow-like inserts that come with certain carseats, or the rolled-up receiving blanket or burpcloth to place on top of their child's face will shield the baby's brain during an accident. These additional padding pieces, however, can actually make the chin to chest positioning worse as they compress during an accident.
Car seat accessories for newborns are a great way to help keep your baby comfortable while driving and are easy to use as well. car seat newborn insert are usually pieces of fabric or foam that are put under the car seat to raise the seat's bottom. Some include a head hugger and a cushion which both are placed under the child's head to raise them up, while others are merely a head hugger on its own.
Inserts for infant car seats can be removed when the infant is old enough to be able to fit without them, and many manufacturers have a weight or height recommendation for this. Always follow the instructions in the manual for your car seat for this information.
It is best to talk to a professional if you are uncertain whether your baby is ready to quit using the newborn car seat insert. A CPST can provide you with valuable advice to ensure your baby is using their car seat in a safe manner. Include a consultation on your registry is a simple way to give loved ones peace of mind when you're driving with your child in the back seat!