Car Seat Inserts For Newborns The majority of infant and convertible car seat inserts are provided to help the child fit better in the car and feel more comfortable. They can be removed when the child has reached a certain weight limit in the manual for the car seat. Always make sure you use the inserts that come with your car seat. Anything else is dangerous and could cause your baby to be squeezed or have harness straps that aren't at the appropriate level. Boosts your baby's sitting position A car seat insert allows your infant to sit higher in the seat. This helps you fasten the harness straps correctly and securely, and it also prevents sliding that could put your baby at risk of injury in the event of a crash. The padding raises your child up and shortens the distance between their lower and the lowest set of harness strap slots to ensure they're safe in the rear-facing car seat and that their head doesn't get too close to the strap around their crotch (which could restrict airflow). If you have a convertible car seat, you can take out the infant insert once your child reaches the weight or height limit. This usually occurs between five to six months of age. Check the manual to see whether there are any specific instructions. Also, ensure that the harness straps of your child are in line or below their shoulders. They may have to be adjusted after removing the insert. Certain head supports, such as those that come with infant seats, can actually make the child's head tilt forward. https://www.pushchairsandprams.uk/categories/baby-car-seats could impede their airway and put their safety at risk. Check the instructions in the car seat manual or on the site of the manufacturer to find out when and how these head supports should 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. Every car seat is tested to make sure that all components work together. Using any other insert may hinder the testing process and could compromise your child's safety. The most secure way to ensure that your child is comfortable in their car seat is applying the "pinch test" and you should not be able to pinch any slack between your finger and the harness at their shoulder. If you are in doubt you should consult a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician or call the customer service number to seek help. Supports for your baby's neck and head A newborn insert is designed to support your baby's neck as well as head. This is because newborns have not yet developed the muscles that will allow them to lift their heads on their own. Newborn car seat inserts raise your baby's neck so that it is able to reach the lowest set shoulder strap slots and prevent their head from sliding forward (which could cause obstruction to airways). Some infant seats come with newborn inserts Other companies also sell head supports that are 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 the head support properly. Infant inserts and head support that come with most car seats are designed to provide extra padding for newborns and small babies. It could be a set of separate items to provide more flexibility or a single unit with a more compact support. If you choose to use an infant head support or insert, keep in mind that your child is likely to outgrow it before reaching the weight and size that is appropriate for their car seat. Do not use burp or blanket cloths as makeshift car seat inserts for infants, as these can interfere with the proper positioning of the neck and head of the infant, putting them at risk of injury during an accident. Many parents believe, incorrectly that the pillow-like inserts included in some infant seats and those sold separately will keep their infant secure in the event of an accident by preventing a chin to chest position. This isn't the case. Research suggests that adding an insert or head support to the infant's seat can cause the head to sag forward, placing it in an unsafe position. In addition using a soft item such as a rolled receiving blanket or a burp cloth instead of the newborn car seat insert could void your infant seat's warranty. 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. 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 in the seat to provide a comfortable seat for your baby. This is essential, especially when traveling long distances. It can help your baby sleep and stay awake during the journey. The insert for newborns will ensure that your baby's head is set in a natural and healthy way. This is particularly important in rear-facing car seats, where the child's head can slide forward could hinder their breathing. The insert lifts the child up, allowing them to reach the bottom set of shoulder strap slots, and also pushes their head backwards and reduces the chance of choking or blocking their breathing. It's worth mentioning that you must always refer to the manual of your car seat for specific instructions on when to take off the infant insert, as it will likely provide an age limit or weight limit. As your baby grows older, they'll naturally outgrow the newborn car seat insert. As your baby grows, they will naturally outgrow the newborn car seat insert. It is important to check the harness when you remove the infant insert from the car of your baby. You can test this by performing a pinch test by placing your finger between the shoulder straps and the chest of your baby. If the gap is large or there's a lot of slack, you should put the newborn insert back in. While there are a few different car seat accessories available on the market that you can use for your baby, it is best to stick with the infant insert supplied by the manufacturer of your car seat. They're designed specifically for your baby's car seat and are most effective in making sure they're safe during travel. Helps keep your baby comfy The newborn insert is an accessory for car seats designed to keep babies comfortable 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 are below (if they are in a rear-facing car seat). Without an insert, your baby might not sit high enough to allow their harness to be properly adjusted. 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 new parents believe that the pillow-like head piece included in some car seats, or the rolled receiving blanket or burp cloth that friends suggest they put alongside their child's head will protect their child's head in the event of a crash. These additional padding pieces, however, can cause the chest to chin position worse when they compress during an accident. They are easy to use and an excellent method to keep your child happy while driving. They are typically pieces of foam or fabric that are inserted under the car seat in order to raise the bottom of the seat. Some have a cushion and a head-hugger that go under the child's head, whereas others are just the head-hugger. Inserts for newborn car seats can be removed when the infant is old enough without them, and most manufacturers have an appropriate weight or height requirement for this. This information is found in the manual of the car seat. If you're still not sure when your baby will be ready to quit using a newborn car seat insert it is best to consult an expert! A CPST can give you useful advice to make sure your baby is using their car seat in a safe manner. A consultation can be added to your registry to give your precious ones peace of mind while you drive with your baby in the back seat.