Car Seat Inserts For Newborns

Car seat inserts for infants are included in the majority of infant and convertible car seats to help babies fit better and be more comfortable in the car. They can be removed when the child reaches a specified weight limit in the manual of the car seat.

Only use the inserts that come in your car seat. Anything else can be unsafe, causing your child to be squished and for the harness straps to not be at the right height.

Helps to increase your baby's sitting posture

A car seat insert designed for babies allows your newborn to sit up higher in the seat. This allows you to fasten the harness straps correctly and securely and also stops slouching that can put your baby at risk of injury in the event of collision. This padding supports your child's head and reduces the distance between the seat's bottom and the lowest harness strap slots. 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're using convertible car seats the infant insert can be removed when your child has reached a certain weight or height limit. This is typically around 5-6 months old. Check the manual to see if there are any instructions. Also, make sure that the harness straps of your child are at or below their shoulders. They might need to be adjusted after removing the insert.

Certain headrests for car seats or even those that are included in the infant seats themselves - can actually push your child's head forward, which could impede their airway and put their safety at risk. So, ensure that you always read 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 with your child's seat. Never use a makeshift solution, like burp cloths or a rolled-up blankets on top of their heads. Every car seat is tested to make sure that all components work together. Utilizing any other insert may hinder the testing process and could compromise your child's security.

Remember, the most secure method to ensure that your baby is snugly seated in their seat is applying the "pinch test" and you should not be able to squeeze any slack between your finger and the harness on their shoulder. If you are in doubt you should consult a certified Child Safety Technician for Passenger Safety or call the customer service number to seek assistance.

It supports your baby's neck and head

A newborn insert is designed to support your baby's neck as well as head. This is essential because muscles that allow infants to raise their heads independently haven't yet been achieved. Newborn car seat inserts lift your baby's head so that they can get to the lowest set of shoulder strap slots, and also help keep their head from sliding forward (which could restrict their airways).

Some infant seats come with inserts for babies. Other companies sell head supports 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 specific information on how to safely use the infant insert or head support for your specific infant seat.

The infant inserts and head support that are included in the majority of car seats are designed to provide extra padding needed for infants and small babies. They could be two distinct items that provide greater flexibility in adjustment or a single piece that's more streamlined for support.

If you choose to use an infant head support or insert, bear in mind that your child is likely to outgrow it before they reach the maximum weight and size for their car seat. Do not use blankets or cloth burps to create a car seat insert for infants. They can impede the proper positioning for the infant's neck or head which could result in injuries in the event of a crash.

Many parents are misled into thinking that the head support pillows that are included in some infant car seats that swivel seats or sold separately will aid their newborn to stay secure in a crash by helping to prevent a chin-to chest position. However, this is not the case. In fact research has proven that adding an infant insert or headrest can actually cause your baby's head to slide forward, putting them in a vulnerable position. Additionally the use of a soft object such as a rolled receiving blanket or a burp cloth instead of the newborn car seat insert could potentially void your infant seat's warranty.

Keeps the 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 car seats come with a cushioned newborn insert that helps your baby sit in a safe position. The newborn inserts are mini pillows that fit inside the seat to provide a comfortable seat for your baby. This is important, especially when traveling long distances. They will aid your child to fall asleep and remain awake throughout the journey.

The newborn insert will ensure that your baby's neck is positioned in the most natural and healthy way that is possible. This is particularly important in rear-facing cars, as the head of the infant can become obstructed if it slumps forward. The insert raises the child, allowing them to reach the lowest set of shoulder strap slots, and also pushes their head back, which reduces the risk of choking or obstructing their breathing. It is recommended to always read the manual of your car seat for directions on how to remove the infant insert. It's likely to include an age or weight limit.

As your child grows, the insert used for a newborn car seat will naturally shrink to a size that isn't suitable for your child. They'll grow taller and develop the strength and muscle to hold their heads without the aid of a seat insert. This is when you can consider taking the padding off their seat.

When you take the insert for newborns from the car seat for your baby it is vital to ensure whether the harness is secure enough to be safe. You can do this by performing a pinch test. In this test, you place your finger in the space between the strap for your shoulder and your baby's chest. If the gap is wide or there's a lot of slack, you should put the newborn insert back into.

Although there are various car seat accessories on the market that you can apply to your newborn but it's best infant seat to stick with the newborn insert provided by your car seat's manufacturer. This is because they're designed specifically for your baby's car seat and are most effective in keeping them safe while traveling.

Keeps your baby snug

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 padding that elevates your baby so that the harness straps are at their shoulders or lower (if they are in a rear facing car seat). Without an insert, your baby might not sit high enough for their harness to be adjusted correctly.

A newborn insert could be a good idea since it will make it more likely for your baby's chin away from their chest. Many new parents think that the pillow-like head insert 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 shield their baby's head during an accident. However, these extra padding pieces could actually make the chin-to-chest position more difficult, as they expand during a crash.

Newborn car seat accessories are an excellent way to keep your baby in a comfortable position when driving and are easy to use too. They are typically pieces of foam or fabric that are placed under the car seat to raise the bottom of the seat. Some include a head-hugger and a cushion that both sit under the child to lift them up while others are merely a head hugger on its own.

Inserts for newborn car seats can be removed once the infant is old enough without them, and most manufacturers have a weight or height recommendation for this. You should always follow the instructions in the manual for your car seat for this information.

It is best infant car seat to talk to a professional if you are uncertain whether your baby is ready to quit using the newborn car seat insert. A CPST can provide helpful advice to ensure you're using your lightweight baby car seat's car seat correctly to ensure that they're as secure as they can be. Adding a consultation to your registry is an easy way to give loved ones security when driving with your child in the back seat!