Winter Coats and Car Seats: An Unsafe Mix
As winter approaches, parents naturally want to keep their children warm during car rides. However, the combination of bulky winter coats and car seats can create a dangerous situation that many are unaware of. Understanding this risk and knowing how to properly secure a child in a car seat during cold weather is crucial for every parent and caregiver.
The primary issue with winter coats in car seats is that they create a false sense of security. When a child wearing a puffy coat is strapped into a car seat, the coat compresses in a crash, creating extra space between the child and the harness. This space can allow the child to slip through the straps, potentially being ejected from the seat in a collision.
To test if a coat is too bulky, buckle your child in the car seat wearing their coat. Then, without loosening the straps, remove the coat and rebuckle. If you can pinch the strap fabric between your fingers, the coat is too thick for safe use in the car seat.
So, how can you keep your child both safe and warm? The key is to dress them in thin, warm layers. Start with close-fitting clothes like long-sleeved bodysuits, then add pants and a thin fleece jacket. After securing your child in the car seat, you can place blankets or the coat over them, or for older children, they can put their coat on backward over their arms for warmth.
For infants, car seat covers that fit over the entire seat are a safe option, as long as they don’t have a layer that goes underneath the baby. Never use sleeping bag-style inserts that aren’t approved by the car seat manufacturer.
It’s also crucial to warm up your car before trips. This not only makes the ride more comfortable but reduces the need for excessive bundling.
Remember, a properly fitted harness is snug enough that you can’t pinch any slack in the straps at your child’s shoulder. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your child stays both warm and safe during winter car rides.