Do you sometimes have your baby snug as a bug wrapped up in winter wear, perhaps in a jacket, and then pop them into their car seat?
Safety advocates warn that winter coats along with sleeping bags, wrapping in blankets, snow suits, head & body inserts and buntings are not safe to use in the car seat.
Keeping our baby warm and comfortable in the cold winter months is, of course, important, although we need to be aware of potential dangers in relation to popping our baby into their car seat.
Being alert to potential dangers could literally mean the difference between life and death in an accident.
A jacket or thick layering can affect the overall safety (and effectiveness) of the car seat and ultimately impact on the safety of your child within that seat.
In the event of an accident the child is not restrained correctly and dire consequences could occur. Additionally the car seat manufacturer is not at fault in this instance and the warranty is voided.
Using a winter jacket, or something similar such as wrapping or swaddling them in their car seat compromises their safety.
In order for the seat to work and protect your child the straps need to be secured and remain tight against the child.
Bulky winter coats can pose a serious threat when worn under the straps of car seats including booster seats, as they create too much space in between your child’s body and the harness itself. There is a real chance that in the event of an accident a child can be ejected from their car seat.
Additionally, there is the possibility that your child may overheat whilst in their car seat.
It is possible to keep your baby/child warm without using the coat or swaddling in their car seat.
The goal is to have your child comfortable….not too hot and certainly not too cold.
It is recommended to ensure that nothing alters the way a child interacts with a car seat. Nothing should come between a child and the car seat straps.
This is applicable for all seats including booster seats. Basically if your baby’s back is resting directly onto the car seat then it is a safe option such as the following suggestions.
The best way to see is by using what is called the Pinch test.
A pinch test is done by using your thumb and your index finger and pinch the harness near the child’s collar bone.
If you are unable to pinch any excess webbing when you pinch the strap, the harness is considered snug enough.