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, βDo I really need to take the coat off? βIs this really necessary?β 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?Β
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:
βIn 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.βΒ
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.Β
The AAP RecommendationsΒ
The American Academy of Pediatrics, however, provides more specific age and height recommendations for carseat use:Β
- Birth to Age 4 Rear-facing, infant carseat (under 35lbs)Β
- Age 4 to seat weight Forward-facing convertible or harness carseat limit (35-60lbs)Β
- Ages 8-12 Booster seat Height under 4β9βΒ
- Ages 13 and up Seatbelt only Height at least 4β9Β
Take a look at this link for their helpful charts and diagramsΒ
How To Choose & Proper InstallationΒ
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 βrear-facing until the age of 4β 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 & LawsΒ
First, letβs 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 carseatΒ
- Toddlers Forward-facing carseat with a harness and tetherΒ
- Grade School Children Booster seatΒ
- Older Children Seatbelt onlyΒ
How do I Know Which Coats Are Safe?Β
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...
- γPls check the size chart before ordering.γIt is suitable for 0-24 Months infants;
- One side cotton surface one side plush material;soft and comfortableοΌAdd plush,keep baby double...
- Fashion rabbit design for your baby
- 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...
- 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 βPuffy Coat Checkβ 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.Β
You may want to try this test before assuming that a lighter coat is safe enough. Take a look at this consumer Reports videoΒ
In general, however, Consumer Reports agrees with the medical authorities: removing the coat is safer.Β
Itβs Cold Outside! Now What?Β
You may have noticed a variety of products on the market with claims stating they are a βsafe winter coatβ 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...
- Designed By a Parent For Car Seat Safety
- Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) Approved
- Longer Sleeves For Multi-Season Wear W/Out Sizing Up
- One Step Open Front/Shoulder Panel Car Seat Coat
- Harness Safely On Chest/Shoulders Jacket
- Thin Back = Same Harness Setting As No Coat in Car Seat
- Kids ponchos, ponchos for kids, car seat poncho ,girls poncho, carseat poncho for girl, girls poncho...
- Boys poncho, fleece hooded poncho kids, carseat coats for toddlers, car seat coat, childrens poncho,...
- Carseat ponchos, wool ponchos, poncho toddler girl, wool poncho, carseat coat toddler, toddler...
- SUITABLE FOR VEGAN FAMILIES - The Road Coat Vegan car seat safety coat is vegan & allergy friendly....
- SAFE - Enjoy full peace of mind that your infant is safe in the car. The Split collar design ensures...
- KEEPS KIDS WARM - The Vegan Road Coat is great for keeping children warm in temperatures as low as...
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
- Soft material: these kids gloves are made of fleece and polyester, designed with good texture and...
- Adjustable style: the hook and loop design can keep the cold air out of your gloves and you can...
- Thumb design: the thumb part of the gloves is separated with other fingers which allows 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...
- EASY TO PUT ON AND STAYS ON: The mittens are designed with elastic in the wrist area, which widens...
- WARM AND COMFORTABLE: NβIce 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...
- Toddler gloves utility: all kinds of lovely colors can cover the baby's whole hands to prevent him...
- Comfortable to wear: these mini knitted gloves are made of cotton, acrylic fiber and spandex...
- Elastic and soft: soft and elastic gloves suitable for baby's skin, with enough elasticity to...
The AAP offers additional tips for keeping your little one warm AND safe(Source)
Blanket In The Best SolutionΒ
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: Β Removable top allows for easy temperature control to keep your little one...
- 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
- BLANKETS NOT REQUIRED: Keep your baby warm and cozy with a luxuriously soft Thermaplush interior and...
- WEATHER READY: The removable top and detachable hood allow for easy temperature control to keep your...
- REFINED STYLE: Fits most infant carriers; Choose between multiple styles of stylish colors and...
- Baby cozy fleece booties
- Made with 100% polyester
- Soft, gentle and comfortable on baby's skin
- - MULTI-USE: Swaddle, carseat blanket for Car seat or Stroller with 5 slots for 3 or 5 Point Harness...
- - QUALITY: Premium quality, double sided with light filling, breathable cotton on one side, super...
- - EASY to USE: Easy transition in and out from Stroller or Car seat, keeping the baby warm and...
Last update on 2020-01-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
