A Guide to Newborn Booster Seats

Parenthood is one long game of "Am I doing this right?" especially when it comes to car seat safety. We're breaking down the mystery of infant booster seats: what they are, how to use them, and when to ditch them—so your baby's ride is safe, snug, and drama-free.

What is a Booster Seat?

A newborn booster seat is a cushioned support component that helps your baby fit securely and comfortably in their car seat. Think of it like a booster that keeps their tiny body in the perfect spot during car rides. These booster seats prop your little one up so the shoulder straps hit just the right height, ensuring your kiddo is always safe when you hit the road.

A newborn insert is usually recommended for babies under 11-15 pounds, but not every car seat needs one. It's always best to check the guidelines and manual for your specific car seat. Many newborn inserts will offer extra support around your baby’s head—newborns don’t have full head and neck control just yet, so the insert's cushioning keeps them stabilized and safe in the seat.

This extra support makes a world of difference in car seat safety during the newborn phase. They might sit too low in their seat without it (messing with proper strap positioning) or risk their head and neck not being stabilized. The booster seat helps make sure everything’s in place for a safer ride.

How to Use a Newborn Booster Seat

Read the Manual: Read those directions cover to cover. Here, you’ll learn how to install the infant booster seat correctly for your specific model.
Use the Right Insert: Only use inserts that are compatible with your car seat—mixing and matching isn’t a thing here.
Position the Insert: Place the insert snugly in the car seat, making sure it aligns correctly with the back and bottom of the seat. Then, pull the buckle through the correct slot of the insert (your manual should show you how to do this).
Strap In: Lay the harness straps over the insert, and double-check for twists or tangles.
Secure Your Baby: Pop your little one in the car seat and secure it. If you can pinch any slack on the straps, tighten them up.

Why Use a Newborn Booster Seat?

An infant booster seat can give your baby the critical support they need for a safer ride. This extra padding isn’t just about comfort; it plays a crucial role in proper positioning and safety.

Here are a couple of reasons why these inserts are so important.

Proper Positioning: Newborn booster seats provide that extra head, neck, and body support your little one needs, especially since they’re not quite ready to hold their heads up on their own yet. It’s all about keeping your baby in the correct position while on the road.
Correct Fit: An insert helps fill any of the seat’s spare space around your newborn to ensure they don’t slide around. This secure fit keeps the harness straps correctly positioned—at or below the shoulders in a rear-facing seat—maximizing safety in the event of sudden stops or impacts.

Using a newborn booster seat adds a layer of security for those first few months of your little one’s life.

Infant Booster Seats vs Head Supports

Newborn booster seats ensure your baby is positioned correctly in their car seat, while head supports offer extra cushioning specifically for their head.

Let’s dive deeper into what sets them apart.

Feature	Infant Inserts	Head Supports
Purpose	Safety and proper positioning	Extra cushioning for baby’s head
Function	Lifts baby up from the bottom of the seat for a snug fit and correct harness alignment	Cradles and stabilizes the baby’s head, helping maintain proper alignment and comfort during movement
Impact on safety	Enhances safety by ensuring proper strap positioning and a secure fit	Minimal impact on overall safety positioning

Infant inserts might be sold as a separate piece, or combined with newborn head support in car seats.

When Should I Remove a Newborn Booster Seat?

Most parents remove the newborn booster seat at around 5-6 months, but check your car seat’s manual and maybe even confirm with your doctor—it’s all about your baby’s size and comfort.

See if your baby securely fits in the car seat without this added support. When your baby looks snug without a booster seat and is properly positioned in the seat, it’s probably time to make the switch.

FAQs

Do All Car Seats Need a Newborn Booster Seat?

Not every car seat needs a newborn booster seat—it all depends on the design. Some are good to go right out of the box, while others might need one added. Keeping your baby snug, safe, and secure is the name of the game, so check whether you need to add an insert before any road trips—big or small.

Tushbaby Tip: Add a car seat and infant booster seat to your baby registry! Need help getting started? Check out our guide to starting a registry and creating your second trimester checklist.

Can I Use the Same Booster Seat for Both Car Seat and Stroller?

Some strollers let you click your car seat right in for smooth transitions. If your gear isn’t compatible, you might need to buy separate booster seates or liners for your stroller—just check what works with your stroller's design.

Is It Safe to Use a Second-Hand Booster Seat?

Using a second-hand booster seat can be risky. Your car seat and booster seat need to fit your baby’s age, weight, and needs just right—and missing or outdated parts can mess with that.

If you’re missing the history, warranty info, or any parts, skip the hand-me-downs. Always make sure your car seat and inserts are in top shape, meet current safety standards, and have all the necessary pieces to keep your baby safe.

At Tushbaby, we know safety is the top priority when it comes to your little one. Just as our products are safety certified, your newborn’s booster seat should meet the same standards

How Do I Clean a Newborn Booster Seat?

Check Removability: First, check if your infant booster seat is removable—many booster seat are designed to be taken out as your child grows.
Read the Manual: Check your car seat manual for the proper cleaning instructions. This will help you avoid damaging the insert.
Machine Wash: You might be able to toss your booster seat in the wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent—but always check the manual first to be sure!
Spot Clean: For a quick cleanup, just wipe down the insert with a damp sponge and a little warm, soapy water.
Air Dry: Let the insert dry naturally; avoid using dryers or direct heat to prevent damage.

Need to keep your newborn booster seat clean on the go? The Pack by Tushbaby has you covered. With interior and exterior zippered pockets, it’s easy to store wipes, cloths, and other essentials, so you’re ready for any mess—even when diaper duty strikes.

Plus, The Pack bag doubles as a sleek, functional diaper bag to keep everything organized and within reach. From quick clean-ups to bigger messes, it’s your go-to for staying prepared while on the move.

From quick clean-ups to big messes, Tushbaby’s got you back from birth to toddlerhood. Shop our full range today!