5 Car Seat Inserts For Newborns Tips From The Professionals
infant car seat in front seat For Newborns Most infant and convertible car seat inserts are included to help the child fit better in the car and to be more comfortable. Inserts can be removed once the child reaches the weight limit stated in the manual of the car seat. Always use the inserts that come with your car seat. Anything else is risky and could cause your baby to get squeezed or straps that aren't at right level. Encourage your baby's sitting posture A car seat insert for babies allows your newborn to sit up higher in the seat. This will help you secure the harness straps properly and securely and also stops sliding that could put your infant at risk of injury in the event of collision. 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 crotch strap (which can hinder airflow). If you're using convertible car seats the infant insert can be removed when your child reaches a certain weight or height limit; this is usually around 5-6 months old. Check the manual to see what instructions are included. Also, make sure that the harness straps of your child are at or just below their shoulders. They may need to be adjusted after you remove the insert. Some head inserts, including those used in infant seats, may make the child's head tilt forward. This could impede their airway and put their safety in danger. Check the instructions in the car seat manual or on the manufacturer's site to find out the best time and method for using these head supports are to be used. Use only the insert that came with your child's seat. Do not use a flimsier solution, such as a burp cloth or rolled-up blankets on top of their heads. Each car seat and its components are rigorously tested to work together as a whole and using any other insert can disrupt the process and compromise your child's safety. The most secure way to ensure your baby is comfortable in their seat is by using the “pinch test” and you should not be able to squeeze any slack between you finger and the harness at their shoulder. If you are unsure you are not sure, call an expert in Child Passenger Security or the customer service number of the manufacturer of your car seat. Helps support your baby's neck and head A newborn insert is a small cushion designed to help support your baby's head and neck. This is essential because muscle developments that allow infants to stand up on their own haven't yet been achieved. Newborn car seat inserts raise your baby's neck so that it is able to reach the shoulder strap with the lowest slots and also keep their head from slouching forward (which could hinder airways). Some infant seats include newborn inserts. Other companies offer head supports that are specifically designed to be used in car seat. Before you add any padding to your child's car seat, check the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure you are using the newborn insert or the head support in a safe manner. The infant inserts and head supports that are included in many car seats are designed to provide extra padding required by newborns and smaller babies. It could be a set of separate items to provide more flexibility or a single item with a more efficient support. If you decide to utilize an infant insert or head support, keep in mind that they are intended to be used only in rear-facing mode and that they'll outgrow them before your baby reaches the maximum weight and height permitted for their car seat. Do not use burp or blanket cloths as makeshift car seat inserts to infants, as these can hinder the proper placement of the neck and head of the infant which could put them at risk for injury during a crash. Many parents believe, wrongly that the pillow-like inserts found in some infant seats as well as those sold separately will keep their child safe in an accident by preventing a chin to chest position. But this isn't the case; in fact research has revealed that using an infant insert or head support can actually cause your baby's head to sag forward in a dangerous position. In addition, using a soft object like a rolled receiving blanket or a burp cloth in place of the newborn car seat insert could potentially cause the infant seat to lose its warranty. Keeps the baby's head in its natural position If you have ever held a baby, you will be aware that they require extra support to keep their heads straight. This is why infant car seats come with a padded infant insert that allows your baby to sit in a safe position. The newborn inserts are mini pillows that can be placed inside the seat to provide a comfortable seat for your baby. This is essential, especially when you travel for long distances. It will help your baby sleep and remain awake throughout the journey. The newborn insert will also ensure that your baby's head is placed in a natural and healthy way. This is especially important for rear-facing vehicles, where the infant's head can become blocked if it is sunk forward. The insert raises the child's body and allows them to reach the shoulder strap slots. It also pulls the head back, reducing the chance of getting choked. It is recommended to always read the manual of your car seat for directions on how to remove the infant insert. It's likely to include the weight limit or age limit. As your baby gets older they'll naturally outgrow their newborn car seat insert. They'll grow taller and build the muscle strength needed to hold their heads without the assistance of a seat insert. This is when you should consider eliminating the padding from their seat. When you take the newborn insert from the car seat for your baby, it is crucial to make sure that the harness is secure enough to be safe. You can do this by doing a pinch test. In this test, you insert your finger into the gap between the strap on your shoulder and the chest of your baby. If there's a large gap or lots of slack in the strap, it is recommended to replace the newborn insert. While there are a few different car seat accessories on the market that you can use for your newborn, it is recommended to stick with the newborn insert provided by your car seat's manufacturer. They are designed to fit your baby's car seat, and will ensure that they are safe while traveling. Keep your baby comfortable The insert for newborns is an infant car seat accessory that helps keep babies comfortable and safe. It's an additional layer of padding that boosts your baby's height to ensure that the harness straps are located at or below their shoulders (if they're in a rear-facing car seat). Without an insert, your child may not sit up high enough to allow their harness to be adjusted properly. A newborn headband can be a good idea as it will make it more likely that your baby's chin off their chest. Many parents believe that the pillow-like insert that comes with certain carseats, or the rolled-up receiving blanket or burpcloth that friends suggest to put on their child's face will protect the baby's brain in the event of the event of a crash. These additional padding pieces, however, can actually make the chin to chest positioning more difficult as they expand in a crash. They're simple to use and an excellent way to keep your baby at ease while driving. These are usually pieces of fabric or foam that are placed under the car seat to raise the bottom of the seat. Some include a head-hugger and a cushion that both sit under the child to lift them up, while others are merely head huggers on their own. Inserts for infant car seats can be removed once the infant is old enough to fit without them, and most manufacturers have a weight or height recommendation for this. You should always follow the directions in your car seat manual for this information. It's best to consult a professional if you are uncertain whether your baby is at the point of removing the infant car seat insert. A CPST will provide you with useful advice to make sure your baby is using their car seat safely. A consultation can be added to your registry to give your precious children peace of mind when you travel with your child in the back seat.