How To Know The Right Car Seat Inserts For Newborns For You

Car Seat Inserts For Newborns Car seat inserts for newborns are included in the majority of convertible and infant car seats to help babies fit better and be more comfortable in the car. They can be removed after the child reaches a specified weight limit in the car seat manual. Use only the inserts included with your car seat. Anything else can be dangerous, causing your baby to be squished and for the harness straps not to be at the right height. Encourage your baby's sitting posture A car seat insert for newborns allows your tiny baby to sit higher up in the car seat. This insert assists in securing the harness straps and prevents sliding, which could expose your baby to the risk of injury if there is a crash. The padding helps lift your child's head and reduces the distance between their bottom and the bottom set of harness strap slots to ensure they're safe in the rear-facing car seat and that their head isn't too close to the strap around their crotch (which can restrict airflow). If you're using convertible car seats the insert for your newborn can be removed when your child has reached a certain weight or height limit. This is usually around 5-6 months old. Be sure to read the manual for guidance regarding this, and make sure your child's harness straps remain level with or below their shoulders – they might require adjustment after you have removed the infant insert. Certain headrests for car seats as well as some that come with the infant seats – could actually push your child's head forward, which could limit their airway and potentially put their safety in danger. So, be sure to always read the car seat manual and the site of the manufacturer for instructions on when and how to use these types of head supports. You should only use the insert that came with your child's car seat. Never create your own solutions, such as placing an unrolled blanket or a burp cloth on their head. Each car seat is tested to ensure that all components work. Any other insert could interfere with this testing and affect your child's security. The “pinch test” is the best way to make sure that your child is safely seated in the seat. You shouldn't be able to squeeze any loose slack in the shoulder between your fingers and the harness. If you have any doubts you should consult a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician or dial the customer service number for help. Helps support your baby's head and neck A newborn insert is a tiny cushion that is designed to your baby's head and neck. This is because infants do not yet have the muscles that allow them to raise their heads on their own. Newborn car seat inserts raise your baby's head to ensure they can reach the smallest set of shoulder strap slots, and also help keep their head from slumping forward (which could block their airways). Some infant seats come with newborn inserts, and other companies offer head support products that are intended for use in car seats. Before you add any padding to your child's car seats, check the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure you are using the newborn insert or head support safely. The infant inserts and head supports that come with the majority of car seats are designed to provide additional padding needed by newborns and smaller babies. They can be two separate items that offer more flexibility in adjustment, or a single piece that's more compact for support. If you choose to use an infant head support or insert, keep in mind that your child is likely to outgrow it before they reach the weight and size that is appropriate for their car seat. Never use blankets or cloth burps to make an insert for car seats for infants. They can interfere with the proper positioning for the infant's neck or head and could cause injury in a crash. Many parents are misled into thinking that the pillow-like head supports included in some infant seats or sold separately will aid their baby to remain safe in a crash by aiding in preventing a chin-to-chest position. But this isn't the case; in fact, research has shown that the addition of an infant insert or head support could actually cause your baby's head to slide forward into a compromising position. In addition using a soft item such as a rolled receiving blanket or a burp cloth in place of the infant car seat insert could potentially cause the infant seat to lose its warranty. Keeps your baby's head in a natural position If you've ever held a baby you're aware that they require additional head support to keep their tiny heads elevated. This is why infant car seats come with a cushioned newborn insert that can help your baby sit in a secure position. The inserts for newborns are miniature pillows that can be placed inside the seat to provide a comfortable seat for your baby. This is crucial, particularly when traveling for long distances. It can help your baby sleep and remain awake during the journey. The insert for newborns will ensure that your baby's head is set in a healthy, natural way. This is especially important in rear-facing car seats, as the child's head can lean forward can hinder their breathing. The insert raises the child up, allowing them to reach the bottom set of shoulder strap slots, and then pushes their head backwards to reduce the risk of choking or blocking their breathing. Always check the instruction manual for your car seat for instructions on how to remove the newborn insert. It will likely specify the weight limit or age 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. When you take the newborn insert out of the car seat for your baby It is essential to ensure whether the harness is snug enough to ensure safety. You can check this by performing a pinch test, where you insert your finger into the space between the strap for your shoulder and the chest of your baby. If there is a large gap or lots of slack in the strap, you need to replace the newborn insert. There are many different car seat inserts for your baby. However, it's recommended to choose the one supplied by the manufacturer of your car seat. This is because they're designed specifically for your baby's car seat and are most effective at keeping them secure during travel. Helps keep your baby comfy The newborn insert is an accessory for car seats that is designed to keep babies comfy and safe in their infant seats. It's an extra layer of padding that raises your baby's height so that the harness straps are located at or below their shoulders (if they're in a rear-facing car seat). Your baby might not be able to sit tall enough so that their harness can be adjusted correctly without the insert. A newborn headrest is beneficial as it makes it more likely that your baby's head will remain in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin away from their chests). Many parents believe that the pillow-like insert included with certain car seats or the rolled-up receiving blanket or burpcloth that friends suggest 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 extra padding pieces could actually make the chin-to chest positioning worse, since they compress in the event of a crash. They're simple to use and a great way to keep your baby at ease while driving. They're typically a piece of cloth or foam that is placed underneath the car seat to raise up the bottom of the seat. Some come with a cushion and a head-hugger that go under the child, while others have just an head-hugger. Inserts for newborn car seats can be removed when the baby is old enough to fit without them, and many manufacturers have an appropriate weight or height requirement for this. infant car seats on sale should always follow the instructions in the manual for your car seat for this information. It is recommended to speak with a professional if you are unsure whether or not your baby is ready to quit using the car seat insert for newborns. A CPST can give you useful advice to make sure your baby is safe in their car seat. A consultation added to your registry is an easy way to give loved ones the gift of peace of mind when you're driving with your baby in the back seat!