The wintertime is a tricky time for car seats. As a general rule, bulky clothing like coats and snowsuits should not be worn underneath the harness of your vehicle’s seat belt because it can cause discomfort to both drivers as well as a passenger if there are any sudden stops or turns on roadways where these garments come into contact with moving parts within an interior compartment (such as door handles).
When a car crash occurs, the fluffy padding on coats instantly flattens out from force. This leaves extra space under straps where children can slip through and be thrown away by their harness.
The best way to ensure that your little ones are warm while they ride in the car is by using these tips. It’s also important for you, as a parent or guardian (or both!), to make sure their safety belts fit properly and securely before letting them sit down.
Keep your child warm and safe in the car seat with these tips
The following tips are appropriate for all ages. In fact, wearing a puffy coat yourself with the seat belt is not considered safe practice because it adds space between your body and the vehicle’s interior furnishings that could result in suffocation or other dangers if there were sudden movements during an accident; therefore please don’t do this.
- The car seat is where you keep your infant’s carrier when it isn’t in use. To reduce the loss of body heat, make sure that both are at room temperature before placing them away from each other so they can cool down together.
- Get an early start. Head out the door with your baby early in order to ensure that you are both well-prepared for winter mornings. You’ll need all of those extra tools and supplies, but it’s worth getting an earlier start if only so they’re not left unattended while driving on icy roads.
- In order to stay warm and comfortable during winter, it is important that you dress your child in thin layers. Start by wearing close-fitting tights or leggings on the bottom with a warmer top like an extra thick sweater over them – this will help keep their core temperature stable while they are active outdoors! For very cold days call foul weather gear into play such as snow boots/snow Shoes (depending upon how much there has been), fleece jackets, etc.
Infants and children grow so fast it’s important to keep up with their changing needs. If you have a coat on, they will probably need an extra layer or two underneath the ones that are already there – just remember to take off any outerwear before putting them in a car seat. - When it’s cold outside, don’t forget to pack a hat and a pair of gloves. You’ll also need socks or booties for the car seat strap if your child tends towards thumbsucking! Consider taking an extra set just in case- once they get wet these will help keep them colder rather than warmer while you wait around until their clothes dry out before putting on new ones again (which could take hours).
- Make sure the straps are tight enough for safety. Even if your child looks snuggly bundled up in their car seat, it’s important that they’re safe and secure so double-check these before heading out.
- For those who live in colder climates, it is important to keep their children warm while they ride. One way of doing this efficiently and effectively will be by using a coat or blanket over the harness straps after buckle-up time has passed- when putting on an additional layer during transportation can help make sure your little one stays comfortable throughout travel! If you’re going out into cooler weather remember not only what type of clothing might work well but also take note if there are any areas where heat could escape from – say around zippers/closures etc., so these spots don’t get too hot under blankets.
- Use a car seat cover only if it does not have an extra layer under your baby. Anything bulky should never go underneath their body or between them and the harness straps; make sure to leave their face uncovered so they can breathe easily in order for there not to be trapped air bubbles that could cause suffocation! Many retailers carry products like these bundles, but don’t just buy whatever is on sale – always check first before leaving the store with children who are still learning how to fare off objects inside cars without hurting themselves.
- Remember, if you don’t have the original car seat then make sure it’s been crash tested and doesn’t interfere with protection provided in a crash. Never use sleeping bag inserts or other stroller accessories on top of seats that are specifically made for children.
- To make sure you and your family are safe in case of an emergency, it is best to pack a bag for each member. Include items such as extra blankets or dry clothing; hats and gloves (a must!), non-perishable snacks that can keep food preserving).
The last thing you need when taking your car seat on an adventure is a bulky item between the child and their harness. Take just a few extra minutes to make sure that everything feels secure, before getting in a vehicle with peace of mind.
Source:
- Winter Car Seat Safety Tips from the AAP https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Winter-Car-Seat-Safety-Tips.aspx American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2015)
The information on this site is not a substitute for medical care and advice from your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that he or she recommends based on individual facts, circumstances or personal preference you have as an adult who is now taking responsibility of caring for another life stage alongside their own childhoods!
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