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 carseatsmom 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 carseat 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.
Why Are Heavy Coats Unsafe?
The primary issue of bulky coats and clothing is that they prevent carseat 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 carseat, 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 carseat use:
- Birth to Age 4 Rear-facing, infant carseat (under 35lbs)
- Age 4 to seat weight Forward-facing convertible or harness carseat 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 carseat:
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 carseat.
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 carseat.
Carseat Safety & Laws
First, let’s discuss a bit about carseats. 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 carseat
- Toddlers Forward-facing carseat 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 CAR COAT: SAFE, crash tested in a crash testing facility, surpassing safety NHTSA standards,...
- 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 NHTSA standards,...
- 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 NHTSA standards,...
- 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: 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 childs head,...
- FITS: Reversible, two styles in one!One Size, the poncho fits kids 6-12 months old in car seat up to...
- Double lining: Polar fleece inner lining, the outer layer of cotton
- Size 95-100: Length 16 inches, Width 36 inches, fit for 1-3 years babies
- One page pure color One side patterned
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 carseats. 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...
- Double lining: Polar fleece inner lining, the outer layer of cotton
- Size 95-100: Length 16 inches, Width 36 inches, fit for 1-3 years babies
- One page pure color One side patterned
- Comfortable cotton outwear Jacket for little girls
- Long sleeves,flower print pattern,fleece inside
- Thicken winter warm poncho for kids of 1-3 years
- Kids ponchos for 0-2 years olds, and for baby aren't height higher than 100cm/39.4", ponchos for...
- Girls and Boys poncho, fleece hooded poncho kids, carseat coats for toddlers, car seat coat,...
- Carseat ponchos, wool ponchos, poncho toddler girl, wool poncho, carseat coat toddler, toddler...
- Zippered hand pockets
- Regular fit
I have not, however, found a single product that has been endorsed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Both government and medical authorities all agree that bulky coats and carseats 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]
- Stripe Style Fits toddlers/children ages 6T to 8T, and other styles(including solid style, fair isle...
- Warm yet breathable acrylic knit outer layer keeps kids' hands warm and toasty
- Available in a variety of adorable knits and patterns to match all your little ones' winter wear
- EASY TO PUT ON AND STAYS ON: The mittens are designed with elastic in the wrist area, which widens...
- WARM AND COMFORTABLE: NIce Caps fleece materials are selected for softness and comfort, and are...
- 2 PAIRS IN EACH PACK! With 2 pairs in each pack, you can keep one pair clipped to your child's...
- Package includes: each package comes with 6 pairs of winter knit gloves in different colors, the...
- Material: these mini gloves are made of acrylic and spandex with strong elasticity, flexible and...
- Adorable accessories: its warm and great color combination design makes these gloves can not only...
- SimpliKids ski and snowboard mittens for kids provide waterproof protection for all around cool...
- Mitts use 3M's Thinsulate material as insert for extra insulation from the cold snow
- Extra large, easy-to-use adjustable wrist straps fit snug and allows kids to put the gloves on by...
- 3M Thinsulate insulation and waterproof membrane lining insert
- Full sure gripper PU on palm and thumb
- Gusset insert under wrap
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 carseat safety. Skip the heavy coat, and bring a blanket to drape over him or her instead.
- BUNDLEME 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 comfortable...
- Comes with multiple styles with distinct colors and patterns
- Universal Fit Elastic Car Seat Cover Features Soft Fabric For Baby's Comfort And Warmth
- Ultra-plush Fleece Collar Flips Open And Securely Snaps To Outer Layer
- Collar Snaps Closed For Extra Warmth While Framing Baby's Head
- PATENTED STYLISH BABY CAR SEAT COVERS for boys and girls fit your baby car seat in just...
- ADJUSTABLE OPENING with two zippers allow mom to take a peep at baby and easily remove baby without...
- UNIVERSAL FIT & EASY INSTALL-- The stretch fabric and 4 snaps ensure secure fit on most baby car...
- Baby protection: stretch over your baby carrier to protect your baby from the elements and low...
- Blanket style design: weather-resistant nylon deflects wind and light rain; soft fleece and a...
- Temperature control: adapt to the weather by unzipping the flap or removing the top entirely
- PROTECT WHAT MATTERS. Help your baby stay healthy and safe from germs, nosy strangers, bugs, rain,...
- NAPTIME ANYTIME. Our Peekaboo Opening makes checking in on babies less disruptive than a blanket or...
- LESS IS MORE. Save money and add space to your diaper bag (we make those too!) because our Peekaboo...
Last update on 2020-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
