Car Seat Inserts For Newborns

Most infant and convertible car seat inserts are provided to help the baby sit better in the car and to be more comfortable. They can be removed when the child has reached a certain weight limit in the car seat manual.

Always make sure you use the inserts that come with your car seat--anything else is risky and could cause your child to be squeezed or have harness straps that aren't the appropriate level.

Boosts your baby's sitting position

A car seat insert designed for newborns allows your tiny baby to sit up higher in the car seat. This insert assists in securing the harness straps and stops sliding, which could expose your baby to the risk of injury if there is an accident. The padding helps lift your child up and shortens the distance between their lower and the lowest set of straps for harness to ensure they're safe in the car seat that faces rearwards and that their head doesn't get too close to the crotch strap (which can hinder airflow).

If you're using a convertible car seat the insert for your newborn can be removed once your child reaches a certain weight or height limit. This is usually around 5-6 months old. Be sure to read the manual for instructions regarding this, and make sure your child's harness straps are not sagging below their shoulders - they might require adjustment after you have removed the infant car seats that swivel insert.

Some head inserts, including those that come with infant car seats best seats, could make the child's head tilt backwards. This could impede their airway and put their safety at risk. So, be sure to always check the manual for your car seat as well as the website of the manufacturer for guidelines on when and how to use these kinds of head supports.

Use only the insert that came with your child's car seat. Do not use a flimsier solution, such as an old burp cloth or rolled up blanket on top of their head. Each car seat is tested to make sure that all components function. Any other insert could interfere with the testing process and could compromise your child's security.

The most secure way to ensure your baby is secure in their car seat is using the "pinch test": you must not pinch any slack between your finger and the harness at their shoulder. If you have any doubts you should consult a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician or call your car seat manufacturer's customer service number for help.

Supports for your baby's neck and head

A newborn insert is a small cushion designed to support your baby's head and neck. This is because infants have not yet developed the muscles that allow them to lift their heads on their own. Car seat inserts for newborns raise your baby's head to ensure they can reach the smallest set of shoulder strap slots, and they also assist in keep their head from sliding forward (which could hinder their airways).

Some infant seats come with newborn inserts. Other companies offer head supports designed for use in car seat. However, before you add any padding to your baby's car seats, consult the manufacturer's instructions for specific information about how to safely use the newborn insert or head support for your specific infant seat.

Infant inserts and head supports that come with most car seats are designed to provide extra padding for newborns and small babies. These can be two separate products that allow for greater flexibility in adjustment, or a single piece that's more streamlined for support.

If you decide to use a head support for your infant or insert, keep in mind that your child will outgrow it before reaching the weight and size that is appropriate for their car seat. Never use blankets or burp cloths as substitute car seat inserts to infants, as these can interfere with the proper positioning of the infant's neck and head which could put them at risk of injuries in a crash.

Many parents are misled into thinking that the pillow-like head supports that are included in some infant seats or sold separately will help their baby to remain secure in a crash by aiding in preventing a chin-to-chest position. This isn't the case. In fact, research shows that adding an insert or head support to your infant's car seat could cause the head to slump forward, putting it in a dangerous 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 end the warranty of your infant's seat.

Keeps the baby's head in a natural position

If you've ever held a baby, you know they need extra head support to keep their tiny heads up. Infant car seats are equipped with a padded insert 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 crucial when you travel long distances because it makes it easier for your child to fall asleep and remain awake during the trip.

The insert for babies will ensure that your baby's head is placed in a natural, healthy way. This is especially important in rear-facing car seats where the baby's head being allowed to slide forward could block their airways. The insert raises the child's head to allow them to reach the lowest shoulder strap slots. It also pushes the head back to lessen the risk of being choked. It is recommended to always read the instruction manual for your car seat for instructions on how to remove the newborn insert. It will likely specify a weight or age limit.

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

It is important to check the harness before removing the newborn insert from the car of your baby. You can test this by pinch testing, which involves placing your finger between the shoulder straps and the chest of your baby. If the gap is large or there's lots of slack you should put the newborn insert back into.

There are a variety of car seat inserts on the market for your newborn. However, it's recommended to choose the one provided by the manufacturer of your car seat. They are specifically designed to fit into your baby's car seat and will keep them safe during travel.

Keeps your baby snug

The newborn insert is a car seat accessory that is designed to keep babies cozy and secure in their infant seats. It's an extra layer of padding that elevates your baby to ensure that the harness straps are at their shoulders or lower (if they're in a rear facing infant car seat-facing car seat). Without an insert, your child may not sit up high enough to allow their harness to be adjusted correctly.

A newborn insert is also a good idea because it makes it more likely that your baby's head will stay in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin off their chest). Many new parents think that the pillow-like head piece included in some car seats or the rolled reception blanket or burp cloth that parents are advised to put on their child's head, will protect their baby's head during the event of a crash. These additional padding pieces, however, could actually cause the chest to chin position worse when they compress during a crash.

They are easy to use and an excellent option to keep your baby at ease while driving. These are usually pieces of fabric or foam that are placed under the car seat in order to raise the bottom of the seat. Some include a head-hugger and a cushion that are placed under the child's head to lift them up while others are simply a head hugger on its own.

The car seat inserts designed for newborns can be removed once the baby is big enough to fit without them. Most manufacturers have a recommended weight or height. Always follow the instructions in your car seat's manual for this information.

If you're not sure whether or when your baby is ready to quit using a newborn car seat insert, it's always best to consult an expert! A CPST can provide you with valuable advice to ensure your baby is safe in their car seat. A consultation can be added to your registry to give your beloved ones peace of mind while you drive with your baby in your back seat.