The Complete Guide To Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car Seat Inserts For Newborns
Car seat inserts designed for infants are included in the majority of convertible and infant car seats to help babies get a better fit and feel more comfortable in the car. They can be removed when the child is at a certain weight limit in the manual for the car seat.
Always use the inserts that come with your car seat--anything else is dangerous and could cause your child to be squeezed or straps that aren't at the appropriate level.
It helps your baby's sit position
A car seat insert designed for babies allows your newborn to sit higher in the car seat. This will help you secure the harness straps properly and securely, and it also prevents the slouching that could put your baby at risk of injury in the event of collision. The padding raises your child and reduces the distance between the seat's bottom and the lowest strap slot. It ensures that they are safe in a rear-facing car and their head is not too close to the crotch (which could hinder airflow).
If you're using a convertible car seat the infant insert can be removed once your child has reached a certain weight or height limit. This is typically around 5-6 months old. Be sure to check the manual for guidelines on this, and make sure your child's harness straps are not sagging below their shoulders - they may need to be re-adjusted after you have removed the infant insert.
Some head inserts, including those used in infant seats, can actually make the child's head tilt forward. This could impede their airway and put their safety at risk. Read the instructions in the car seat manual or on the website of the manufacturer to see the best time and method for using these head supports should be used.
Only use the insert that came with your child's seat. Never use a makeshift solution, such as a burp cloth or rolled-up blanket on top of their head. Every car seat and its components are rigorously tested to ensure that they function as a system and any other insert can disrupt this process and jeopardize your child's safety.
The "pinch test" is the best way to ensure that your child is safely seated in the seat. You should not be able to pinch any slack at the shoulder between your fingers and the harness. If you aren't sure then contact a Child Passenger Security Technician or the customer service number of your car seat manufacturer.
Supports 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 due to the fact that 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 neck so that it can fit into the shoulder straps with the smallest slots and prevent their head from slouching forward (which could hinder airways).
Some infant seats come with inserts for babies Other companies also offer head supports designed for use in car seats. Before adding any padding to your child's car seat, review the directions of the manufacturer to ensure you are using the infant insert or head support safely.
Infant inserts and head supports included in most car seats are designed to provide extra padding for newborns and tiny babies. They can be two separate items that provide greater adjustability or a single piece that's more streamlined for support.
If you choose to use an infant head support or insert, keep in mind that your child will outgrow it before reaching the maximum weight and size for their car seat. Never use blankets or cloth burps to make a car seat insert for infants. They can impede the proper positioning for the infant's neck and head and could cause injury in a crash.

Many parents believe that the pillow-like head inserts included in some infant seats or sold separately will aid their newborn to stay safe in a crash, by aiding in preventing a chin-to-chest position. However, this is not the case; in fact, research has shown that adding an infant insert or head support could actually cause your baby's head to slide forward in a dangerous position. A soft object, like a rolled up receiving blanket or burp cloth, may also void the warranty of your infant car seat.
Keeps your baby's head in a natural position
If you have ever held your baby, you know that they need extra support to keep their heads elevated. This is why infant car seats come with a padded infant insert that helps your baby sit in a comfortable position. Newborn inserts are similar to miniature pillows that fit inside the seat and provide a comfortable cushion for your child. This is crucial, particularly when you travel for long distances. They will aid your child to fall asleep and remain awake during the journey.
The newborn insert will also ensure that your baby's neck is positioned in the most natural, healthy manner that is possible. This is particularly important in rear-facing cars, as 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 lowest set shoulder strap slots. It also pulls the head back, reducing the chance of choking. You should always check the manual of your car seat for instructions on how to remove the newborn insert. It's likely to include the weight limit or age limit.
As your baby gets older they'll naturally outgrow their infant car seat insert. They'll grow taller and build up the muscle strength to hold their heads without the help of a seat insert. This is when you can consider taking the padding off their seat.
When you take the newborn insert out of the car seat for your baby it is vital that you check that the harness is still tight enough to be safe. You can test this by conducting a pinch test, where you put your finger in the gap between the strap on your shoulder and your baby's chest. If the gap is large or there's a lot of slack, you should put the newborn insert back in.
There are numerous car seat inserts available on the market for your newborn. However, it is best to select the one provided by the manufacturer of your car seat. This is because they're made specifically for your baby's car seat and will be the most effective in making sure they're safe during travel.
Helps keep your baby comfy
The insert for newborns is an infant car seat accessory that helps keep babies comfortable and safe. It's a layer of padding that raises your child so that the harness straps reach their shoulders or lower (if they are in a rear facing car seat). Without an insert, your baby may not sit up high enough to allow their harness be adjusted correctly.
A newborn insert can also be a good idea as it will make it more likely that your baby's chin to stay away from their chest. Many new parents think that the pillow-like head insert that comes with some carseats 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 an accident. However, these extra padding pieces can actually make the chin-to chest positioning worse, as they compress during a crash.
They're simple to use and are a great 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 raise up 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.
Inserts for newborn car seats can be removed once the infant is old enough to be able to fit without them, and most manufacturers have the weight or height guidelines for this. It is recommended to adhere to the guidelines in your car seat manual for this information.
If you're not sure when your baby is ready to stop using a newborn car seat insert, it's always best to speak with an expert! A CPST will provide you with valuable advice to ensure your baby is using their car seat in a safe manner. rear facing infant car seat Push Chairs & Prams can be added to your registry to give your precious children peace of mind when you travel with your child in the back seat.