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Winter means keeping kids warm, but did you know that babies and young children in car seats should NOT wear puffy coats or snowsuits when in their car seat? A coat or snowsuit can compress under the harness of a car seat, sometimes up to four inches! This compression can cause the straps of your child’s car seat to not fit properly, leaving a dangerous situation. Sleeping bags for babies can also add extra slack under the harness, creating an unsafe ride for your baby.
How should you keep your baby or young child in the car seat warm when it’s cold?
- Dress your baby or young child in snug layers, like onsies and leggings. Add long pants, a long sleeved shirt, a hat and shoes and socks. You can even include a jacket.
- For babies, use covers specifically for car seats that are designed to give warmth. These covers should be approved by the car-seat manufacturer for your specific car seat.
- For older babies, toddlers, preschoolers and kindergartners, after securing them in the car seat, turn their coat around and put it on backwards (arms through the armholes) so the coat is on top of the harness, or use a blanket in the car.
Watch the video below for tips on how to keep your child safe in the car seat during the winter months.