As winter approaches, many parents wonder about the safest way to keep their children warm while traveling in car seats. One crucial point to remember is that dressing kids in bulky winter coats can be dangerous. If you’re unfamiliar with the specifics, let me clarify this important safety issue.
Dr. Lisa Green, a pediatrician and car seat safety advocate, explains that bulky winter attire can create significant slack in car seat harness straps. Items like thick coats or snowsuits can add up to 4 inches of extra bulk. This becomes a serious concern during a car accident, as the impact can compress the coat, leaving your child improperly secured in their seat. A loose harness means a greater risk of injury or worse during a crash.
To better understand the implications of this, I encourage you to watch this informative video provided by Dr. Green on her website, which outlines the dangers of these winter garments.
Now that you recognize the risks associated with puffy coats, you might wonder how to keep your child warm during those frigid outings. It’s understandable that even parents who are aware of the safety issues can feel lost when temperatures drop to extreme lows. Trust me, I’ve faced my share of judgment from onlookers when I’ve had my kids in the car seat without coats.
Fortunately, there are effective and safe strategies for dressing your child for winter travel.
Dr. Green emphasizes that keeping your child safe doesn’t mean they have to freeze. “No child should suffer from the cold in the car,” she asserts. To ensure your child’s comfort and safety, she offers several guidelines for choosing appropriate car seat attire.
Layering is Key
Firstly, consider the duration of your car ride. For brief trips, it’s acceptable to dress your child more warmly since they’ll be exposed to the cold for a shorter period. However, for longer journeys, you may want to layer them less heavily to prevent overheating.
Dress your child in tight, form-fitting clothing that won’t add unnecessary bulk. Start with a lightweight onesie and leggings, followed by a snug long-sleeve shirt and a fitted sweater. Top it off with a thin fleece jacket, which Dr. Green recommends for its warmth without added bulk. If it’s particularly cold, a blanket over their legs can provide extra warmth.
Another alternative is to put your child’s winter coat on backward, with the back facing out and their arms through the sleeves, after they are securely buckled into the car seat. Dr. Green suggests aiming for two to four snug layers to keep your child warm without overheating.
Safe Winter Gear Options
For those who still prefer a coat or snowsuit, there are safe options available. Look for thinner, tightly-fitted winter gear that’s designed for safe use in car seats. Dr. Green recommends specific fleece jackets from the Columbia line, which are affordable and durable. If you’re considering a full-body suit, the Infant Oso One Piece from The North Face is a solid choice, though it’s pricier.
For a higher investment, the OneKid Road Coat is specifically designed for car seats, providing warmth in temperatures as low as -25°F, with a double zipper system to avoid bulk.
Regardless of the coat you choose, always double-check the fit. Dr. Green recommends a simple safety test: buckle your child into the car seat with their winter gear on, then remove the gear without loosening the straps. If the harness remains snug, the outfit is safe. If not, the coat or snowsuit may not be appropriate.
It may seem overwhelming at first, but rest assured there are plenty of safe options this winter to keep your child warm and secure. Prioritizing car seat safety is essential; with car accidents being a leading cause of fatal injuries among children, it’s vital to take these guidelines seriously.
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Summary
Dressing children in bulky winter coats while in car seats is unsafe as it compromises the harness fit, increasing the risk of injury in an accident. Instead, parents should opt for layered, form-fitting clothing and consider safe winter gear designed for car seat use. Always test the fit of the harness with your child’s winter clothing to ensure safety.