Blog entry by Penelope Postle
Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car seat inserts for infants are included with most infant and convertible car seats to help babies fit better and be more comfortable in the car. They can be removed when the child reaches a specified weight limit in the car seat manual.
Only use the inserts provided in your car seat. Anything else could be dangerous, causing your baby to get squished and the harness straps to not be at the right height.
Boost your baby's sitting posture
A car seat insert lets your newborn to sit higher in the seat. This insert aids in securing the harness straps, and prevents the slouching that can put your baby at risk of injury in the event that there's a crash. The padding raises your child up and shortens the distance between their bottom and the lowest set of harness strap slots making sure they're secured in the rear-facing car seat and that their head doesn't get too close to the straps that connect their crotches (which could restrict airflow).
If you're using a convertible car seat, the newborn insert can be removed when your child reaches a certain weight or height limit. This is usually around 5-6 months old. Read the manual to find out what instructions are included. Also, ensure that the harness straps of your child are at or just below their shoulders. They may need to be adjusted after removing the insert.
Certain head support devices, like those included in infant seats, could push the child's head backwards. This could limit their airway and put their safety in danger. Read the instructions in the car seat manual or on the site of the manufacturer to see when and how these head supports should be used.
Use only the insert that came with your child's car seat. Do not use a substitute solution, like a burp cloth or rolled-up blankets on top of their heads. Every car seat is tested to ensure that all components work together. Using any other insert could hinder this testing and compromise your child's safety.
The "pinch test" is the most effective way to make sure that your child is secure in the seat. You should not be able pinch any slack on the shoulder between your finger and harness. If you aren't sure, contact an expert in Child Passenger Security or the customer service number of the manufacturer of your car seat.
Helps support your baby's head and neck
A newborn insert is a cushion that is designed to your baby's head and neck. This is important because muscle development that allows infants to raise their heads on their own haven't yet been achieved. Newborn car seat inserts lift your baby's head so they can reach the lowest set of shoulder strap slots and they also help to prevent their head from sagging forward (which could restrict their airways).
Some infant seats come with inserts for babies Other companies also offer head supports specifically designed to be used in car seats. Before adding padding to your child's car seat, consult the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure you are using the newborn insert or head support in a safe manner.
The infant inserts and head supports included in the majority of car seats are designed to provide additional padding needed by infants and small babies. These can be two separate items that provide greater flexibility in adjustment or a single piece that's more streamlined for support.
If you decide to use an infant insert or head support, be aware that these are intended to be used only in a rear-facing orientation and that they'll outgrow them before your baby reaches the maximum weight and height permitted for their car seat. Don't use blankets or burps to make a car seat insert for newborns. They could interfere with the proper positioning for the infant's neck or head which could result in injuries in the event of a crash.
Many parents believe, untruly, that the pillow-like inserts in some infant seats as well as those sold separately will keep their child safe in case of an accident by preventing a chin to chest position. But this isn't the case. In fact research has revealed that the addition of an infant insert or headrest can actually cause your baby's head to slump forward, putting them in a vulnerable position. Additionally using a soft item like a rolled reception blanket or a burp cloth instead of the infant car seat insert could potentially cause the infant seat to lose its warranty.
Keeps your baby's head in its natural position
If you've ever held a baby you'll know that they need additional head support to keep their tiny heads elevated. Infant car seats are equipped with a padded insert designed for newborns to keep your child in a safe, upright position. The newborn inserts are mini pillows that fit inside the seat to provide a comfortable seat for your baby. 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 placed in a healthy, natural way. This is particularly important in rear-facing cars, where the baby's head could 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 to lessen the risk of getting choked. Always check the manual of your car seat for instructions on how to remove the newborn insert. It's likely to include an age or weight limit.
As your baby gets older they'll naturally outgrow the infant car seat insert. As your baby grows, they will naturally outgrow the infant car seat insert.
When you take the insert for newborns from the car seat for your baby, it is crucial to make sure that the harness is secure enough to be safe. You can test this by pinch testing using your finger between the shoulder straps and the chest of your baby. If there's a large gap or lots of looseness in the strap, it is recommended to replace the insert for your newborn.
While there are a few various car seat accessories on the market to use for your newborn however, it's recommended to stick to the infant insert supplied by your car seat's manufacturer. They are designed to fit your baby's car seat, and will ensure their safety during travel.
Keep your baby comfortable
The insert for newborns is an infant car seat accessory that ensures babies are comfortable and safe. It's an extra layer of padding that raises your child to ensure that harness straps can reach their shoulders or lower (if they're in a rear facing car seat). Without an insert, your child may not sit up Nania Easyfix High Back Booster Seat - France-made enough to allow their harness to be adjusted correctly.
A newborn insert can also be a good idea since it will make it more likely that your baby's chin to stay off their chest. Many new parents believe that the pillow-like head insert that comes with certain carseats or the rolled reception blanket or burp cloth friends suggest they put alongside their child's head, will shield the head of their child in a crash. These additional padding pieces however, can actually make the chin-to-chest positioning worse as they compress during an accident.
Car seat accessories for newborns are a great way to help keep your baby in a comfortable position during the drive and are easy to use as well. They are typically pieces of fabric or foam that are put under the car seat to raise the bottom of the seat. Some have a cushion and a head-hugger to go under the child, while others are just a head-hugger.
The car seat inserts for newborns can be removed once the baby is large enough to be able to live without them. Most manufacturers have a suggested weight or height. It is recommended to follow the instructions in your car seat's manual for this information.
It's best car seat for newborn to consult an expert if unsure whether or not your baby is ready to quit using the newborn car seat insert. A CPST can provide valuable guidance to ensure you're using the correct car seat for your baby to ensure that they're as secure as they can be. A consultation can be added to your registry to give your loved children peace of mind as you travel with your child in the back seat.