The Full Guide To Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car seat inserts for newborns are included in the majority of infant and convertible car seats to help baby fit better and be more comfortable in the car. Inserts can be removed once 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 baby to be squeezed or straps that aren't at the right height.
Helps to increase your baby's sitting posture
A car seat insert for infants lets your baby to sit higher in the car seat. This insert assists in securing the harness straps and stops sliding, which could put your baby at risk of injury if there is an accident. This padding supports your child's head and reduces the distance between the bottom of the seat and the lowest strap slots. It ensures that they are safe in a car that is rear-facing and that their head isn't too close to the crotch (which can restrict the airflow).
If you have a convertible car seat, you can take out the infant insert once your child reaches a certain weight or height limit. This is typically around five to six months of age. Go through the manual to determine whether there are any specific 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.
Some car seat head inserts - and even some that come with the infant seats - could actually push your child's head forward, which could impede their airway and potentially put their safety at risk. Therefore, make sure you always refer to the car seat manual and the manufacturer's website for guidelines on when and how to use these types of head supports.
Only use the insert that came with your child's car seat. Never use a makeshift solution, such as an old burp cloth or rolled up blankets on top of their heads. Each car seat and its components are thoroughly tested to function as a system and any other insert could disrupt the process and compromise your child's safety.
Remember, the most secure method to ensure that your baby is snugly seated in their car seat is using the "pinch test" and you must not squeeze any slack between you finger and the harness at their shoulder. If you are unsure, contact the Child Passenger Security Technician or the customer service number of the 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 crucial because the muscle developments that allow infants to hold their heads up on their own haven't yet been achieved. Car seat inserts for newborns raise the neck of your baby so that it is able to reach the shoulder strap with the lowest slots and prevent their head from slouching forward (which could block airways).
Some infant seats have inserts for newborns. Other companies also sell head supports specifically designed for use in car seats. However, before you add any kind of padding to your baby's car seat, consult the manufacturer's instructions for more specific instructions about how to safely use the newborn insert or head support in your specific infant seat.
Infant inserts and head support that come with most car seats are designed to provide additional padding for newborns and tiny babies. They can be two separate items that provide greater flexibility in adjustment, or one unit that is more compact to support.
If you decide to use an infant head support or insert, bear in mind that your child will likely outgrow it before they reach the maximum weight and size for their car seat. Do not use burp or blanket cloths as car seat inserts for infants because they could 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 pillow-like head inserts included in some infant seats or sold separately will aid their baby to remain safe in a crash, by aiding in preventing a chin-to-chest position. However, this is not the case. In fact research has revealed that using an infant insert or head support can actually cause your baby's head to sag forward, putting them in a vulnerable position. A soft object, like an unrolled receiving blanket or burp cloth could also void the warranty of your infant car seat.
Keeps the baby's head in a natural posture
If you've ever held a newborn you'll know that they need extra head support to keep their heads up. Car seats for infants are fitted with a padded insert designed for newborns that keeps your baby in a safe, upright position. Newborn inserts are similar to miniature pillows that fit inside the seat and provide a comfortable cushion for your child. This is crucial, particularly when you travel for long distances. It can help your baby sleep and remain awake during the journey.
The insert for newborns will ensure that your baby's head is positioned in a healthy, natural way. This is especially important in rear-facing car seats, as the baby's head being allowed to lean forward can restrict their airways. The insert raises the child's body, allowing them reach the lowest set shoulder strap slots. It also pushes the head back to lessen the risk of choking. It's worth mentioning that you must always refer to the manual of your car seat for specific instructions on how to remove the newborn insert and when to remove it, as it may stipulate an age or weight limit.
As your baby grows older they'll naturally outgrow their infant car seat insert. As your baby grows, they'll naturally outgrow the infant car seat insert.
It is important to check the harness after removing the infant insert from the car of your baby. You can check this by performing the pinch test, in which you put your finger in the space between the strap on your shoulder and the chest of your baby. If the gap is big or there's plenty of slack, you need to put the infant insert back in.
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 to the newborn insert provided by the manufacturer of your car seat. They are specifically designed to fit your baby's car seat, and will ensure their safety during travel.
Keep your baby comfortable
The newborn insert is an accessory for car seats designed to keep babies comfy and secure in their infant seats. www.pushchairsandprams.uk 's an extra layer of padding that raises your child so that the harness straps are at their shoulders or below (if they're in a rear facing car seat). Without an insert, your baby might not sit high enough to allow their harness be adjusted correctly.
A newborn insert is also a good idea because it increases the chances that your baby's head will remain in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin away from their chest). Many parents believe that the pillow-like inserts that come with certain carseats or the rolled up receiving blanket or burpcloth suggested by friends to place on top of their child's face will protect the brain of their child in the event of a crash. These additional padding pieces, however, could actually make the chin to chest positioning more difficult as they expand in a crash.
They're easy to use and a great option to keep your baby at ease while driving. They are typically pieces of foam or fabric that are placed under the car seat in order to raise the seat's bottom. Some come with a cushion and a head-hugger that go under the child's head, whereas others just have an head-hugger.
Car seat newborn inserts can be removed when the baby is old enough to fit without them, and most manufacturers have a weight or height recommendation for this. This information can be found in the car seat manual.
It's best to consult an expert if unsure whether or not your baby is ready to stop using the infant car seat insert. A CPST can provide valuable guidance to ensure that you're using your baby's car seat correctly to ensure that they're as safe as possible. Adding a consultation to your registry is a simple way to give loved children peace of mind when you're driving with your child in the back seat!