Car Seat Inserts For Newborns

Most infant and convertible car seat inserts are provided to help the baby fit better in the car and feel more comfortable. They can be removed after the child has reached a certain weight limit in the car seat manual.

Use only the inserts included in your car seat. Anything else could be dangerous, causing your baby to be squished and for the harness straps not to be at the proper height.

Encourage your baby's sitting posture

A car seat insert allows your baby to sit up higher in the seat. This insert helps you secure the harness straps, and prevents slouching, which can put your baby at risk of injury in the event that there is a crash. The padding raises your child and decreases the distance between the seat's bottom and the lowest harness strap slot. It ensures they are safe in a rear-facing vehicle and that their head isn't too close to the crotch (which could restrict airflow).

If you have a convertible seat, you can take out the infant insert once your child reaches the weight or height limit. This is typically around five to six months old. Go through the manual to determine what instructions are included. Also, make sure that the harness straps of your child are in line or lower than their shoulders. They may need to be adjusted after removing the insert.

Some car seat head inserts or even those that are included in the infant seats themselves - could actually cause your child's head to move forward, which could limit their airway, and could put their safety in danger. Check the instructions in the manual of your car seat or on the website of the manufacturer to determine the best car seats time and method for using these head supports should be used.

You should only use the insert included with your child's car seat. Never create your own solutions, such as placing a rolled up blanket or a burp cloth over their head. Every car seat is tested to make sure that all components function. Any other insert may hinder the testing process and could compromise your child's safety.

Remember, the safest way to ensure your baby is snugly seated in their car seat is applying the "pinch test" You should not be able to squeeze any slack between your finger and the harness on their shoulder. If you are in doubt seek out a certified child Passenger Safety Technician or dial the customer service line to seek help.

It supports your baby's head and neck

A newborn insert is a cushion designed to your baby's head and neck. This is crucial because the muscle development that allows infants to hold their heads up on their own haven't yet occurred. Newborn car seat inserts lift your baby's head to ensure they can reach the lowest set of shoulder strap slots and they also help to keep their head from sliding forward (which could hinder their airways).

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

The infant car seat swivel inserts and head support that are included in the majority of car seats are designed to provide extra padding needed for newborns and smaller babies. These can be two separate products that allow for greater flexibility in adjustment or one unit that is more compact to support.

If you decide to use a head support for your infant or insert, bear in mind that your child will likely outgrow it before reaching the weight and size that is appropriate for their car seat. Do not use burp or blanket cloths as car seat inserts for newborns, as these can interfere with the proper placement of the neck and head of the infant and put them at risk of injuries in a crash.

Many parents believe, wrongly that the pillow-like inserts in certain infant car seat best seats and those sold separately will keep their child secure in the event of an accident by preventing a chin to chest position. But this isn't the case. In fact research has proven that the addition of an infant insert or head support can actually cause your baby's head to slide forward into a compromising position. In addition using a soft item like a rolled reception blanket or a burp cloth in place of the infant car seat for travel car seat insert could potentially cause the infant seat to lose its warranty.

Keeps your baby's head in its natural position

If you have ever held your baby, you know that they need extra support to keep their heads elevated. This is why infant car seats come equipped with a padded newborn insert that allows your baby to sit in a comfortable position. Newborn inserts are like miniature pillows that fit inside the seat and provide a comfy cushion for your child. This is crucial when traveling long distances, because it makes it easier for your child to fall asleep and stay awake throughout the journey.

The newborn insert will also ensure that your baby's head is placed in a natural, healthy way. This is particularly important in rear-facing car seats where the child's head can slump forward can hinder their breathing. The insert lifts the child up and allows them to reach the bottom set of shoulder strap slots, and pushes their head backwards, which reduces the risk of choking or obstructing their breathing. It is important to note that you should always check the manual for your car seat to find specific instructions on how to remove the newborn insert in order to stipulate an age limit or weight limit.

As your child grows, the insert used for a newborn car seat will naturally become too small. They'll grow taller and build up the muscle strength needed to hold their heads up without the help of a seat insert. This is when you can consider eliminating the padding from the seat.

It is essential to examine the harness after removing the newborn insert from the car of your baby. You can test this by using a pinch test by placing your finger between the straps and your baby's chest. If the gap is wide or there's plenty of slack, you need to put the infant insert back in.

While there are a few different car seat accessories on the market to apply to your newborn however, it's best to stick with the infant insert offered by your car seat's manufacturer. They are designed to fit your baby's car seat and keep them safe during travel.

Keep your baby comfortable

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

A newborn insert is an excellent idea as it increases the likelihood that your baby's head will remain in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin off their chest). Many new parents think that the pillow-like head insert that comes with some carseats, or the rolled receiving blanket or burp cloth that 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 cause the chest to chin positioning more difficult as they expand in an accident.

Newborn car seat accessories are an excellent way to keep your baby comfy during the drive and they're simple to use too. They are typically pieces of fabric or foam that are inserted under the car seat to raise the bottom of the seat. Some come with a cushion and a head-hugger that go under the child, while others have just a head-hugger.

Inserts for newborn car seats can be removed when the lightweight baby car seat is old enough to fit without them, and many manufacturers have an appropriate weight or height requirement for this. Always adhere to the guidelines in your car seat manual for this information.

It's best to consult an expert if you're uncertain whether your baby is ready to stop using the newborn car seat insert. A CPST can provide helpful advice to ensure you're using the correct car seat for your baby and that they are as secure as they can be. Adding a consultation to your registry is a great method to gift your loved children security when driving with your child in the back seat!