Car Seat Inserts For Newborns Car seat inserts designed for infants are included with most convertible and infant car seats to help babies fit better and be more comfortable in the car. They can be removed once the child has reached a certain weight limit in the car seat manual. Only use the inserts that come with your car seat. Anything else can be unsafe, causing your baby to be squeezed and the harness straps not to be at the correct height. Helps to increase your baby's sitting posture A car seat insert for newborns allows your tiny baby to sit higher up in the seat. This allows you to fasten the harness straps properly and securely and also stops slouching that can put your baby at risk of injury in the event of a crash. The padding raises your child's height and reduces the distance between their bottom and the lowest set of straps for harness to ensure they're safe in the car seat that faces rearwards and that their head isn't too close to the crotch strap (which can hinder airflow). If you have a convertible car seat, you can remove the newborn insert once your child has reached the weight or height limit. This is usually around five to six months of age. Be sure to check the manual for instructions on this, and make sure that the harness straps of your child remain level with or below their shoulders - they might need to be adjusted after you remove the infant insert. Certain head supports, such as those included in infant seats, can actually make the child's head tilt backwards. This could impede their airway and put their safety at risk. Review the directions in the manual for your car seat or on the site of the manufacturer to see the best time and method for using these head supports are to be used. Only use the insert that came along with your child's car seat. Do not use https://www.pushchairsandprams.uk/categories/baby-car-seats , like 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. Using any other insert could interfere with this testing and affect your child's security. The "pinch test" is the most effective way to make sure that your child is safely seated in the seat. You should not be able pinch any slack on the shoulder between your fingers and the harness. If you are unsure you should consult a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician or call your car seat manufacturer's customer service number to seek assistance. Helps support your baby's head and neck A newborn insert is made to support your baby's neck as well as head. This is because newborns do not yet have the muscles that allow them to lift their heads on their own. Newborn car seat inserts lift your baby's head up so they can reach the smallest set of shoulder strap slots, and also help keep their head from slumping forward (which could hinder their airways). Some infant seats include inserts for babies. Other companies offer head supports designed for use in car seats. Before you add any kind of padding to your baby's car seats, check the manufacturer's guidelines for precise information regarding how to use the insert for newborns or head support in your specific infant seat. Infant inserts and head support that are included in the majority of car seats are designed to provide additional padding for newborns and small babies. This could be a pair of separate items to provide more flexibility or a single item with a more efficient 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. Don't use burp cloths as substitute car seat inserts for newborns because they could hinder the proper placement of the neck and head of the infant and put them at risk of injury during a crash. Many parents believe, incorrectly, that the pillow-like inserts included in some infant seats as well as those sold separately will keep their infant safe in case of an accident by preventing a chin from a chest position. But this isn't the case. In actual research has proven that adding an infant insert or headrest can actually cause your baby's head to slump forward, putting them in a vulnerable position. Additionally the use of a soft object like a rolled receiving blanket or a burp cloth in place of the infant car seat insert could end the warranty of your infant's seat. Keeps your baby's head in its natural position If you have ever held the baby, you know that they need extra support to keep their heads up. This is why infant car seats come with a padded infant insert that can help your baby sit in a secure position. The newborn inserts are small 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. They can help your baby sleep and remain awake throughout the journey. The insert for newborns will ensure that your baby's head is set in a healthy, natural way. This is especially important for rear-facing cars, where the head of the infant can become blocked if it is sunk forward. The insert raises the child, allowing them reach the shoulder strap slots. It also pulls the head back, reducing the chance of being choked. It is important to note that you should always consult the car seat's manual for specific instructions on how to remove the insert for your newborn in order to stipulate an age limit or weight limit. As your child grows, the insert for a newborn car seat will eventually become too small. They'll get taller and build up the strength and muscle to hold their heads up without the aid of an insert. This is the time to think about removing the padding from their seat. It is important to check the harness after removing the newborn insert from your baby's car. You can check this by performing a pinch test using your finger between the 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 in. There are many different car seat inserts on the market for your baby. However, it is best to select the one provided by the manufacturer of your car seat. They are specifically designed to fit your baby's car seat and will keep them safe during travel. Keep your baby safe The newborn insert is an infant car seat accessory that keeps babies comfortable and safe. It's a layer of padding that lifts your baby up a little so that the harness straps are on or below their shoulders (if they're in a rear-facing car seat). Without an insert, your baby might not sit high enough to allow their harness be properly adjusted. A newborn insert is also beneficial as it increases the chances that your baby's head will remain in the crotch strap position (to keep their chin from their chests). Many new parents believe that the head pillow that comes with some carseats or the rolled receiving blanket or burp cloth that parents are advised to put on their child's head, will shield the head of their child in the event of a crash. However, these additional padding pieces can actually make the chin-to-chest position worse, since they compress in the event of a crash. They're easy to use and are a great option to keep your baby happy while driving. They're typically made of cloth or foam that is inserted under the car seat to raise up the bottom of the seat. Some come with a head hugger and a cushion that both go under the child to raise them up, while others are just head huggers on their own. Car seat newborn inserts can be removed once the infant is old enough to fit without them, and most manufacturers have an appropriate weight or height requirement for this. This information can be found in the car seat manual. 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 will provide you with valuable advice to ensure your baby is using their car seat in a safe manner. A consultation can be added to your registry to give your beloved ones peace of mind while you travel with your child in the back seat.