Car Seat Inserts For Newborns

Car seat inserts designed for infants are included with most convertible and infant car seats to help baby fit better and be more comfortable in the car. They can be removed when the child has reached a certain weight limit in the car seat manual.

Always use the inserts included with your car seat. Anything else is dangerous and could cause your baby to be squeezed or straps that aren't at the appropriate height.

It helps your baby's sit position

A car seat insert designed for babies allows your newborn to sit higher in the car seat. This helps you fasten the harness straps securely and correctly and prevents sliding that could expose your child to the risk of injury in the event of a crash. This padding lifts your child up and shortens the distance between their bottom and the lowest set of straps for harness to ensure they're safe in the car seat that faces rearwards and that their head doesn't get too close to the strap around their crotch (which can restrict airflow).

If you have a convertible seat you can remove the newborn insert once your child has reached an appropriate weight or height limit. This is usually around five to six months of age. Read the manual to find out what instructions are included. Also, ensure that the harness straps of your child are level or just below their shoulders. They may have to be adjusted after you remove the insert.

Some head supports for car seats - and even some that come with the infant seats themselves - can actually push your child's head forward, which could impede their airway and put their safety in danger. Therefore, make sure you always read the manual for your car seat and the site of the manufacturer for instructions on when and how to use these types of head supports.

Make sure to use only the insert that came along with your child's car seat. Never use a makeshift solution, like a burp cloth or rolled-up blanket behind their head. Each car seat is tested to ensure that all components work together. Utilizing any other insert may hinder the testing process and could compromise your child's security.

The most secure way to ensure that your child is comfortable in their seat is by using the "pinch test" You must not squeeze any slack between you finger and the harness at their shoulder. If you are unsure, consult a certified Child Safety Technician for Passenger Safety or call the customer service number to seek help.

Supports your baby's neck and head

A newborn insert is a small cushion that is designed to support your baby's head as well as neck. This is because newborns aren't yet able to develop the muscles that allow them to raise their heads on their own. Car seat inserts for newborns raise your baby's head up so that 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 seats come with newborn inserts. Other companies offer head supports designed for use in car seats. Before adding any padding to your child's car seat, check the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure that you are using the infant insert or head support safely.

The infant inserts and head support included in many 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 a single piece that's more streamlined for support.

If you choose to use an infant insert or head support, be aware that they are only suitable for use in a rear-facing orientation and that they'll outgrow them before they reach the maximum weight and height allowed for their car seat. Don't use blankets or burps to make a car seat insert for infants. They can impede the proper positioning of the infant's neck and head which could result in injuries in an accident.

Many parents are misled into thinking that the pillow-like head inserts that are included in some infant seats or sold separately will help their infant stay safe in a crash by helping to prevent a chin-to chest position. This is not true. Research shows that adding an insert or head support to your infant's car seat can cause the head to sag forward, putting it in a dangerous 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 your baby's head in a natural position

If you have ever held your baby, you know that they need extra support to keep their heads straight. Car seats for infants come with a padded insert designed for newborns to keep your child in a safe, upright position. The newborn inserts are small pillows that fit in the seat to provide a comfortable seat for your baby. This is particularly important when traveling long distances, because it makes it easier for your child to fall asleep and stay awake throughout the trip.

The newborn insert will also ensure that your baby's head is positioned in a natural, healthy way. This is especially important for rear-facing car seats, where allowing the infant's head to slide forward could restrict their airways. The insert raises the child which allows them to reach the bottom set of shoulder strap slots and then pushes their head backwards, which reduces the risk of choking or blocking their breathing. It is important to note that you should always consult the manual of your car seat for specific instructions on when to remove the newborn insert, as it will likely stipulate an age or weight limit.

As your baby gets older they'll naturally outgrow the newborn car seat insert. They'll grow taller and build the muscle strength needed to hold their heads without the aid of an insert, which is when you can consider eliminating the padding from their seat.

It is important to check the harness before removing the newborn insert from the car of your baby. You can check this by using a pinch test, which involves placing your finger between the shoulder straps and your baby's chest. If there is a significant gap or a lot of slack in the strap, it is recommended to replace the insert for your newborn.

While there are a few different car seat accessories available on the market that you could use for your baby but it's recommended to stick with the newborn insert provided by your car seat's manufacturer. This is because they're designed specifically for your baby's specific car seat and are most effective at keeping them safe while traveling.

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

A newborn headband can be a good idea, because it makes it more likely for your baby's chin away from their chest. Many new parents believe that the head pillow that comes with some carseats or the rolled receiving blanket or burp cloth that friends suggest they put alongside their child's head, will protect their child's head in a crash. These additional padding pieces however, could actually make the chin-to-chest positioning worse as they compress during a crash.

They're easy to use and are a great method to keep your child happy while driving. They're usually a piece of foam or cloth that is inserted under the car seat in order to lift up the bottom part of the seat. Some have a cushion and a head-hugger to go under the child, whereas others are just the head-hugger.

Inserts for newborn car seats can be removed when the infant car seats cheap is old enough to fit without them, and many manufacturers have an appropriate weight or height requirement for this. This information can be found in the manual of the car seat.

It is best to talk to an expert if unsure whether or not your baby is at the point of removing the newborn car seat insert. A CPST can provide you with useful advice to make sure your baby is using their car seat in a safe manner. A consultation can be added to your registry to give your loved ones peace of mind while you travel with your baby in the back seat.