Many Parents asked why they should not use winter coats in a car seat? Dr. Leah Alexander did extensive research to answer this important question to our dear readers.
Winter is approaching, which means it is time to dress warmly for outdoor activities. As you prepare for this weather, you layer on the heavier onesies, sweaters, coats, and hats. Then, putting your child into the car seat requires you to remove a layer.
You look at your little one, very warm and cozy, and think, “Do I really need to take the coat off? “Is this really necessary?” In reality, it is. Read further and you will understand why it is much safer to take the coat off.
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Why Are Heavy Coats Unsafe?
The primary issue of bulky coats and clothing is that they prevent car seat harnesses from properly securing your infant or child.
These straps remain unexpectedly loose because of the coat. According to the AAP:
“In a car crash, fluffy padding immediately flattens out from the force, leaving extra space in the harness. A child can slip through the straps and be thrown from the seat.”
When in a car seat, straps and clips should lie flat against the chest. The chest clip should be at the armpit level (source). Straps should be tight but comfortable for your child.
The AAP Recommendations
The American Academy of Pediatrics, however, provides more specific age and height recommendations for car seat use:
- Birth to Age 4 Rear-facing, infant car seat (under 35lbs)
- Age 4 to seat weight Forward-facing convertible or harness car seat limit (35-60lbs)
- Ages 8-12 Booster seat Height under 4’9”
- Ages 13 and up Seatbelt only Height at least 4’9
Take a look at this link for their helpful charts and diagrams
How To Choose & Proper Installation
They also provide information on how to choose and properly install a car seat:
It is important to note that all infants and toddlers should be kept rear-facing at least until the age of 2.
Crash test studies reveal an increased risk of spinal cord injuries among this age group during accidents when in a forward-facing car seat.
In November 2018, the AAP updated their policy to state “rear-facing until the age of 4” if possible:
Because laws may vary in your state, it is best to consult your local authorities to determine when to transition your child to the next stage of car seat.
Carseat Safety & Laws
First, let’s discuss a bit about car seats. Carseats for infants and children have come a long way since laws were passed requiring their use in 1985.
Recommendations on which type of seat to use varies by age, weight, and height.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Committee offers some basic recommendations:
- Infants Rear-facing, infant car seat
- Toddlers Forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether
- Grade School Children Booster seat
- Older Children Seatbelt only
How do I Know Which Coats Are Safe?
It may be obvious that bulky down coats and snowsuits will not fit well in a carseat.
You may be wondering, however, if a fleece onesie or lighter jacket would be ok.
- SAFE: No more worries about safety when buckling your baby over bulky coats or clothing! Try our...
- QUICK: Save time getting in and out of the car. The Traveling Poncho slips on over your child’s...
- FITS: Reversible, two styles in one!One Size, the poncho fits kids 6-12 months old in car seat up to...
- SAFE CAR COAT: We agree, bulky coats under belts are not safe, that's why our car seat ponchos go on...
- QUICK: This women & veteran owned small business made sure you'd save time getting in and out of the...
- FITS: One Size, the poncho fits kids 6 months to 5 years old, in car seat or walkers, and grows with...
- SAFE CAR COAT: SAFE, crash tested in a crash testing facility, surpassing safety standards, Safety...
- QUICK: This women & veteran owned small business made sure you'd save time getting in and out of the...
- FITS: One Size, the poncho fits kids 6 months to 5 years old, in car seat or walkers, and grows with...
- SAFE CAR COAT: SAFE, crash tested in a crash testing facility, surpassing safety standards, Safety...
- QUICK: This women & veteran owned small business made sure you'd save time getting in and out of the...
- FITS: One Size, the poncho fits kids 6 months to 5 years old, in car seat or walkers, and grows with...
- SAFE CAR COAT: SAFE, crash tested in a crash testing facility, surpassing safety standards, Safety...
- QUICK: This women & veteran owned small business made sure you'd save time getting in and out of the...
- FITS: One Size, the poncho fits kids 6 months to 5 years old, in car seat or walkers, and grows with...
Last update on 2021-10-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Consumer Reports developed a “Puffy Coat Check” to help parents determine if their child is safe. They recommend:
Step 1
Put the coat on your child, sit him or her in the car seat, and fasten the harness. Tighten the harness until you can no longer pinch any of the webbing with your thumb and forefinger.
Step 2
Without loosening the harness at all, unhook it, and remove your child from the car seat.
Take the coat off, put your child back in the car seat, and buckle the harness straps, which should be adjusted just as they were when the child was wearing the coat.
Step 3
If you can pinch the webbing between your thumb and forefinger now, then the coat is too bulky to be worn under the harness.
You may want to try this test before assuming that a lighter coat is safe enough. Take a look at this consumer Reports video
In general, however, Consumer Reports agrees with the medical authorities: removing the coat is safer.
It’s Cold Outside! Now What?
