Winter is a tricky time for car seats. As a general rule, bulky clothing, including winter coats and snowsuits, should not be worn underneath the harness of a car seat.
Why winter coats can be dangerous in car seats
In a car crash, fluffy padding in a coat immediately flattens out from the force, leaving extra space under the harness. A child can then slip through the straps and be thrown from the seat.
Here are some tips to help strike that perfect balance between keeping little ones warm as well as safely buckled in their car seats.
How to keep your child warm & safe in their car seat
Note: The tips below are appropriate for all ages. In fact, wearing a puffy coat yourself with the seat belt is not a best practice because it adds space between your body and the seat belt.
- Store the carrier portion of infant seats inside the house when not in use. Keeping the seat at room temperature will reduce the loss of the child's body heat in the car.
- Get an early start. If you're planning to head out the door with your baby in tow on winter mornings, get an early start. You have a lot to assemble, and your baby may not be the most cooperative. Plus, driving in wintry conditions often requires you to slow down and be extra cautious.
- Dress your child in thin layers. Start with close-fitting layers on the bottom, like tights, leggings or long-sleeved bodysuits. Then add pants and a warmer top, like a sweater or thermal-knit shirt. Your child can wear a thin fleece jacket over the top. In very cold weather, long underwear is also a warm and safe layering option.
As a general rule of thumb, infants should wear one more layer than adults. If you have a coat on, your infant will probably need a coat, and blanket. Just remember to remove the coat and blanket inside the car before putting your child in the car seat. A safer option is to drape a blanket or coat oer the car straps.
- Don't forget hats, mittens and socks or booties. These help keep kids warm without interfering with car seat straps. If your child is a thumb sucker, consider half-gloves with open fingers or keep an extra pair or two of mittens handy—once they get wet they'll make your child colder rather than warmer.
- Tighten the straps of the car seat harness. Even if your child looks snuggly bundled up in the car seat, multiple layers may make it difficult to tighten the harness enough. If you can pinch the straps of the car seat harness, then it needs to be tightened to fit snugly against your child's chest.
- Use a coat or blanket over the straps. You can add a blanket over the top of the harness straps or put your child's winter coat on backwards (over the buckled harness straps) after they are buckled up. Some parents prefer products such as poncho-style coats or jackets that zip down the sides so the back can flip forward over the harness. Keep in mind that the top layer should be removable so your baby doesn't get too hot after the car warms up.
- Use a car seat cover ONLY if it does not have a layer under the baby. Nothing bulky should ever go underneath your child's body or between their body and the harness straps. Be sure to leave your baby's face uncovered to avoid trapped air and suffocation. Many retailers carry car seat bundling products that are
not safe to use in a car seat. Just because it's on the shelf at the store or sold online does not mean it is
safe! Make sure products have been approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- Remember, if the item did not come with the car seat, it has not been crash tested and may interfere with the protection provided in a crash. Never use sleeping bag inserts or other stroller accessories in the car seat.
- Pack an emergency bag for your car. Keep extra blankets, dry clothing, hats and gloves, and non-perishable snacks in your car in case of an on-road emergency or your child gets wet on a winter outing.
Remember
Taking a few extra minutes to ensure your car seat is secure and there is nothing bulky between the child and the straps is well worth it. You can then travel with peace of mind.
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