Car Seat Inserts For Newborns

Car seat inserts for infants are included in the majority of convertible and infant car seats to allow babies to get a better fit and feel more comfortable in the car. Inserts can be removed once the child is at the weight limit set in the manual of the car seat.

Only use the inserts that come with your car seat. Anything else could be unsafe, causing your child to be squished and for the harness straps not to be at the right height.

Increase your baby's sit-up posture

A car seat insert for newborns allows your tiny baby to sit up higher in the seat. This will help you secure the harness straps correctly and securely, and it also prevents sliding that could expose your child to the risk of injury in the event of an accident. This padding lifts your child up and shortens the distance between their bottom and the lowest set of harness strap slots, ensuring they're secure in the rear-facing car seat and that their head doesn't get too close to the crotch strap (which could restrict airflow).

If you're using a convertible car seat the insert for your newborn can be removed when your child hits a specific weight or height limit. This typically occurs between 5 and 6 months old. Be sure to check the manual for instructions on this, and make sure your child's harness straps remain level with or below their shoulders. They might need to be adjusted after you have removed the infant insert.

Some car seat head inserts - and even some that are included in the infant seats themselves - can actually cause your child's head to move forward, which could limit their airway and potentially put their safety at risk. So, ensure that you always read the manual for your car seat as well as the website of the manufacturer for guidelines on when and what to do with these types of head supports.

It is best to use the insert included with your child's car seat. Never create your own solutions, like placing a rolled up blanket or burp cloth behind their head. Every car seat is tested to ensure that all components work together. Any other insert could interfere with the testing process and could compromise your child's security.

The "pinch test" is the best car seat for newborn 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're not sure then contact a Child Passenger Security Technician or the customer service number of the manufacturer of your car seat.

Supports for your baby's neck and head

A newborn insert is a tiny cushion that is designed to your baby's head and neck. This is important because muscle developments that allow infants to raise their heads independently haven't yet occurred. Newborn car seat inserts lift your baby's head up so that they can get to the lowest set of shoulder strap slots, and they also help to keep their head from sliding forward (which could block their airways).

Some infant seats come with inserts for newborns. Other companies also sell head supports that are specifically designed to be used in car seats. However, before you add any type of padding to your baby's car seat consult the manufacturer's instructions for precise information about how to safely use the newborn insert or head support in your specific infant seat.

The infant inserts and head supports that are included in the majority of car seats are designed to provide extra padding needed for newborns and babies of smaller sizes. This can be a pair of separate pieces for greater flexibility or a single item with a more efficient support.

If you decide to use an infant insert or head support, keep in mind that these are only suitable for use in a rear-facing orientation and that they'll outgrow them before reaching the maximum weight and height that is allowed for their car seat. Never use blankets or burp cloths as car seat inserts to infants, as these can hinder the proper placement of the neck and head of the infant, putting them at risk for injuries in a crash.

Many parents believe, untruly that the pillow-like inserts found in certain infant seats and those sold separately will keep their infant safe in an accident by preventing a chin from a chest position. It's not the case. In fact, research suggests that the addition of an insert or head support to the infant's seat can cause the head to sag forward, placing it in an unsafe position. A soft object, like an unrolled receiving blanket or burp cloth, could also void the warranty of your infant car seat.

Keeps your baby's head in its natural position

If you've ever held a newborn, you know they need additional head support to keep their tiny heads up. 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 mini pillows that fit into the seat and provide a comfy cushion for your child. This is crucial when traveling for long distances because it makes it easier for your child to sleep and remain awake during the trip.

The insert for newborns also ensures that the neck of your baby is positioned in the most natural, healthy manner that is possible. This is particularly important in rear-facing vehicles, where the head of the infant car seats on sale can become blocked if it is sunk forward. The insert raises the child up, allowing them to reach the smallest set of shoulder strap slots and also pushes their head back to reduce the risk of choking or obstructing their breathing. Always check the instruction manual for your car seat for directions on how to remove the infant car seat swivel insert. It is likely to specify the weight limit or age limit.

As your child grows, the insert used for a newborn car seat will naturally become too small. They'll grow taller and develop the muscle strength needed to hold their heads without the help of a seat insert. This is when you should consider removing the padding from the seat.

When you take the insert for newborns from your baby's car seat it is vital to ensure that the harness is snug enough to ensure safety. You can check this by doing the pinch test, in which you place your finger in the gap between the shoulder strap and the chest of your baby. If the gap is wide or there's a lot of slack, you should put the infant insert back in.

There are numerous car seat inserts for your newborn. However, it is best to use the one provided by the manufacturer of your car seat. They're designed specifically for your baby's specific car seat and will be most effective in keeping them safe while traveling.

Keeps your baby snug

The insert for newborns is an infant car seat accessory that keeps babies secure and comfortable. It's an additional layer of padding that lifts your baby up a little to ensure that the harness straps are on or below their shoulders (if they're in the rear-facing car seat). Your baby may not be able to sit high enough so that their harness can be adjusted properly without the insert.

A newborn insert can also be a good idea since it will make it more likely that your baby's chin away from their chest. Many parents believe that the pillow-like insert included with certain carseats, or the receiving blanket that is rolled up or burpcloth to place on top of their child's face can protect the baby's brain in the event of an accident. These additional padding pieces, however, can actually make the chin-to-chest position worse when they compress during an accident.

They're easy to use and an excellent way to keep your baby happy while driving. They're usually a piece of fabric or foam that is inserted underneath the car seat to lift up the bottom part of the seat. Some include a head hugger and a cushion which both are placed under the child's head to lift them up while others are simply a head hugger on its own.

Car seat inserts for infants can be removed when the baby is big enough to be able to live without them. The majority of manufacturers have a recommended weight or height. This information is available in the car seat manual.

It is best infant seat to talk to a professional if you are uncertain whether your baby is at the point of removing the newborn car seat insert (discover this). A CPST will provide you with valuable advice to ensure your baby is using their car seat in a safe manner. A consultation can be added to your registry to give your beloved children peace of mind when you travel with your baby in the back seat.