Car Seat Inserts For Newborns

Most infant and convertible car seat inserts come with to help the child fit better in the car and feel more comfortable. Inserts can be removed once the child reaches the weight limit stated in the instruction manual for the car seat.

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

Encourage your baby's sitting posture

A car seat insert permits your infant to sit up higher in the seat. This helps you fasten the harness straps properly and securely and also stops the slouching that could expose your child to the risk of injury in the event of an accident. The padding helps lift your child up and shortens the distance between their bottom and the bottom set of straps for harness 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 can hinder airflow).

If you're using a convertible car seat the infant insert can be removed once your child reaches a certain weight or height limit. This is typically around 5-6 months old. 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 car seat head inserts as well as some that are included with infant car seat travel seats themselves - can actually cause your child's head to move forward, which can restrict their airway, and could put their safety in danger. So, be sure to always refer to the manual for your car seat and the site of the manufacturer for instructions on when and how to use these kinds of head supports.

Only use the insert that came along with your child's car seat. Do not use a flimsier solution, like an old burp cloth or rolled up blankets on top of their heads. Each car seat is tested to make sure that all components work. Using any other insert could hinder the testing process and could compromise your child's security.

Remember, the safest way to ensure that your child is snugly seated in their seat is by using the "pinch test": you must not pinch any slack between your finger and the harness on their shoulder. If you're not sure, contact the Child Passenger Security Technician or the customer service number of your car seat manufacturer.

Helps support your baby's neck and head

A newborn insert is made to support your baby's neck and head. This is due to the fact that infants do not yet have the muscles that allow them to raise their heads on their own. Car seat inserts for newborns raise your baby's neck so that it is able to reach the shoulder strap with the lowest slots and also keep their head from slouching forward (which could cause obstruction to airways).

Some infant seats come with inserts for newborns, and other companies sell head supports that are designed to be used in car seats. Before adding any padding to your child's car seat, review the directions of the manufacturer to ensure you are using the newborn insert or head support safely.

The infant inserts and head support that are included in many car seats are crafted to provide the additional padding needed by newborns and babies of smaller sizes. They can be two separate items that offer more flexibility in adjustment or a single unit that's more compact for support.

If you decide to use a head support for your infant or insert, keep in mind that your child will outgrow it before they reach the weight and size that is appropriate for their car seat. Do not use burp or blanket cloths as substitute car seat inserts for newborns as they can hinder the proper positioning of the infant's neck and head which could put them at risk for injury during an accident.

Many parents are misled into thinking that the head support pillows that are included in some portable infant car seat seats or sold separately will help their newborn to stay secure in a crash by helping to prevent a chin-to-chest position. This isn't the case. In fact, research suggests that the addition of an insert or head support to your infant's car seat can cause the head to sag forward, placing it in a dangerous position. A soft object, like a blanket that has been rolled up or burp cloth, may also invalidate the warranty of your infant car seat.

Keeps your baby's head in its natural position

If you've ever held a newborn you're aware that they require additional head support in order to keep their heads up. Car seats for infants are fitted with a cushioned insert for newborns that keeps your baby in a secure upright position. The newborn inserts are small pillows that can be placed inside the seat to provide a comfortable seat for your baby. This is crucial when traveling for long distances because it makes it easier for your child to fall asleep and remain awake throughout the journey.

The insert for babies will ensure that your baby's head is positioned in a natural, healthy way. This is especially important for rear facing infant car seat-facing cars, where the infant's head can become blocked if it is sunk forward. The insert raises the child's body, allowing them reach the lowest set shoulder strap slots. It also pushes the head back, reducing the risk of getting choked. It's worth mentioning that you should always check the manual of your car seat for specific instructions on how to remove the insert for your newborn and when to remove it, as it may specify an age limit or weight limit.

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

When you take the insert for newborns out of the car seat of your baby it is vital to make sure that the harness is secure enough to be safe. You can test this by using a pinch test by placing your finger between the shoulder straps and the chest of your baby. If the gap is big or there's a lot of slack, you need to put the newborn insert back into.

Although there are various car seat accessories on the market to apply to your newborn, it is best car seat newborn to stick with the infant insert offered by your car seat's manufacturer. This is because they're designed specifically for your baby's car seat and will be the most effective in keeping them secure during travel.

Keeps your lightweight baby Car Seat snug

The newborn insert is an infant car seat accessory that helps keep babies comfortable and safe. It's an additional layer of padding that boosts your baby up a little to ensure that the harness straps are at or below their shoulders (if they're in a rear-facing car seat). Your baby may not be able to sit high enough so that their harness can be adjusted correctly without an insert.

A newborn headband can be a good idea, because it makes it more likely for your baby's chin to remain off their chest. Many new parents think that the head pillow that comes with certain carseats or the rolled receiving blanket or burp cloth that parents are advised to put on their child's head, will protect their baby's head during a crash. These additional padding pieces however, can actually make the chin to chest positioning worse as they compress in an accident.

They're simple to use and an excellent method to keep your child happy while driving. These are usually pieces of fabric or foam that are inserted under the car seat in order to raise the seat's bottom. Some have a cushion and a head-hugger that go under the child, whereas others are just a head-hugger.

Inserts for infant car seats can be removed once the baby is old enough without them, and most manufacturers have an appropriate weight or height requirement for this. 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 will be ready to quit using a newborn car seat, it's always best car seat infant to speak with an expert! A CPST can offer valuable advice to ensure that you are using the car seat properly for your baby and that they are as safe as possible. A consultation can be added to your registry to give your loved children peace of mind when you drive with your baby in your back seat.