A Step-By'-Step Guide To Picking The Right Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
The majority of convertible and infant car seat inserts are included to help the child fit better in the car and to be more comfortable. The inserts can be removed when the child is at the weight limit stated in the manual of the car seat.
Always make sure you use the inserts that come with your car seat--anything else is risky and could cause your child to be squeezed or straps that aren't at proper height.
Helps to increase your baby's sitting posture
A car seat insert allows your infant to sit higher in the seat. This allows you to fasten the harness straps properly and securely and prevents sliding that could put your baby at risk of injury in the event of a crash. The padding raises your child's height and reduces 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 have a convertible car seat, you can remove the infant insert when your child reaches the weight or height limit. This is typically around five to six months of age. Go through the manual to determine if there are any instructions. Also, make sure that the harness straps of your child are in line 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 seats themselves - can actually cause your child's head to move forward, which could impede their airway and put their safety at risk. So, ensure that you always refer to the car seat manual and the website of the manufacturer for guidelines 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 substitute solution, such as a burp cloth or rolled-up blanket behind their head. car seats by age and its components are rigorously tested to work together as a system and using any other insert can hinder this process and threaten your child's safety.
The most secure way to ensure that your child is snugly seated in their seat is applying the "pinch test": you should not be able to squeeze any slack between you finger and the harness on their shoulder. If you aren't sure then contact a Child Passenger Security Technician or the customer service number of the manufacturer of your car seat.
It supports your baby's head and neck
A newborn insert is a small cushion designed to help your baby's head and neck. This is because infants have not yet developed the muscles that will allow them to raise their heads on their own. Car seat inserts for newborns raise your baby's head so that they can reach the lowest set of shoulder strap slots and they also help to keep their head from slumping forward (which could restrict their airways).
Some infant seats come with newborn inserts, and other companies offer head supports specifically designed for use in car seats. Before adding padding to your child's car seat, review the directions of the manufacturer to ensure that you are using the infant insert or the head support properly.
Infant inserts and head support that come with most car seats are designed to provide additional padding for infants and small babies. They could be two distinct items that provide greater flexibility in adjustment, or a single piece that's more compact for support.
If you decide to use an infant head support or insert, keep in mind that your child will likely outgrow it before reaching the weight and size that is appropriate for their car seat. Never use blankets or cloth burps to make an insert for your car seat for newborns. They can interfere with the proper positioning of the infant's neck and head, which could lead to injuries in the event of the event of a crash.
Many parents mistakenly believe that the pillow-like head supports included in certain infant seats or sold separately will aid their newborn to stay safe in a crash, by aiding in preventing a chin-to-chest position. However, this is not the case. In actual research has revealed that adding an infant insert or headrest can actually cause your baby's head to sag forward, putting them in a vulnerable position. A soft object, like a rolled up receiving blanket or burp cloth, may also invalidate the warranty of your infant car seat.
Keeps the baby's head in a natural position
If you've ever held a baby you'll know that they need additional head support to keep their little heads elevated. This is why infant car seats come with a cushioned newborn insert that can help your baby sit in a secure position. Inserts for newborns are like miniature pillows that can be inserted into the seat and provide a comfy cushion for your child. This is particularly important when traveling for long distances as it will make it easier for your child to fall asleep and remain awake throughout the trip.
The newborn insert also ensures that your baby's neck is positioned in the most natural and healthy manner that is possible. This is especially important for rear-facing car seats, where the baby's head being allowed to slide forward could hinder their breathing. The insert lifts the child up, allowing them to reach the smallest set of shoulder strap slots and also pushes their head backwards and reduces the chance of choking or obstructing their breathing. It's important to note that you must always refer to the car seat's manual for specific instructions on when to remove the infant insert and when to remove it, as it may stipulate an age 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 newborn car seat insert.
When you take the insert for newborns out of the car seat for your baby It is essential to make sure that the harness is snug enough to ensure safety. You can do this by doing a pinch test, where you insert your finger into the gap between the strap for your shoulder and the chest of your baby. If there is a significant gap or lots of slack in the strap, it is recommended to replace the insert for your newborn.
While there are a few various car seat accessories on the market that you can use for your newborn but it's recommended to stick with the infant insert offered by the manufacturer of your car seat. They're designed specifically for your baby's specific car seat and are the most effective in making sure they're safe during travel.
Helps keep your baby comfy
The newborn insert is a car seat accessory that is designed to keep babies cozy and safe in their infant seats. It's an additional layer of padding that raises your baby's height to ensure that the harness straps are located at or below their shoulders (if they're in a rear-facing car seat). Without an insert, your baby might not sit high enough for their harness to be properly adjusted.
A newborn insert is also beneficial as it increases the chances that your baby's head is in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin away from their chest). Many parents believe that the pillow-like insert that comes with certain carseats, or the rolled up receiving blanket or burpcloth suggested by friends to place on top of their child's face will shield the baby's brain during a crash. However, these extra padding pieces can actually make the chin-to-chest position worse, since they compress during a crash.
They are easy to use and are a great way to keep your baby happy while driving. They are typically pieces of fabric or foam that are inserted under the car seat to raise the seat's bottom. Some come with a cushion as well as a head-hugger that go under the child's head, whereas others have just the head-hugger.
Car seat inserts for newborns can be removed once the baby is large enough to be able to live without them. The majority of manufacturers have a suggested weight or height. Always follow the instructions in the manual for your car seat for this information.
It is best to talk to an expert if you're uncertain about whether or not your baby is ready to stop using the infant car seat insert. A CPST can provide helpful advice to ensure you're using the car seat properly for your baby and that they are as secure as they can be. A consultation can be added to your registry to give your precious children peace of mind when you travel with your child in the back seat.