You may have noticed a variety of products on the market with claims stating they are a “safe winter coat” option for car seats. Once such option is Buckle Me Coats.
- Safer baby and toddler winter coat for use in car seats; award-winning design; ingenious solution to...
- Side zipper and hook & loop closures at the shoulders enable you to move the entire front panel and...
- Getting child out of car seat is just as easy; more importantly, no need to struggle in the confines...
- WORRY FREE: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children should have their coat removed...
- CRASH TESTED FOR SAFETY: Our patented dual fold design was engineered to maintain absolute contact...
- FAST & EASY: Moms are raving about how easy Buckle Me Baby winter coats are to use. Un snap – Pull...
- WORRY FREE: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children should have their coat removed...
- CRASH TESTED FOR SAFETY: Our patented dual fold design was engineered to maintain absolute contact...
- FAST & EASY: Moms are raving about how easy Buckle Me Baby winter coats are to use. Un snap – Pull...
- WORRY FREE CAR SEAT SNOWSUIT: award-winning design allows you to safely keep baby snowsuits on in...
- CRASH TESTED FOR SAFETY: our patented dual fold design was engineered to maintain absolute contact...
- WARM, FAST, & EASY: one-piece snowsuit back panel is thin with an incompressible fleece lining to...
- WORRY FREE: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children should have their coat removed...
- CRASH TESTED FOR SAFETY: Our patented dual fold design was engineered to maintain absolute contact...
- FAST & EASY: Moms are raving about how easy Buckle Me Baby winter coats are to use. Un snap – Pull...
Last update on 2021-10-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I have not, however, found a single product that has been endorsed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Both government and medical authorities agree that bulky coats and car seats are a bad combination.
Instead, the consensus is to use a blanket or the heavy winter coat draped over the car seat once your infant is secured inside.
Adding a hat and mittens provides additional warmth. Blankets should NOT be wrapped around the baby or tucked under the harness in any way [Mayo Clinic]
- Super Warmth Lined: Insulated with lightweight thick sherpa fleece to keep hands super warm and dry...
- Durable Water-Repellent Nylon Fabric: It is water-resistant and wear resistant for any outdoor snow...
- Non-slip PU Palm: Full PU gripper on the palm and fingers. The quality is approved as imported...
- Comfortable Material: Made of high-quality soft acrylic and spandex, which is full of elasticity,...
- Adorable Gloves Size: The length of the knit glove is about 13 - 14cm/5.1 - 5.5inch, it is...
- Winter Toddler Mittens: These cute Mittens prevent children from grabbing things and keep his hands...
- Various colors: come in 6 colors, yellow, blue, red, black, dark grey and white, 2 pieces of each...
- Children warm gloves: knit gloves, comfortable to wear and soft to touch, the rib-knit cuff works...
- Premium warm material: made of the blend of acrylic and cotton, keep the cold air off children's...
- Comfortable to wear: these mini gloves are made of acrylic and spandex, warm and breathable, it can...
- Adorable gloves: each glove measures 11.5 cm/ 4.5 inches in length, and its width is approx. 6.5 cm/...
- Various choices: there are many colors included, easy to match with different outfits in various...
- Thick and Waterproof: Winter ski gloves made of high-quality acrylic fiber, super soft and...
- Two Sizes: The toddler mittens include two sizes S and M. S suitable for 2-4 years old baby; M...
- Unique Design: The glove mittens design is very easy for children to put on and take off. The velcro...
Last update on 2021-10-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The AAP offers additional tips for keeping your little one warm AND safe (Source)
Blanket In The Best Solution
So, as you prepare for enjoying fun winter activities, remember car seat safety. Skip the heavy coat, and bring a blanket to drape over him or her instead.
- Eliminate blankets: no worries about rolling over your little one's blanket with your stroller...
- Bundle Me bunting bag: baby can enjoy maximum warmth wrapped in plush inner Shearling with a...
- Stable design: removable top allows for easy temperature control to keep your little one...
- Baby car seat covers are the perfect accessory for cold weather travel with your little one. With...
- Keep the collar closed to block out cold wind, or flip it open and snap it to the outer layer for...
- Universal fit car seat cover features soft fabric for baby’s comfort and elastic bottom for a snug...
- 【 WEATHER PROOF SHELL 】liuliuby’s high quality, wind proof and water resistant shell protects...
- 【 BABY’S COMFORT 】The ultra-soft, luxurious coral fleece lining cocoons baby for ultimate...
- 【 STYLE & CONVENIENCE 】Clean design that includes conveniences for today’s modern...
- Royal treatment: stretch over your infant carrier or standard-sized stroller to protect your little...
- Warm in winter: the weather might turn, but our weather-resistant nylon and soft fleece cover will...
- Bundle of joy: The blanket-like design lets you skip the bulky coat, while the zippered flap helps...
- Muslin cotton car seat and stroller canopy
- Made with 100% muslin cotton
- Snap closures to keep secure on car seat and stroller
Last update on 2021-10-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
