Winter car seat safety
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.
What is the safety issue?
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.
Keeping a baby warm without using a coat or swaddling
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.
- Dress them warmly. You can layer their clothes which allows them to be warm. 2- 4 layers depending on the weather is sufficient. Once your child is buckled into their seat, cover them with a light blanket tucked around the sides. Make sure nothing is behind your baby’s back! If you feel they may still not be worm enough you can add another heavier blanket over the top, again ensuring it is not behind their back as this can act as a catapult in the event of an accident.
- If it is really cold then whenever it is feasible warm the car before putting the baby in their seat.
- Some companies have developed car seat covers. These are designed specifically to fit over the whole seat once the baby is in it and they have a peep-hole so that baby’s face remains uncovered.
- Another option is to use the coat that they will wear once they are out of the car seat and once they are harnessed in to the seat place the child’s coat on backwards over their arms. This will keep them warm without compromising safety.
- It is safe to swaddle your baby over the harness. Never swaddle under the straps. There are specific swaddling products able to be purchased that are designed specially for the car seat and are considered safe to use as they are not behind the baby.
How do I know my child is strapped in correctly in winter clothing?
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.
