Car Seats & Child Safety

The weather is getting colder and that means more layers for your kiddos. Puffy coats, scarves, hats and blankets all help to keep your child cozy as the temperature drops. A fluffy coat may not be the best option for keeping your child safe in the car, however. Today we are going to take a look at car seats and child safety in the winter time, and offer you some tips on how to ensure your kiddo is safe getting to and from school.

This kiddo may look cool, but a bulky coat in a car seat may not be a good idea.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has offered a warning for parents this winter, big coats and car seats don’t mix. The gap created by the extra fabric can lead to injury in the event of an accident when is is flattened during impact. This has lead to children being ejected from their carseats, which is never a good thing. Instead the straps should always be fastened firmly against your child’s body.

To see just how much room your child’s coat offers you can try a simple experiment. Place your child in the car seat with their coat on and adjust the straps. Then, remove the coat and place your child back in the seat. Take a look at how much room between the straps and your child body exists, and make a note of where the buckles have shifted. Is the chest buckle still in place? Are the straps still snug? If not, you need another option.

How To Stay Warm & Safe

If you find that the coat is too bulky to be worn with your car seat, there are other ways to keep your kiddo safe and warm.

  • Start by dressing your child in warm base layers.
  • For smaller children, put a blanket or two over them; after they have been buckled into the car seat.
  • Look for aftermarket car seat covers to fit your make/model seat. These are specifically designed to add a layer of warmth to the seat without compromising safety.
  • For larger children, once they are buckled into the seat safely, turn the coat around and put it on backwards. This will allow the seat to do its job, while the coat acts as a warm layer on top.

Always remember, when in doubt most local fire departments are trained to install and check car seats to ensure that they are positioned properly in your vehicle. This is a great resource for parents, grandparents, and anyone who may need to install a car seat in their car.

At Mary Margaret Daycare, we believe that every child is precious. We want all of our families to be safe on the road, on the way to school or anywhere your travels may take you. If you would like to learn more about our facilities, contact us today to schedule your tour.

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