Car Seat Inserts For Newborns

Car seat inserts for infants are included with most convertible and infant car seats to help babies fit better and be more comfortable in the car. They can be removed when the child has reached a certain weight limit in the manual for the car seat.

Only use the inserts that come in your car seat. Anything else could be unsafe, causing your baby to get squished and the harness straps not to be at the correct height.

Boosts your baby's sitting position

A car seat insert designed for babies allows your newborn to sit higher up in the seat. This insert aids in securing the harness straps, and prevents sliding, which could put your baby at risk of injury if there is an accident. The padding raises your child and decreases the distance between the bottom of the seat and the lowest harness strap slot. It makes sure that they are secure in a car that is rear-facing and that their head isn't too close to the crotch (which could restrict airflow).

If you're using a convertible car seat the infant insert can be removed when your child has reached a certain weight or height limit. This is typically around 5-6 months old. Be sure to check the manual for guidance on this, and make sure that the harness straps of your child are not sagging below their shoulders. They might need to be adjusted after you remove the infant insert.

Certain head supports, such as those used in infant seats, could make the child's head tilt backwards. This can limit their airway and put their safety in danger. Therefore, make sure you always check the manual for your car seat as well as the manufacturer's website for guidelines on when and how to use these types of head supports.

It is best to use the insert included with the car seat of your child; never create makeshift solutions, such as placing the blanket in a roll or a burp cloth over their head. Each car seat and its components are rigorously tested to ensure that they function as a unit and any other insert could hinder this process and threaten your child's safety.

The most secure way to ensure that your baby is snugly seated in their seat is by applying the "pinch test" You should not be able to squeeze any slack between you finger and the harness on their shoulder. If you aren't sure, contact a Child Passenger Security Technician or the customer service number of the car seat manufacturer.

It supports your baby's head and neck

The newborn insert is designed to help your baby's neck and head. This is due to the fact that infants do not yet have the muscles that allow them to raise their heads on their own. Car seat inserts for newborns raise your baby's head to ensure they can reach the lowest set of shoulder strap slots, and also help keep their head from sliding forward facing infant car seat (which could block their airways).

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

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

If you decide to use an infant head support or insert, keep in mind that your child will outgrow it before reaching the maximum weight and size for their car seat. Never use blankets or cloth burps to make an insert for car seats for newborns. They could interfere with the proper positioning for the infant's neck and head which could result in injuries in the event of a crash.

Many parents mistakenly believe that the head support pillows that are included in some infant seats or sold separately can help their newborn to stay secure in a crash by helping to prevent 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 slump forward into a compromising position. Additionally using a soft item such as a rolled receiving blanket or a burp cloth in place of the newborn car seat insert could potentially void your infant seat's warranty.

Keeps the head of your baby in a natural position

If you've ever held a baby you'll know that they need extra head support to keep their little heads elevated. Infant car seats are equipped with a cushioned insert for newborns to keep your child in a safe upright position. Inserts for newborns are like miniature pillows that fit inside the seat and provide a comfy cushion for your child. This is crucial, particularly when traveling for long distances. They will help your baby sleep and remain awake throughout the journey.

The insert for newborns will ensure that your baby's head is set in a natural, healthy way. This is especially important in rear-facing vehicles, where the infant's head can become obstructed if it slumps forward. The insert raises the child's head, allowing them reach the lowest set shoulder strap slots. It also pulls the head back, reducing the risk of choking. It's important to note that you should always check the manual of your car seat for specific instructions on when to take off the insert for your newborn, as it will likely provide an age limit or weight limit.

As your baby gets 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 crucial to test the harness before removing the infant insert from your baby's car. You can test this by pinch testing by placing your finger between the shoulder straps and your baby's chest. If the gap is big or there's a lot of slack, you should put the newborn insert back in.

Although there are different car seat accessories available on the market to use for your baby, it is best car seat to stick with the infant insert offered by your car seat's manufacturer. They are specifically designed to fit into your baby's car seat and will ensure that they are safe while traveling.

Keeps your baby snug

The newborn insert is an accessory for car seats designed to keep babies comfy and secure in their infant seats. It's an additional layer of padding that raises 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). Without an insert, your baby might not sit high enough for their harness to be adjusted correctly.

A newborn insert is also beneficial as it increases the likelihood that your baby's head will stay in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin away from their chests). Many new parents think that the pillow-like head piece that comes with some carseats, or the rolled receiving blanket or burp cloth that friends suggest they put alongside their child's head, will protect their child's head in an accident. These additional padding pieces however, could actually make the chin to chest position worse when they compress during an accident.

They are easy to use and are a great option to keep your baby happy while driving. They're usually a piece of cloth or foam that is inserted under the car seat to raise up the bottom of the seat. Some have a cushion and an ear-hugger that is placed under the child, while others have just a head-hugger.

The car seat inserts designed for infants can be removed when the baby is large enough to be able to live without them. Most manufacturers have a recommended weight or height. You should always adhere to the guidelines in your car seat manual for this information.

It's best to consult an expert if uncertain about whether or not your baby is ready to stop using the infant car seat insert. A CPST will provide you with valuable advice to ensure your baby is using their car seat in a safe manner. Include a consultation on your registry is a great way to give loved children peace of mind when you're driving with your baby in the back seat!