5 Car Seat Inserts For Newborns Instructions From The Professionals
Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
The majority of infant and convertible car seat inserts are included to help the baby sit better in the car and feel more comfortable. They can be removed once the child reaches a specified weight limit in the car seat manual.
Always use the inserts included with your car seat--anything else is unsafe and can cause your baby to get squeezed or straps that aren't at the proper level.
Boosts your baby's sitting position
A car seat insert permits your infant to sit up higher in the seat. This insert aids in securing the harness straps and stops the slouching that can expose your baby to the risk of injury if there's an accident. The padding raises your child's head and reduces the distance between the seat's bottom 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 could hinder airflow).
If you're using convertible car seats the insert for your newborn can be removed once your child hits a specific weight or height limit; this is usually around 5-6 months old. Be sure to read the manual for guidelines on this, and make sure that the harness straps of your child remain level with or below their shoulders - they might need to be adjusted after you have removed the infant insert.
Certain head supports, such as those included in infant seats, can actually push the child's head backwards. This could impede their airway and put their safety at risk. Therefore, make sure you always read the manual for your car seat as well as the manufacturer's website for guidelines on when and what to do with these types of head supports.
Only use the insert that came with your child's seat. Do not use a substitute solution, such as burp cloths or a rolled-up blankets on top of their heads. Every car seat is tested to ensure that all components work together. Any other insert could hinder this testing and compromise your child's safety.
The most secure way to ensure that your child is comfortable in their car seat is using the "pinch test" You should not be able to squeeze any slack between your finger and the harness on their shoulder. If you are unsure you are not sure, call 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 cushion designed to support your baby's head as well as neck. This is important because muscle developments that allow infants to stand up on their own haven't been achieved. Newborn car seat inserts raise your baby's head to ensure that they can reach the lowest set of shoulder strap slots, and they also assist in keep their head from slumping forward (which could hinder their airways).
Some infant seats have inserts for newborns. Other companies also sell head supports specifically designed for use in car seats. Before adding any padding to your child's car seat consult the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure you are using the infant insert or head support in a safe manner.
Infant inserts and head support that come with most car seats are designed to provide additional padding for infants and small babies. It could be a set of separate items to provide more flexibility or a single item with a more streamlined support.
If you decide to utilize an infant insert or head support, keep in mind that these are only suitable for use in rear-facing mode and that they'll outgrow them before reaching the maximum weight and height allowed for their car seat. Don't use blankets or burps to create an insert for your car seat for babies. They can interfere with the proper positioning for the infant's neck or head which could result in injuries in a crash.
Many parents believe, wrongly, that the pillow-like inserts found in some infant seats as well as those sold separately will keep their child safe in case of an accident by preventing a chin from a chest position. It's not the case. In fact, research shows that the addition of an insert or head support to your infant's car seat can cause the head to slump forward, placing it in an unsafe position. A soft object, such as an unrolled receiving blanket or burp cloth could also invalidate the warranty on your infant car seat.
Keeps your baby's head in its natural position
If you've ever held a newborn you're aware that they require extra head support to keep their little heads elevated. portable infant car seat for infants come with a padded insert for newborns that helps keep your baby in a secure upright position. Newborn inserts are similar to miniature pillows that can be inserted into the seat and provide a comfy cushion for your child. This is particularly important when you travel long distances as it will make it easier for your baby to fall asleep and remain awake throughout the journey.
The newborn insert will ensure that your baby's neck is placed in the most natural, healthy way possible. This is especially important in rear-facing cars, as the head of the infant can become blocked if it is sunk forward. The insert lifts the child up and allows them to reach the smallest set of shoulder strap slots and then pushes their head back and reduces the chance of choking or blocking their breathing. It is recommended to always read your car seat's instruction manual for instructions on how to remove the newborn insert. It will likely specify an age or weight limit.
As your child grows, the insert for a newborn car seat will eventually become too small. As your baby grows, they'll naturally outgrow the infant car seat insert.
It is essential to examine the harness when you remove the newborn insert from your baby's car. You can check this by using a pinch test using your finger between the straps and your baby's chest. If there is a significant gap or lots of looseness in the strap, it is recommended to replace the newborn insert.
Although there are various car seat accessories on the market that you could use for your baby however, it's recommended to stick with the infant insert supplied by the manufacturer of your car seat. They are specifically designed to fit in your baby's car seat and will keep them safe during travel.
Keeps your baby comfortable
The newborn insert is a car seat accessory that is designed to keep babies cozy and safe in their infant seats. It's a layer of padding that lifts your baby's height to ensure that the harness straps are at or below their shoulders (if they're in the rear-facing car seat). Without an insert, your child may not be sitting high enough to allow their harness to be adjusted correctly.
A newborn insert is also a good idea because it increases the likelihood that your baby's head will remain in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin off their chests). Many new parents believe that the pillow-like head piece that comes with certain carseats, or the rolled receiving blanket or burp cloth that friends suggest they put alongside their child's head, will protect their baby's head during the event of a crash. However, these additional padding pieces can actually make the chin-to-chest position more difficult, as they expand during a crash.
They are easy to use and are a great method to keep your child happy while driving. They are typically pieces of foam or fabric that are inserted under the car seat in order to raise the bottom of the seat. Some include a head-hugger and a cushion which both sit under the child to lift them up while others are just head huggers on their own.
Inserts for newborn car seats can be removed once the infant is old enough to be able to fit without them, and most manufacturers have the weight or height guidelines for this. Always adhere to the guidelines in your car seat's manual for this information.
If you are still not sure when your baby is ready to quit using a newborn car seat insert it is best to speak with an expert! A CPST can give you helpful advice to ensure that your baby is safe in their car seat. Adding a consultation to your registry is a simple way to give loved ones the gift of peace of mind when you're driving with your baby in the back seat!