Car seat inserts designed for infants 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 once the child reaches a specified weight limit in the manual for the car seat.
Use only the inserts included in your car seat. Anything else could be dangerous, causing your baby to get squished and the harness straps not to be at the correct height.
Increase your baby's sit-up posture
A car seat insert lets your baby to sit higher in the seat. This insert helps you secure the harness straps and prevents the slouching that can put your baby at risk of injury in the event that there's an accident. This padding lifts your child's height and reduces the distance between their bottom and the bottom set of harness strap slots making sure they're secured in the best car seats infant seat that faces rearwards and that their head doesn't get too close to the crotch strap (which could restrict airflow).
If you're using convertible car seats the insert for your newborn can be removed when your child hits a specific weight or height limit. This typically occurs between 5 and 6 months old. Be sure to read the manual for guidelines regarding this, and make sure your child's harness straps remain level with or below their shoulders - they might require adjustment after removing the infant insert.
Some head inserts, including those used in infant seats, may push the child's head forward. This can limit their airway and put their safety in danger. So, ensure that you always read 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.
You should only use the insert included with your child's car seat; do not create improvised solutions, such as placing a rolled up blanket or a burp cloth over their head. Every car seat is tested to ensure that all components work together. Utilizing any other insert could hinder this testing and affect your child's security.
Remember, the safest way to ensure that your child is comfortable in their seat is by using the "pinch test" and you should not be able to squeeze any slack between you finger and the harness at their shoulder. If you are in doubt, consult a certified Child Safety Technician for Passenger Safety or call the customer service number to seek assistance.
Helps support your baby's head and neck
A newborn insert is a cushion that is designed to support your baby's head as well as neck. This is crucial because the muscles that allow infants to raise their heads on their own haven't yet been achieved. Car seat inserts for newborns raise your baby's head so they can get to the lowest set of shoulder strap slots and also help keep their head from slumping forward (which could block their airways).
Some infant carrier seat seats come with newborn inserts. Other companies also sell 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 newborn insert or the head support properly.
The infant inserts and head supports that come with many car seats are specifically designed to provide extra padding required by newborns and smaller 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, keep in mind that these should only be used in a rear-facing position and that they'll outgrow them before they reach the maximum weight and height allowed for their car seat. Don't use burp cloths as makeshift car seat inserts to infants as they can interfere with the proper positioning of the neck and head of the infant, putting them at risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Many parents mistakenly believe that the head support pillows that are included in some infant seats or sold separately will help their baby to remain safe in a crash, by helping to prevent a chin-to-chest position. This is not true. In fact, research indicates that the addition of an insert or head support to the infant's seat could cause the head to sag forward, putting it in a dangerous position. Additionally, 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've ever held a baby you're aware that they require additional head support to keep their little heads elevated. This is why infant car seats come with a padded infant insert that can help your baby sit in a secure position. The newborn inserts are mini pillows that fit inside the seat to provide a comfortable seat for your baby. This is especially important when you travel long distances because it makes it easier for your baby to fall asleep and remain awake during the trip.
The insert for newborns will ensure that your baby's head is positioned in a natural, healthy way. This is especially important for rear-facing car seats, where the child's head can lean forward can restrict their airways. The insert raises the child and allows them to reach the lowest shoulder strap slots. It also pushes the head back, reducing the risk of getting choked. You should always check the manual of your car seat for instructions on how to remove the newborn insert. It is likely to specify an age or weight limit.
As your child grows, the insert used for a newborn car seat will eventually become too small. As your baby grows, they'll naturally outgrow the infant 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 secure enough to be safe. You can test this by performing a pinch test by placing your finger between the straps and your baby's chest. If the gap is large or there's lots of slack you should put the infant insert back in.
While there are a few various car seat accessories on the market that you could apply to your newborn but it's best infant car seat to stick with the infant insert supplied by the manufacturer of your car seat. They are designed to fit in your baby's car seat and ensure their safety during travel.
Keep your baby comfortable
The newborn insert is a car seat accessory that is designed to keep babies cozy and safe in their infant seats. It's an additional layer of padding that lifts your baby up a little to ensure that the harness straps are at or below their shoulders (if they're in the rear-facing car seat). Your baby might not be able to sit tall enough so that their harness can be adjusted properly without an insert.
A newborn insert could be a good idea, because it makes it more likely for your baby's chin to stay off their chest. Many new parents think that the head pillow included in some car seats or the rolled receiving blanket or burp cloth people suggest they place on their child's head, will protect their baby's head during the event of a crash. These additional padding pieces however, could actually make the chin to chest positioning more difficult as they expand during 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 easy to use as well. These are usually pieces of fabric or foam that are put under the car seat in order to raise the seat's bottom. Some include a head hugger and a cushion which both sit under the child to lift them up while others are merely head huggers on their own.
Inserts for infant car seats can be removed when the infant is old enough to fit without them, and most manufacturers have the weight or height guidelines for this. Always follow the instructions in your car seat manual for this information.
If you're still uncertain about when your baby is ready to stop using a newborn car seat, it's always best car seat for newborn uk to speak with an expert! A CPST can provide helpful advice to ensure that you're using your baby's car seat correctly, so they'll be as safe as possible. A consultation can be added to your registry to give your loved ones peace of mind while you travel with your child in your back seat.
