Winter brings a new layer of challenge to car seat safety. Bulky coats and snowsuits, while essential for warmth, can become a hazard when used under the car seat harness. To address this concern, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends dressing your child in layers and placing bulky items on top of the secured harness.
During a car crash, the fluffy padding of a winter coat compresses, creating extra space beneath the harness. This can cause a child to slip through the straps, increasing the risk of injury or ejection from the seat. Therefore, it’s crucial to find a balance between keeping children warm and ensuring their safety while buckled into their car seats. Babymore’s collection of car seats is designed to shield your child from all kinds of weather, you might want to try for yourself!
It’s essential to follow these guidelines for children of all ages, as bulky clothing can compromise the effectiveness of seat belts and harnesses:
Keep the carrier portion of infant seats inside the house when not in use to maintain a comfortable temperature, minimising heat loss for the child during car rides.
Start your day early to allow ample time for preparations, especially on chilly mornings. Driving in winter conditions requires extra caution, so plan for a slower pace.
Dress your child in thin layers, starting with close-fitting garments like leggings or bodysuits. Layering allows for flexibility in adjusting clothing to the temperature. Remember to remove bulky items like coats and blankets before buckling your child into the car seat.
Hats, mittens, and socks or booties help keep kids warm without interfering with car seat straps. Opt for half-gloves with open fingers for thumb-sucking children or keep extra mittens on hand.
Even if your child appears snugly bundled, multiple layers may prevent you from tightening the harness adequately. Ensure a secure fit by adjusting the straps snugly against your child’s chest.
Place a blanket over the harness straps or put your child’s coat on backward after buckling them up. Avoid bulky inserts that can compromise harness effectiveness.
If using a cover, ensure it doesn’t add bulk beneath the baby. Always leave the baby’s face uncovered to prevent suffocation. Only use products approved by safety authorities to avoid compromising crash protection.
Keep extra blankets, dry clothing, hats, gloves, and snacks in your car for emergencies or unplanned winter outings.
Remember, your child’s safety is paramount. By following these winter car seat safety tips, you can ensure your little one stays warm and secure during your winter travels. Remember, safety should always be the top priority when transporting children in vehicles.
At Babymore, your baby’s safety is our top most priority. Our diverse range of car seats are designed in a way that makes your little-one safe and secure. All our products have been tested and EU and UK approved for use in vehicles, you might want to check out the blog on car seat regulations. You can rest assured that they meet all the latest health and safety standards, which is an absolute must when buying this type of product. They all have Isofix connectors to make them quick to fit. Furthermore, they have many great features to make your life easier. That includes the ability to convert them into a carrier, and removable covers which are washable. Comfortable, easy to maintain and long-lasting, our car seats are an excellent investment. For more information about our car seats, don’t hesitate to explore our range below or contact our team.
