Cold weather brings extra challenges when it comes to car seat safety. One of the most important things to remember is that bulky winter clothing, including puffy coats and snowsuits, should never be worn under a car seat harness.
Why Winter Coats Can Be Risky in Car Seats
In the event of a crash, the fluffy padding in a winter coat quickly compresses under force, creating extra space between the harness and your child’s body. This gap increases the risk of your child slipping out of the harness and being ejected from the seat.
The good news? You can keep your little one both warm and safely secured in their car seat by following these simple tips.
Keeping Your Child Warm & Safe in Their Car Seat
Note: These guidelines apply to all ages—even adults. Wearing a thick coat while using a seat belt can reduce its effectiveness in an accident by increasing space between your body and the belt.
✅ Keep infant car seats warm when not in use. Store the removable carrier portion indoors rather than leaving it in the car. A warm seat helps reduce body heat loss when placing your baby inside.
✅ Plan ahead for winter outings. Give yourself extra time when heading out with your child. Dressing in layers and adjusting the car seat harness properly takes additional time, and winter driving conditions often require slower, more cautious travel.
✅ Dress your child in thin, layered clothing. Begin with a snug base layer, such as leggings, tights, or a long-sleeved bodysuit. Add a second layer of pants and a warm top like a fleece pullover or sweater. A thin fleece jacket is a great final layer. For extra warmth in freezing temperatures, long underwear is a safe option.
The "Plus-One" Layering Rule for Babies
A good rule of thumb is that infants should wear one more layer than an adult would in the same conditions. If you're wearing a coat, your baby likely needs a coat and a blanket—but be sure to remove these before buckling them into the car seat. Instead, drape the blanket or coat over the harness once they are securely strapped in.
✅ Don’t forget warm accessories. Hats, mittens, socks, and booties help retain warmth without interfering with harness straps. If your child is a thumb sucker, opt for half-gloves with open fingers or keep an extra pair of mittens on hand in case they get wet.
✅ Ensure the harness is snug. Multiple layers can make it harder to tighten the car seat harness properly. Do a pinch test—if you can pinch the strap fabric between your fingers, it’s too loose and needs to be tightened.
✅ Use coats and blankets over the straps, not under. If extra warmth is needed, drape a blanket over your child after they are buckled in, or put their coat on backward over the harness. Some parents prefer poncho-style coats that can be flipped over the harness after buckling. Whatever you choose, ensure that the top layer is removable to prevent overheating once the car warms up.
✅ Be cautious with car seat covers. If using a cover, make sure it does not have any padding under the baby or between the harness straps. Always leave the baby’s face uncovered to prevent suffocation. Just because a product is sold in stores doesn’t mean it’s been tested for safety—verify that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
✅ Never use add-ons not included with the car seat. Products like sleeping bag inserts, head supports, or extra padding may not be crash-tested and could interfere with your car seat’s safety. If it didn’t come with your car seat, it’s best to avoid using it.
✅ Prepare an emergency winter kit for your car. Keep extra blankets, dry clothes, hats, gloves, and non-perishable snacks in your vehicle in case of an emergency or unexpected delays in cold weather.
Final Thoughts
Taking a few extra minutes to dress your child in safe, layered clothing and ensure a snug harness fit can make all the difference in protecting them during winter travel. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a warm, safe ride with peace of mind.
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