Car Seat Inserts For Newborns

Car seat inserts designed for infants are included with most convertible and infant car seats to help babies fit better and be more comfortable in the car. Inserts can be removed when the child is at the weight limit stated in the manual of the car seat.

Always use the inserts that come with your car seat--anything else is dangerous and could cause your child to be squished or have harness straps that aren't the appropriate level.

It helps your baby's sit position

A car seat insert designed for newborns allows your tiny baby to sit up higher in the car seat. This allows you to fasten the harness straps correctly and securely and also stops slouching that can expose your child to the risk of injury in the event of collision. The padding raises your child up and shortens the distance between their bottom and the lowest set of harness strap slots to ensure they're safe in the rear-facing car seat and that their head doesn't get too close to the straps that connect their crotches (which could restrict airflow).

If you have a convertible seat, you can take out the infant insert once your child has reached the weight or height limit. This is typically around five to six months of age. Be sure to check the manual for guidance on this, and also make sure the harness straps for your child are not sagging below their shoulders. They might need to be adjusted after removing the infant insert.

Certain headrests for car seats - and even some that are included with infant seats themselves - can actually push your child's head forward, which could limit their airway and put their safety at risk. So, be sure to always refer to the car seat manual and the site of the manufacturer for instructions on when and how to use these kinds of head supports.

You should only use the insert that came with your child's car seat; Never create your own solutions, such as placing a rolled up blanket or a burp cloth on their head. Each car seat and its components are thoroughly tested to function as a system and using any other insert could disrupt this process and threaten your child's safety.

The "pinch test" is the best way to make sure that your child is safely seated in the seat. You shouldn't be able to squeeze any loose slack in the shoulder between your finger and harness. If you have any doubts, consult a certified Child Safety Technician for Passenger Safety or call your car seat manufacturer's customer service number to seek help.

Helps support your baby's head and neck

A newborn insert is made to support your baby's neck as well as head. This is crucial because the muscle development that allows infants to raise their heads independently haven't yet been achieved. Car seat inserts for newborns raise your baby's head to ensure they can get to the lowest set of shoulder strap slots, and also help prevent their head from sagging forward (which could hinder their airways).

Some infant seats come with newborn inserts Other companies also offer head support products that are specifically designed for use in car seats. But, before you put any kind of padding to your baby's car seat consult the manufacturer's instructions for precise information on how to safely use the newborn insert or head support in your specific infant seat.

The infant inserts and head support that come with many car seats are designed to provide extra padding needed for infants and small babies. They can be two separate products that allow for greater flexibility in adjustment or a single unit that's more compact for support.

If you choose to use an infant insert or head support, be aware that they are intended to be used only in rear-facing mode and that they'll outgrow them before your baby reaches the maximum weight and height permitted for their car seat. Never use blankets or burp cloths as car seat inserts for newborns because they could hinder the proper positioning of the infant's head and neck, putting them at risk of injuries in an accident.

Many parents believe, incorrectly, that the pillow-like inserts in certain infant seats and those sold separately will keep their child safe in an accident by preventing a chin-to- chest position. This is not true. Research shows that adding an insert or head support to your infant's seat could cause the head to slump forward, putting it into an unsafe position. A soft object, such as a rolled up receiving blanket or burp cloth, could also invalidate the warranty of your infant car seat.

Keeps the baby's head in its natural position

If you've ever held a newborn, you know they need additional head support to keep their tiny heads elevated. Infant car seats are equipped with a padded insert for newborns that keeps your baby in a secure, upright position. Inserts for newborns are like mini pillows that fit into the seat and provide a comfy cushion for your child. This is particularly important when traveling long distances, because it makes it easier for your baby to fall asleep and remain awake throughout the journey.

The insert for babies will ensure that your baby's head is set in a natural, healthy way. This is particularly important in rear-facing cars, as the infant's head can be blocked if it slouches forward. The insert raises the child's head to allow them to reach the lowest shoulder strap slots. It also pushes the head back to lessen the risk of choking. It's important to note that you must always refer to the manual of your car seat for specific instructions on when to take off the insert for your newborn, as it will likely specify an age or weight limit.

As your baby gets older they'll naturally outgrow their infant car seat insert. As your baby grows, they will naturally outgrow the infant car seat insert.

It is crucial to test the harness before removing the infant insert from your baby's car. You can check this by performing a pinch test. In this test, you insert your finger into the space between the strap for your shoulder and your baby's chest. If the gap is big or there's a lot of slack, you need to put the newborn insert back into.

There are a variety of car seat inserts available on the market for your newborn. However, it is best infant carrier car seat to select the one provided by the manufacturer of your car seat. They are designed to fit into your baby's car seat, and will keep them safe during travel.

Keep your baby comfortable

The newborn insert is an infant car seat accessory that keeps babies comfortable and safe. It's a layer of extra padding that raises your baby to ensure that harness straps can reach their shoulders or lower (if they're in a rear facing car seat). Without an insert, your child may not be sitting high enough to allow their harness be adjusted properly.

A newborn insert could be a good idea since it will make it more likely that your baby's chin to remain off their chest. Many new parents think that the pillow-like head piece that comes with certain carseats or the rolled receiving blanket or burp cloth friends suggest they put alongside their child's head, will shield their child's head in the event of a crash. These additional padding pieces however, can actually cause the chest to chin positioning more difficult as they expand during a crash.

Car seat accessories for newborns are a great way to help keep your baby comfortable while driving and they're simple to use too. They're typically made of foam or cloth that is inserted underneath the car seat in order to lift up the bottom part of the seat. Some come with a cushion and a head-hugger to go under the child, while others just have an head-hugger.

The car seat inserts designed for newborns can be removed once the baby is large enough to be able to live without them. The majority of manufacturers will have a weight or height. This information is available in the car seat manual.

If you're uncertain about when your baby is ready to stop using a newborn car seat, it's always best to seek out an expert! A CPST can offer valuable advice to ensure you're using the car seat properly for your baby and that they are as safe as is possible. A consultation can be added to your registry to give your precious children peace of mind as you travel infant car seat with your child in your back seat.