Car Seat Inserts For NewbornsThe majority of infant and convertible car seat inserts come with to help the child fit better in the car and to be more comfortable. They can be removed once the child is at a certain weight limit in the manual for the car seat.
Always use the inserts that come with your car seat--anything else is unsafe and can cause your
top rated baby car seats to be squeezed or straps that aren't at proper level.
Encourage your baby's sitting posture
A car seat insert allows your infant to sit higher in the seat. This insert assists in securing the harness straps, and prevents the slouching that can expose your baby to the risk of injury if there is an accident. This padding lifts your child's height and reduces the distance between their bottom and the bottom set of harness strap slots to ensure they're safe in the rear-facing car seat and that their head isn't too close to the crotch strap (which could restrict airflow).
If you're using convertible car seats the infant insert can be removed when your child reaches a certain weight or height limit. This is typically around 5-6 months old. Make sure you read the manual for instructions on this, and make sure the harness straps for your child remain level with or below their shoulders. They might require adjustment after you have removed the infant insert.
Certain head support devices, like those used in
portable infant car seat seats, may push the child's head backwards. This can limit their airway and put their safety in danger. Therefore, make sure you always check the manual for your car seat and the manufacturer's website for guidelines on when and how to use these types of head supports.
Use only the insert that came along with your child's car seat. Never use a makeshift solution, like a burp cloth or rolled-up blanket behind their head. Every car seat is tested to make sure that all components work. Any other insert could interfere with this testing and compromise your child's security.
Remember, the most secure method to ensure that your child is comfortable in their car seat is applying the "pinch test" and you must not pinch any slack between your finger and the harness at their shoulder. If you are unsure you should consult a certified Child Safety Technician for Passenger Safety or call the customer service number for help.
Helps support your baby's head and neck
A newborn insert is a small cushion designed to support your baby's head as well as neck. This is due to the fact that infants aren't yet able to develop the muscles that allow them to lift their heads on their own. Car seat inserts for newborns raise your baby's head up 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 seats come with newborn inserts Other companies also sell head supports that are designed for use in car seats. However, before you add any padding to your baby's car seats, consult the manufacturer's instructions for more specific instructions on how to safely use the newborn insert or head support for your specific infant seat.
The infant inserts and head supports that are included in many car seats are specifically designed to provide additional padding needed by newborns and babies of smaller sizes. It could be a set of separate pieces for greater flexibility or a single unit with a more efficient support.
If you choose to use an infant insert or head support, keep in mind that these should only be used in a rear-facing orientation, and that they'll likely outgrow them before your baby reaches the maximum weight and height permitted for their car seat. Don't use blankets or burps to make a car seat insert for infants. They can impede the proper positioning of the infant's neck and head, which could lead to injury in an accident.
Many parents are misled into thinking that the pillow-like head inserts included in certain infant seats or sold separately can help their infant stay safe in a crash by aiding in preventing a chin-to-chest position. This is not true. 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 into an unsafe position. A soft object, like an unrolled receiving blanket or burp cloth, may also void the warranty of your infant car seat.
Keeps the baby's head in a natural posture
If you have ever held the baby, you know that they need extra support to keep their heads elevated. This is why infant car seats come with a cushioned newborn insert that allows your baby to sit in a secure position. The inserts for newborns are miniature pillows that fit inside the seat to provide a cushion for your baby. This is crucial when you travel long distances because it makes it easier for your baby to sleep and remain awake throughout the trip.
The insert for babies will ensure that your baby's head is positioned in a natural, healthy way. This is especially important in rear-facing car seats, as the baby's head being allowed to slump forward can block their airways. The insert raises the child's head, allowing them reach the lowest shoulder strap slots. It also pulls the head back, reducing the risk of getting choked. You should always check your car seat's instruction manual for directions on how to remove the infant insert. It is likely to specify an age or weight limit.
As your baby grows older, they'll naturally outgrow the infant car seat insert. They'll grow taller and build up the muscle strength to hold their heads up without the aid of a seat insert. This is when you can consider removing the padding from the seat.
It is crucial to test the harness after removing the newborn insert from your baby's car. You can test this by conducting a pinch test. In this test, you place your finger in the gap between the strap on your shoulder and the chest of your baby. If there is a significant gap or lots of looseness in the strap, you should replace the insert for your newborn.
There are many different car seat inserts that are available for your baby. However, it's best to use the one supplied by the manufacturer of your car seat. They are specifically designed to fit into your baby's car seat and keep them safe during travel.
Keeps your baby comfortable
The newborn insert is an infant car seat accessory that helps keep babies at ease and secure. It's an additional layer of padding that raises your baby's height to ensure that the harness straps are at or below their shoulders (if they're in a rear-facing car seat). Your baby might not be able to sit tall enough so that their harness can be adjusted appropriately without the insert.
A newborn headband can be a good idea since it will make it more likely that your baby's chin to remain away from their chest. Many parents believe that the pillow-like inserts that come with certain car seats or the receiving blanket that is rolled up or burpcloth that friends suggest to place on
top rated baby car seats of their child's face will shield the brain of their child in the event of a crash. However, these additional padding pieces can actually make the chin-to-chest position worse, as they compress when a crash occurs.
Car seat accessories for newborns are a great way to help keep your baby comfy while driving and they're simple to use too. They're typically a piece of cloth or foam that is inserted underneath the car seat in order to lift up the bottom part of the seat. Some include a head-hugger and a cushion which both sit under the child to lift them up, while others are simply head huggers on their own.
Car seat inserts for infants can be removed when the baby is big enough to fit without them. Most manufacturers have a suggested weight or height. This information is available in the manual of the car seat.
If you're not sure when your baby will be ready to stop using a newborn car seat, it's always
best car seats newborn to consult an expert! A CPST can provide you with useful advice to make sure your baby is safe in their car seat. A consultation can be added to your registry to give your beloved ones peace of mind while you travel with your baby in your back seat.