Blog entry by Ned Finckh

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Car Seat Inserts For Newborns

Car seat inserts designed for infants are included with most convertible and infant car seats to help baby get a better fit and feel more comfortable in the car. They can be removed once the child has reached a certain weight limit in the car seat manual.

Always use the inserts that come with your car seat--anything else is unsafe and can cause your baby to be squeezed or straps that aren't the appropriate height.

Encourage your baby's sitting posture

A car seat insert allows your infant to sit up higher in the seat. This allows you to fasten the harness straps correctly and securely, and it also prevents sliding that could put your infant at risk of injury in the event of a crash. This padding lifts up your child and decreases the distance between the seat's bottom and the lowest harness strap slots. It ensures they are secure in a car that is rear-facing and that their head isn't too close to the crotch (which could hinder airflow).

If you're using a convertible car seat the infant insert can be removed when your child has reached a certain weight or height limit. This is typically around 5-6 months old. Check the manual to see whether there are any specific instructions. Also, make sure that the harness straps of your child are level or just below their shoulders. They may need to be adjusted after you remove the insert.

maxi-cosi-titan-car-booster-seat-9-36-kg-9-months-12-years-multi-age-baby-car-seat-isofix-car-seat-top-tether-headrest-harness-adjustment-5-recline-positions-cushioned-inlay-basic-black-110.jpgCertain head support devices, like those included in infant seats, could push the child's head forward. This could limit their airway and put their safety at risk. So, be sure to always refer to the manual for your car seat as well as the site of the manufacturer for instructions on when and how to use these types of head supports.

Use only the insert that came along with your child's seat. Never use a makeshift solution, like a burp cloth or rolled-up blankets on top of their heads. Each car seat and its components are thoroughly tested to work together as a system and any other insert could interfere with this process and jeopardize your child's safety.

The "pinch test" is the most effective way to make sure that your child is safely seated in the seat. You shouldn't be able to squeeze any slack at the shoulder between your finger and harness. If you have any doubts seek out 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 made to support your baby's neck as well as head. This is crucial because the muscles that allow infants to stand up on their own haven't yet occurred. Newborn car seat inserts lift your baby's head to ensure that they can reach the lowest 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 inserts for newborns. Other companies sell head supports specifically designed for use in car seat. Before you add any padding to your baby's car seats, review the instructions of the manufacturer for specific information regarding how to use the insert for newborns or head support for your specific infant seat.

The infant inserts and head supports that come with many car seats are designed to provide extra padding required by infants and small babies. These can be two separate products that allow for greater adjustability or a single unit that's more compact for support.

If you choose to use a head support for your infant or insert, bear in mind that your child is likely to outgrow it before they reach the weight and size that is appropriate for their car seat. Don't use blankets or burps to make a car seat insert for babies. They can interfere with the proper positioning for the baby's neck and head and could cause injuries in the event of a crash.

Many parents believe, untruly, that the pillow-like inserts included in some infant seats as well as those sold separately will keep their baby safe in case of an accident by preventing a chin-to- chest position. This is not true. In fact, research shows that the addition of an insert or head support to the infant's seat could cause the head to sag forward facing infant car seat, putting it in an unsafe position. A soft object, such as an unrolled receiving blanket or burp cloth could also invalidate the warranty on your infant car seat.

Keeps the baby's head in a natural position

If you've ever held a baby, you know they need additional head support in order to keep their heads elevated. Car seats for infants come with a cushioned insert for newborns that helps keep your baby in a safe upright position. The newborn inserts are small pillows that fit in the seat to provide a comfortable seat for your baby. This is essential, especially when you travel infant car seat for long distances. They will help your baby sleep and remain awake during the journey.

The insert for newborns also ensures that your baby's neck is placed in the most natural, healthy way possible. This is particularly important in rear-facing cars, where the head of the infant can be blocked if it slouches forward. The insert raises the child, allowing them to reach the lowest set of shoulder strap slots, and also pushes their head back to reduce the risk of choking or blocking their breathing. Always check the manual of your car seat for directions on how to remove the newborn insert. It will likely specify the weight limit or age limit.

As your child grows, the insert used for the car seat for newborns will naturally become too small. They'll increase in height and build up the muscle strength to hold their heads without the aid of a seat insert. This is when you should consider removing the padding from their seat.

When you take the newborn insert from the car seat of your baby, it is crucial to ensure that the harness is still snug enough to ensure safety. You can check this by performing a pinch test by placing your finger between the shoulder straps and the chest of your baby. If there is a significant gap or a lot of looseness 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 but it's best car seats for newborns to stick with the infant insert offered by your car seat's manufacturer. This is because they're made specifically for your baby's car seat and are most effective in keeping them secure during travel.

Keep your baby safe

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

A newborn headband can be a good idea, as it will make it more likely for your baby's chin to remain off their chest. Many new parents think that the head pillow that comes with some carseats, or the rolled receiving blanket or burp cloth friends suggest they put alongside their child's head, will shield their baby's head during a crash. However, these additional padding pieces can actually make the chin-to-chest positioning worse, as they compress during a crash.

Newborn car seat accessories are an excellent way to keep your baby comfortable while driving, and they're easy to use too. They are typically pieces of fabric or foam that are put under the car seat in order to raise the seat's bottom. Some include a head-hugger and a cushion that sit under the child to raise them up, while others are simply a head hugger on its own.

The car seat inserts for newborns can be removed after the infant is big enough to be able to live without them. The majority of manufacturers have a recommended weight or height. You should always follow the directions in your car seat manual for this information.

It is recommended to speak with an expert if you're unsure whether or not your baby is ready to stop using the newborn car seat insert. A CPST can offer valuable advice to ensure that you're using your baby's car seat correctly and that they are as safe as possible. A consultation added to your registry is a simple method to gift your loved ones the gift of security when driving with your child in the back seat!