Car Seat Inserts For Newborns

Car seat inserts for newborns are included in the majority of convertible and infant car seats to help baby get a better fit and feel more comfortable in the car. They can be removed once the child has reached a certain weight limit in the manual for 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 have harness straps that aren't at the appropriate level.

Encourage your baby's sitting posture

A car seat insert designed for babies allows your newborn to sit higher up in the car seat. This insert helps you secure the harness straps, and prevents slouching, which can expose your baby to the risk of injury if there is an accident. The padding raises your child and decreases the distance between the seat's bottom and the lowest strap slots. It ensures that they are secure 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 once your child reaches a certain weight or height limit; this typically occurs between 5 and 6 months old. Make sure you read the manual for guidance on this, and also make sure your child's harness straps remain level with or below their shoulders - they may need to be re-adjusted after removing the infant insert.

Certain headrests for car seats - and even some that are included in the infant seats themselves - could actually make your child's head move forward, which could limit their airway and potentially put their safety in danger. Review the directions in the manual of your car seat or on the manufacturer's site to see when and how these head supports should be used.

Make sure to use only the insert included with your child's seat. Never use a makeshift solution, such as an old burp cloth or rolled up blanket behind their head. Each car seat and its components are thoroughly tested to ensure that they function as a system and any other insert could disrupt this process and threaten your child's safety.

The "pinch test" is the best way to ensure that your child is securely seated in the seat. You should not be able to pinch any slack on the shoulder between your fingers and the harness. If you have any doubts you should consult a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician or dial your car seat manufacturer's customer service number for assistance.

Supports your baby's neck and head

A newborn insert is a cushion designed to your baby's head and neck. This is crucial because the muscles that allow infants to raise their heads independently haven't yet occurred. Car seat inserts for newborns raise your baby's head up so that they can reach the smallest set of shoulder strap slots and also help keep their head from sliding forward (which could restrict their airways).

Some portable infant car seat seats come with inserts for babies, and other companies offer head supports intended for use in car seats. Before adding padding to your child's car seats, review the directions of the manufacturer to ensure that you are using the infant insert or head support properly.

The infant inserts and head support that come with many car seats are designed to provide the additional padding needed by newborns and smaller babies. It could be a set of separate pieces for greater flexibility or a single item with a more efficient support.

If you choose to use an infant insert or head support, keep in mind that they are only suitable for use in a rear-facing position and that they'll outgrow them before they reach the maximum weight and height that is allowed for their car seat. Never use blankets or cloth burps to create a car seat insert for newborns. They can impede the proper position of the infant car seat travel's neck and head, which could lead to injuries in the event of the event of a crash.

Many parents believe, wrongly, that the pillow-like inserts in certain infant seats and those sold separately will keep their infant safe in an accident by preventing a chin from a chest position. 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 slump forward, putting them in a vulnerable position. Additionally using a soft item like a rolled reception blanket or a burp cloth in place of the infant car seat insert could void your infant seat's warranty.

Keeps your baby's head in a natural position

If you've ever held a baby you're aware that they require extra head support to keep their tiny heads up. This is why cheap infant car seats car seats are equipped with a padded newborn insert that allows your baby to sit in a secure position. Newborn inserts are similar to mini pillows that fit into the seat and provide a comfy cushion for your child. This is especially important when you travel long distances as it will make it easier for your baby to fall asleep and stay awake throughout the journey.

The newborn insert will also ensure that your baby's head is placed in a natural, healthy way. This is particularly important in rear-facing cars, as the head of the infant can become blocked if it is sunk forward. The insert raises the child to allow them to reach the lowest shoulder strap slots. It also pushes the head back, reducing the chance of getting choked. It's important to note that you should always consult the manual of your car seat for specific instructions on when to remove the insert for your newborn and when to remove it, as it may specify an age limit or weight limit.

As your child grows, the insert used for a newborn car seat will eventually become too small. As your baby grows, they'll naturally outgrow the newborn car seat insert.

When you take the newborn insert from the car seat for your baby it is vital that you check whether the harness is tight enough to be safe. You can check this by pinch testing using your finger between the straps 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.

While there are a few different car seat accessories on the market that you can apply to your newborn however, it's recommended to stick to the infant car seats best insert offered by the manufacturer of your car seat. They are specifically designed to fit into your baby's car seat, and will ensure that they are safe while traveling.

Make sure your baby is comfortable

The newborn insert is an infant car seat accessory that ensures babies are at ease and secure. It's an extra layer of padding that boosts your baby's height so that the harness straps are at or below their shoulders (if they're in a rear-facing car seat). Without an insert, your child may not sit up high enough for their harness to be adjusted properly.

A newborn headband can be a good idea, since it will make it more likely for your baby's chin to remain away from their chest. Many parents believe that the pillow-like insert that comes with certain car seats or the rolled up receiving blanket or burpcloth to place on top of their child's face will protect the baby's brain in the event of the event of a crash. These additional padding pieces however, can cause the chest to chin positioning more difficult as they expand during the event of a crash.

Newborn car seat accessories are an excellent way to keep your baby in a comfortable position while driving and they're simple to use as well. These are usually pieces of foam or fabric that are put under the car seat to raise the seat's bottom. Some have a cushion and an ear-hugger that is placed under the child's head, whereas others are just an head-hugger.

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

If you are still not sure whether or when your baby is ready to stop using a newborn car seat insert it is best to seek out an expert! A CPST can provide helpful advice to ensure that you are using your baby's car seat correctly and that they are as safe as is possible. A consultation can be added to your registry to give your loved children peace of mind when you travel with your baby in your back seat.