Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Most infant and convertible car seat inserts come with to help the baby fit better in the car and be more comfortable. The inserts can be removed once the child reaches the weight limit stated in the instruction manual for the car seat.
Only use the inserts that come in your car seat. Anything else is unsafe, causing your baby to be squeezed and the harness straps not to be at the right height.
It helps your baby’s sit position
A car seat insert for newborns allows your tiny baby to sit up higher in the car seat. This allows you to fasten the harness straps securely and correctly, and it also prevents the slouching that could put your infant car seat best at risk of injury in the event of collision. This padding supports your child and decreases the distance between the seat’s bottom and the lowest strap slot. It makes sure that they are secure in a rear-facing car and their head is not too close to the crotch (which could hinder airflow).
If you have a convertible seat you can remove the infant insert when your child reaches a certain weight or height limit. This usually occurs between five to six months of age. Check the manual to see what instructions are included. Also, make sure that the harness straps of your child are level or lower than their shoulders. They may have to be adjusted after you remove the insert.
Certain headrests for car seats or even those that are included in the infant seats themselves – could actually make your child’s head move forward, which could limit their airway and put their safety at risk. Read the instructions in the car seat manual or on the site of the manufacturer to see when and how these head supports should be used.
It is best car seats to use the insert that came with the car seat of your child; never create makeshift solutions, such as placing the blanket in a roll or burp cloth behind their head. Each car seat and its components are thoroughly tested to function as a unit and any other insert can disrupt this process and jeopardize your child’s safety.
The “pinch test” is the best car seat newborn uk method to ensure that your baby is securely seated in the seat. You shouldn’t be able to squeeze any slack at the shoulder between your finger and harness. If you’re not sure then contact the Child Passenger Security Technician or the customer service number of the car seat manufacturer.
Helps support your baby’s head and neck
A newborn insert is a small cushion that is designed to your baby’s head and neck. This is essential because muscles that allow infants to raise their heads on their own haven’t been achieved. Car seat inserts for newborns raise your baby’s head so they can reach the lowest set of shoulder strap slots and they also assist in prevent their head from sagging forward (which could hinder their airways).
Some infant seats include newborn inserts. Other companies offer head supports that are specifically 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 that you are using the newborn insert or head support safely.
The infant inserts and head supports included in many car seats are specifically designed to provide extra padding required by infants and small babies. It could be a set of separate items for more flexibility or a single unit with a more efficient support.
If you choose to use an infant head support or insert, keep in mind that your child will outgrow it before reaching the weight and size that is appropriate for their car seat. Never use blankets or burp cloths as makeshift car seat inserts for newborns as they can interfere with the proper positioning of the neck and head of the infant and put them at risk of injury during a crash.
Many parents are misled into thinking that the pillow-like head inserts that are included in some infant seats or sold separately can help their newborn to stay safe in a crash by aiding in preventing a chin-to-chest position. This is not the case; in fact, research has shown 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, such as 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 a natural position
If you’ve ever held a newborn you’ll know that they need additional head support to keep their little heads elevated. Car seats for infants are fitted with a padded insert designed 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 long distances, as it will make it easier for your child to fall asleep and remain awake throughout the trip.
The newborn insert will also ensure that the neck of your baby is positioned in the most natural, healthy manner that is possible. This is especially important in rear-facing car seats, where the child’s head can lean forward can restrict their airways. The insert raises the child to allow them to reach the lowest set shoulder strap slots. It also pushes the head back to lessen the chance of getting choked. It is recommended to always read the instruction manual for your car seat for directions on how to remove the infant insert. It’s likely to include an age or weight limit.
As your baby gets older they’ll naturally outgrow the newborn car seat insert. As your baby grows, they’ll naturally outgrow the infant car seat insert.
It is important to check the harness before removing the newborn insert from your baby’s car. You can check this by doing a pinch test. In this test, you place your finger in the space between the shoulder strap and the chest of your baby. If there is a significant gap or a lot of slack in the strap, it is recommended to replace the insert for your newborn.
Although there are various car seat accessories 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 made specifically for your baby’s car seat and are most effective at making sure they’re safe during travel.
Keep your baby comfortable
The newborn insert is an accessory for car seats that is designed to keep babies comfortable and secure in their infant seats. It’s a layer of padding that lifts your baby up a little so that the harness straps are located at or below their shoulders (if they’re in a rear-facing car seat). Your child may not be able to sit tall enough so that their harness can be adjusted appropriately without an insert.
A newborn headrest is beneficial as it increases the chances that your baby’s head is in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin off their chest). Many parents believe that the pillow-like insert included with certain carseats or the rolled-up receiving blanket or burpcloth to place on top of their child’s face can protect the baby’s brain in the event of the event of a crash. However, these additional padding pieces could actually make the chin-to-chest positioning worse, as they compress in the event of a crash.
They’re easy to use and are a great option to keep your baby at ease while driving. They’re typically a piece of foam or cloth that is inserted underneath the car seat to raise up the bottom part of the seat. Some include a head hugger and a cushion that both sit under the child to raise them up, while others are merely a head hugger on its own.
The car seat inserts designed for infants can be removed when the baby is large enough to fit without them. The majority of manufacturers will have a weight or height. It is recommended to adhere to the guidelines in your car seat manual for this information.
It is recommended to speak with an expert if unsure whether or not your baby is ready to quit using the infant car seat insert. A CPST will provide you with useful advice to make sure your baby is safe in their car seat. A consultation can be added to your registry to give your beloved children peace of mind when you drive with your baby in your back seat.