When can I remove my baby’s car seat insert?
As a general rule of thumb, most newborn inserts can be removed once your baby’s five or six months old. But to be absolutely sure, check the seat’s manual.
What happens when baby outgrows car seat insert?
Once your baby outgrows the newborn insert, it could be harder to get her in or out of the car seat, or difficult to adjust the straps correctly. Once you remove the newborn insert, check your baby’s shoulders meet the guidelines marked on the seat.
Can a baby fit in a car seat without the insert?
Before you know it, they’ll be able to fit in their car seat without the newborn insert. But it’s important that you don’t take the insert out too soon. Otherwise, your baby’s going to sit too low in the seat, which will mean that the harness won’t be as secure as it could be.
Where should I Put my Baby’s car seat?
Your baby should be placed in the safest part of the car. To protect her from injuries, in case of a collision, your baby should be correctly harnessed into a rear-facing car seat, in the rear of your car. It’s highly recommended you install the car seat in the middle of the rear of your car.
When to remove infant insert from car seat?
Generally speaking, it’s usually safe to remove the infant insert in the car seat once your baby is around 6 months old. You might be able to tell, just by looking, that your baby has outgrown the newborn insert.
How long should a baby be in a car seat?
For this reason, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children remain rear-facing in their car seats until they are two years old . Some parents are convinced their babies hate being in the car. Even short trips can result in inconsolable crying. This can be upsetting and stressful for a parent.
Why is it important to use a car seat?
The recommendations for how to use your car seat are important. The insert keeps your baby safe in the event of an accident. It also ensures your baby’s head is in a position which prevents her slumping forward and potentially blocking her airways.
What is the instruction manual for a car seat?
All new car seats come with an instruction manual. This manual includes details about how to install and use your car seat correctly. It will also have information about when you can safely remove the newborn insert from the car seat. The information is usually based on your baby reaching a certain weight or length.
What happens if you don't use the infant insert?
If you don’t use the infant insert that comes with your car seat, it can cause your baby to sit too low in the seat. This means the harness won’t be adjusted correctly. If you do not use the car seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions, you’re potentially putting your baby’s safety at risk. Think about how carefully you support your baby’s ...
Why do you need to use the passenger side for a car seat?
This makes it easier for you to be off the road while getting your baby in and out of the car.
How many children are wrongly restrained in a car seat?
Statistics show that although around 96% of parents believe they’ve installed their car seat correctly, around 75% of children are found to be incorrectly restrained.
What is the purpose of a newborn car seat insert?
The purpose of the car seat newborn insert is to provide additional support and padding to a newborn baby when they are using the seat. The inserts also help ensure that babies fit in the harness, so they can be properly strapped in.
What happens when you remove a baby seat cushion?
When you remove the cushion from under the baby, it will ‘drop’ them down in the seat, giving them more room to grow. When you remove the insert, make sure that the harness straps are still level with or just below your baby’s shoulders; you may need to re-adjust the straps to fit your baby properly. Some car seat newborn inserts state ...
When to remove head hugger from car seat?
As time goes on and your baby grows, the newborn cushion and head hugger can be removed; this is generally between 5-6 months of age. If you take the car seat newborn inserts out too soon, it can cause baby to sit too low in the seat and not fit in the harness (as seen below)
Why do babies need head huggers?
The head hugger helps support the baby’s head, and if your seat comes with a cushion, it will lift the baby up to allow them to lie in a more natural position and will help prevent them becoming ‘scrunched over’ .
What is an infant car seat?
Infant car seats also have a handle for carrying your baby to and from the car, making it easy to transport your baby without having to remove the child from the seat. Another benefit of infant car seats is they are often sold as part of a travel system. Travel systems generally include a car seat and stroller that are compatible.
How far should a car seat be from the front to the back?
Note that a correctly installed car seat should not move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back. Know your state laws. Some states require children to ride rear-facing in their car seats until age two, although many states allow you to turn your child forward-facing at a year legally.
Why is it important to have a convertible car seat?
Car seats are essential for your child's safety, so it's important to stay up-to-date on the most recent information about recommended usage guidelines. While you may elect to use a convertible car seat from when your baby is born, most new parents choose an infant seat for their newborns. This is primarily because of the convenience infant car ...
How much weight can a child ride in a convertible car seat?
Many convertible car seats have an upper weight limit of 40-50 pounds. Convertible car seats are installed in the vehicle on their own without a base.
How old do you have to be to rear facing a child?
Keeping your child rear-facing until at least age 2 is the safest option for preventing injuries and fatalities in the event of a crash. Be sure your child's car seat is installed and harnessed as outlined in its manual.
How much weight can a car seat fit?
Most infant car seats can safely fit children until they reach 22 to 40 pounds, depending on the brand and model. It would be best if you familiarized yourself with your car seat's height and weight requirements to ensure your child is riding safely.
Where should car seat straps be?
Car seat straps should be at or below your child's shoulders when rear-facing and at or above your child's shoulders if forward-facing. Straps should lie flat and be free of any twisting. Once buckled, you should adjust the harness until the straps are snug but not too tight.
In the Car
DON’T put your infant seat in the front row or have it forward-facing in the rear.
Out of the Car
DON’T place your infant seat on top of your grocery cart (usually where a toddler could sit).
How to Install a Car Seat
Child seats have come a long way over the years, but proper installation is key. On the " Consumer 101 " TV show, Consumer Reports expert Jennifer Stockburger shows host Jack Rico what to do to keep little ones safe in a car.
