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 once the child reaches the weight limit set in the instruction manual for the car seat.

Only use the inserts provided in your car seat. Anything else could be unsafe, causing your baby to be squeezed and the harness straps not to be at the right height.

Helps to increase your baby's sitting posture

A car seat insert lets your newborn to sit up higher in the seat. This insert aids in securing the harness straps, and prevents sliding, which could expose your baby to the risk of injury in the event that there is a crash. The padding raises your child's head and reduces the distance between the bottom of the seat and the lowest strap slots. It ensures that they are safe in a rear facing infant car seat-facing vehicle and their head is not too close to the crotch (which could hinder airflow).

If you have a convertible car seat, you can remove the infant insert once your child has reached an appropriate weight or height limit. This is typically around five to six months of age. Read the manual to find out whether there are any specific instructions. Also, make sure that the harness straps of your child are level or below their shoulders. They may have to be adjusted after you remove the insert.

Some head supports for car seats - and even some that are included in the infant seats themselves - can actually make your child's head move forward, which could impede their airway and potentially put their safety at risk. Review the directions in the manual of your car seat or on the site of the manufacturer to see when and how these head supports are to be used.

It is best to use the insert that came with your child's car seat. do not create improvised solutions, such as placing the blanket in a roll or a burp cloth on their head. Every car seat is tested to ensure that all components function. Using any other insert may hinder the testing process and could compromise your child's safety.

The "pinch test" is the most effective way to ensure that your baby is secure in the seat. You should not be able to pinch any loose slack in the shoulder between your fingers and the harness. If you are unsure you should consult a certified Child Safety Technician for Passenger Safety or call the customer service number for help.

Supports for your baby's neck and head

A newborn insert is a tiny cushion designed to help your baby's head and neck. This is essential because muscles that allow infants to raise their heads on their own haven't 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 they also assist in prevent their head from sagging forward (which could block their airways).

Some infant car seat for travel seats come with inserts for newborns Other companies also offer head supports specifically designed to be used in car seats. But, before you put any kind of padding to your baby's car seat, review the instructions of the manufacturer for specific information on how to safely use the infant insert or head support in your particular infant seat.

Infant inserts and head supports that come with most car seats are designed to provide additional padding for newborns and tiny babies. These can be two separate items that provide greater adjustability or a single piece that's more streamlined for support.

If you decide to utilize an infant insert or head support, be aware that these are only suitable for use 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. Never use blankets or cloth burps to make an insert for your car seat for newborns. They could interfere with the proper position of the infant's neck or head which could result in injuries in an accident.

Many parents believe, wrongly that the pillow-like inserts included in some infant seats as well as those sold separately will keep their child safe in an accident by preventing 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 an unsafe position. Additionally, using a soft object like a rolled receiving blanket or a burp cloth in place of the newborn car seat insert could cause the infant seat to lose its warranty.

Keeps your baby's head in a natural position

If you've ever held a baby, you will know that they need extra support to keep their heads elevated. This is why infant carrier seat car seats come with a padded infant insert that helps your baby sit in a secure position. Inserts for newborns are like miniature pillows that fit inside the seat and provide a comfy cushion for your child. This is crucial, particularly when you travel for long distances. It will aid your child to sleep and stay awake throughout the journey.

The newborn insert will also ensure that the neck of your baby is positioned in the most natural and healthy way that is possible. This is especially important in rear-facing car seats, as allowing the infant's head to slide forward could block their airways. The insert lifts the child which allows them to reach the lowest set of shoulder strap slots, and pushes their head backwards and reduces the chance of choking or blocking their breathing. You should always check the manual of your car seat for instructions on how to remove the newborn insert. It's likely to include the weight limit or age limit.

As your child grows, the insert used for the car seat for newborns will naturally become too small. They'll increase in height and develop the strength and muscle to hold their heads without the help of an insert, which is when you should consider removing the padding from the seat.

When you take the newborn insert out of your baby's car seat it is vital that you check whether the harness is snug enough to ensure safety. You can test this by doing a pinch test, where you place your finger in the gap between the shoulder strap and the chest of your baby. If the gap is large or there's lots of slack you must put the infant insert back in.

While there are a few different car seat accessories on the market that you can use for your baby but it's recommended to stick with the infant insert supplied by your car seat's manufacturer. They're designed specifically for your baby's specific car seat and are most effective in keeping them secure during travel.

Make sure your baby is comfortable

The newborn insert is a car seat accessory designed to keep babies comfy and secure in their infant seats. It's an additional layer of padding that raises your baby's height so that the harness straps are at or below their shoulders (if they're in a rear-facing car seat). Your child may not be able to sit tall enough so that their harness can be adjusted properly without an insert.

A newborn headrest is an excellent idea as it increases the likelihood that your baby's head will stay in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin from their chest). Many new parents think that the head pillow that comes with certain carseats, or the rolled receiving blanket or burp cloth people suggest they place on their child's head will protect their child's head in the event of a crash. These additional padding pieces, however, can actually make the chin to chest position worse when they compress during an accident.

They're simple to use and a great method to keep your child at ease while driving. They're usually a piece of cloth or foam that is inserted under the car seat to lift up the bottom of the seat. Some include a head-hugger and a cushion that sit under the child to raise them up, while others are simply head huggers on their own.

Car seat inserts for newborns can be removed once the baby is large enough to be able to live without them. Most manufacturers have a recommended weight or height. It is recommended to follow the instructions in the manual for your car seat for this information.

If you're still not sure when your baby is ready to stop using a newborn car seat insert it is best to seek out an expert! A CPST can offer valuable advice to ensure that you are using the correct car seat for your baby, so they'll be as safe as is possible. A consultation added to your registry is a great way to give loved ones peace of mind when you're driving with your baby in the back seat!