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.
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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 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: 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: 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...
- 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...
Last update on 2021-04-14 / 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 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...
- 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...
- Attention:The new and old colors are random. If you want to specify a certain color, please contact...
- ☞ Pattern Type:Patchwork ☜ ------- ☞ Solid, stripe, polka dot, leopard, gradient, print,...
- Attention:The new and old colors are random. If you want to specify a certain color, please contact...
- 【🍓Gender: Boy/Girl🍓】 children coat winter children coat winter baby coats 3-6 months baby...
- 【🍓Material: Cotton Blend🍓】 baby jackets 3-6 months baby jackets 12-18 months baby jacket...
- 【🍓Sleeve Length: Long Sleeve🍓】 baby jacket 0-3 months boy winter baby outwear baby outwear...
- summer women thick bottom sandals non-slip flip flops sandals beach platform wedge slippers women...
- clubwear sleeveless slim fitted mini dresses solid color dress sexy clubwear dress,women basic solid...
- plus size casual autumn ladies dress long maxi dress women winter autumn party dress women longs...
Last update on 2021-04-14 / 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 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]
- 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 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...
- EASY TO PUT ON AND STAYS ON: The mittens are specially designed with a large flap that opens extra...
- WATERPROOF, WARM AND SNOWPROOF: The mittens are insulated with 3M Thinsulate for warmth in cold...
- BRING ON THE SNOW! Your little girls and boys will love playing in the snow wearing these warm and...
- EASY TO PUT ON AND STAYS ON: The mittens are designed with elastic in the wrist area, which widens...
- WARM AND COMFORTABLE: N'Ice 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...
- WATERPROOF GLOVES: Waterproof, fits every winter activity! This is the best gloves for SNOWBALL...
- Magic Stretch Design: Perfectly keep the warm and fits every children’s size! Our magic stretch...
- Fresh shining color: Feel winter’s color is so boring? We provide the fresh blue as the main color...
Last update on 2021-04-14 / 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 carseat safety. Skip the heavy coat, and bring a blanket to drape over him or her instead.
- - MULTI-USE: Swaddle, wrap, receiving blanket for car seat with 3-Point or 5 Point Strap System...
- - QUALITY: Premium quality, double sided with filling,100% cotton on one side, OEKO-TEX 100...
- - EASY to USE: With slots for putting the straps of the car seat or stroller through, for 3-Point or...
- - 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...
- ✭ CONVENIENCE - simplicity of use: facilitates leaving the house - it replaces several pieces of...
- ✭ FUNCTIONALITY: an up-down slider system allows you to adjust the blanket to any type of child...
- ✭ PROTECTION: strings ensure a lasting closing of the cover even when the child is kicking; welts...
- 【 WEATHER PROOF SHELL 】liuliuby’s high quality, wind proof and water resistant mélange shell...
- 【 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...
- Our baby seat cover will protect your baby from wind, rain,bright light even unwanted onlooker,there...
- Our breastfeeding cover receiving blanket headband set quality: they are made of cloth,soft and...
- Multi-use cover size: one size fit most all models, it is easy to use and wash(just dry with low...
Last update on 2021-04-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
