Car Seat Inserts For Newborns

The majority of convertible and infant car seat inserts are included to help the child fit better in the car and feel more comfortable. They can be removed once the child reaches a specified weight limit in the car seat manual.

Always use the inserts included with your car seat. Anything else is unsafe and can cause your child to be squeezed or straps that aren't at appropriate level.

Helps to increase your baby's sitting posture

A car seat insert for newborns allows your tiny baby to sit up higher in the seat. This insert assists in securing the harness straps and stops sliding, which could expose your baby to the risk of injury if there is a crash. This padding lifts your child's height and reduces the distance between their bottom and the lowest set of straps for harness, ensuring they're secure in the rear-facing car seat and that their head isn't too close to the crotch strap (which could restrict airflow).

If you have a convertible car seat, you can remove the newborn insert once your child has reached an appropriate weight or height limit. This usually occurs between five to six months of age. Check the manual to see what instructions are included. Also, ensure that the harness straps of your child are at or lower than their shoulders. They may need to be adjusted after removing the insert.

Some car seats by age seat head inserts - and even some that are included in the infant seats themselves - could actually make your child's head move forward, which could 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 how to use these kinds of head supports.

It is best car seats for newborns to use the insert that came with your child's car seat. never create makeshift solutions, such as putting the blanket in a roll or a burp cloth on their head. Each car seat is tested to make sure that all components function. Using any other insert could hinder this testing and compromise your child's safety.

Remember, the safest way to ensure that your baby is comfortable in their car seat is using the "pinch test" You should not be able to squeeze any slack between your finger and the harness on their shoulder. If you are unsure then contact a 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 a tiny cushion that is designed to support your baby's head as well as neck. This is due to the fact that infants have not yet developed the muscles that will allow them to raise their heads on their own. Car seat inserts for newborns raise your baby's head up so that they can reach the lowest set of shoulder strap slots, and they also help to keep their head from slumping forward (which could block their airways).

Some infant seats come with newborn inserts, and other companies offer head supports intended for use in car seats. Before adding any padding to your child's car seat check the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure you are using the infant insert or head support properly.

The infant inserts and head support included in the majority of car seats are designed to provide the extra padding required by newborns and smaller babies. This could be a pair of separate items to provide more flexibility or a single item with a more compact support.

If you decide to use an infant head support or insert, bear in mind that your child will likely outgrow it before reaching the maximum weight and size for their car seat. Don't use burp cloths as makeshift car seat inserts for newborns as they can interfere with the proper positioning of the infant's neck and head which could put them at risk of injury during an accident.

Many parents believe, wrongly that the pillow-like inserts in some infant seats and those sold separately will keep their baby secure in the event of an accident by preventing a chin-to- chest position. This isn't the case. Research shows that adding an insert or head support to your infant's seat could cause the head to sag forward, putting it into an unsafe position. A soft object, like an unrolled receiving blanket or burp cloth, could also void the warranty of your infant car seat.

Keeps your baby's head in a natural position

If you've ever held a baby, you will be aware that they require extra support to keep their heads elevated. This is why infant car seats are with a cushioned newborn insert that can help your baby sit in a secure position. The inserts for newborns are miniature pillows that can be placed inside the seat to provide a cushion for your baby. This is crucial, particularly when traveling long distances. They will aid your child to sleep and stay awake throughout the journey.

The insert for babies will ensure that your baby's head is placed in a natural and healthy way. This is particularly important in rear-facing car seats, as the baby's head being allowed to slump forward can hinder their breathing. The insert raises the child's body to allow them to reach the shoulder strap slots. It also pulls the head back to lessen the chance of getting choked. It is recommended to always read your car seat's instruction manual for directions on how to remove the infant insert. It's likely to include a weight or age limit.

As your child grows, the insert for the car seat for newborns will naturally shrink to a size that isn't suitable for your child. As your baby grows, they'll naturally outgrow the infant car seat insert.

It is important to check the harness when you remove the newborn insert from the car of your baby. You can test this by pinch testing using your finger between the straps and the chest of your baby. If there is a significant gap or lots of stretch in the strap, you need to replace the newborn insert.

While there are a few various car seat accessories on the market that you can use for your baby however, it's recommended to stick to the infant insert offered by your car seat's manufacturer. They're designed specifically for your baby's specific car seat and will be most effective at keeping them safe while traveling.

Keeps your baby snug

The insert for newborns is an infant car seat accessory that helps keep babies at ease and secure. It's an additional layer of padding that boosts your baby up a little so 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 up high enough so that their harness can be adjusted properly without an insert.

A newborn headrest is an excellent idea as it makes it more likely that your baby's head will stay in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin from their chests). Many new parents think that the pillow-like head insert 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 a crash. These additional padding pieces however, can make the chin to chest positioning worse as they compress in an accident.

They're simple to use and a great method to keep your child at ease while driving. They are typically pieces of foam or fabric that are placed under the car seat to raise the seat's bottom. Some include a head hugger and a cushion that are placed under the child's head to lift them up while others are simply head huggers on their own.

Inserts for infant car seats can be removed when the infant is old enough without them, and many manufacturers have an appropriate weight or height requirement for this. This information is available in the manual for car seats.

If you're uncertain about when your baby will be ready to stop using a new car seat insert, it's always best car seats to speak with an expert! A CPST can offer valuable advice to ensure that you are using the correct car seat for your baby and that they are as safe as is possible. A consultation can be added to your registry to give your beloved children peace of mind when you drive with your baby in the back seat.