Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
The majority of infant and convertible car seat inserts are included to help the baby fit better in the car and to be more comfortable. The inserts can be removed when the child reaches the weight limit specified in the manual of the car seat.
Always use the inserts that come with your car seat--anything else is unsafe and can cause your baby to be squeezed or straps that aren't the proper height.
Increase your baby's sit-up posture
A car seat insert permits your newborn to sit up higher in the seat. This will help you secure the harness straps properly and securely and prevents slouching that can put your baby at risk of injury in the event of collision. This padding lifts your child's head and reduces the distance between their bottom and the bottom set of harness strap slots, ensuring they're secure in the rear-facing car seat and that their head isn't too close to the crotch strap (which can hinder airflow).
If you have a convertible car seat, you can remove the newborn insert once your child has reached an appropriate weight or height limit. This usually occurs between five to six months of age. Be sure to check the manual for instructions on this, and also make sure your child's harness straps remain level with or below their shoulders - they might need to be adjusted after removing the infant insert.
Some car seat head inserts or even those that are included with infant seats themselves - can actually make your child's head move forward, which could impede their airway and potentially put their safety at risk. Check the instructions in the car seat manual or on the site of the manufacturer to see the best time and method for using these head supports should be used.
Only use best car seats for newborns www.pushchairsandprams.uk included 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. Each car seat and its components are rigorously tested to function as a system, and using any other insert can hinder this process and jeopardize your child's safety.
The "pinch test" is the best way to ensure that your baby is secure in the seat. You should not be able to pinch any slack at the shoulder between your fingers and the harness. If you are unsure you should consult a certified Child Safety Technician for Passenger Safety or call your car seat manufacturer's customer service number for help.
Supports your baby's head and neck
A newborn insert is designed to support your baby's neck and head. This is due to the fact that infants have not yet developed the muscles that allow them to raise their heads on their own. Car seat inserts for newborns raise your baby's neck in order that it can fit into the shoulder strap with the lowest slots and prevent their head from slouching forward (which could hinder airways).
Some infant seats include inserts for babies. Other companies also sell head supports specifically designed for use in car seats. Before adding padding to your child's car seat consult the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure that you are using the newborn insert or the head support in a safe manner.
Infant inserts and head support included in most car seats are designed to provide additional padding for newborns and tiny babies. They can be two separate products that allow for greater adjustability or a single unit that's more compact for support.
If you decide to utilize an infant insert or head support, keep in mind that these should only be used in a rear-facing position and that they'll outgrow them before they reach the maximum weight and height permitted for their car seat. Don't use burp cloths as makeshift car seat inserts for infants because they could interfere with the proper positioning of the infant's head and neck, putting them at risk for injury during an accident.
Many parents believe, wrongly, that the pillow-like inserts in some infant seats and those sold separately will keep their child secure in the event of an accident by preventing a chin from a chest position. It's not the case. Research suggests that the addition of an insert or head support to the infant's seat can cause the head to slump forward, placing it in a dangerous position. A soft object, such as a rolled up 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 baby you're aware that they require additional head support to keep their tiny heads elevated. Car seats for infants are fitted with a cushioned insert for newborns to keep your child in a secure upright position. Newborn inserts are similar to miniature pillows that fit inside the seat and provide a comfy cushion for your child. This is essential, especially when you travel for long distances. They will help your baby sleep and stay awake throughout the journey.
The insert for babies will ensure that your baby's head is positioned in a natural and healthy way. This is especially important for rear-facing car seats, where the baby's head being allowed to lean forward can block their airways. The insert lifts the child, allowing them to reach the lowest set of shoulder strap slots, and then pushes their head back to reduce the risk of choking or blocking their breathing. It is recommended to always read your car seat's instruction manual for directions on how to remove the newborn insert. It is likely to specify an age 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 will naturally outgrow the newborn car seat insert.
It is essential to examine the harness before removing the infant insert from your baby's car. You can check this by performing a pinch test by placing your finger between the shoulder straps and your baby's chest. If the gap is large or there's plenty of slack, you should put the newborn insert back in.
While there are a few different car seat accessories on the market to use for your baby, it is recommended to stick to the infant insert supplied by the manufacturer of your car seat. They're designed specifically for your baby's car seat and will be the most effective in keeping them safe while traveling.
Keeps your baby comfortable
The newborn insert is an accessory for car seats designed to keep babies comfortable and secure in their infant seats. It's an extra layer of padding that elevates your baby to ensure that the harness straps reach their shoulders or lower (if they're in a rear facing car seat). Without an insert, your child may not sit up high enough to allow their harness be adjusted correctly.
A newborn insert is beneficial as it increases the chances that your baby's head will stay in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin away from their chests). Many parents believe that the pillow-like inserts that come with certain car seats or the rolled up receiving blanket or burpcloth to place on top of their child's face will shield the brain of their child in an accident. However, these extra padding pieces can actually make the chin-to chest positioning worse, since they compress during a crash.
They are easy to use and are a great way to keep your baby at ease 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 that both sit under the child to lift them up while others are merely head huggers on their own.
Inserts for newborn car seats can be removed when the baby is old enough without them. Most manufacturers have an appropriate weight or height requirement for this. This information is available in the car seat manual.
If you're still uncertain about when your baby is ready to stop using a newborn car seat insert It is always advisable to seek out an expert! A CPST can offer valuable advice to ensure that you are using your baby's car seat correctly and that they are as safe as is possible. A consultation added to your registry is a simple way to give your loved ones peace of mind while driving with your baby in the back seat!