Coats and Car Seats

Coats and Car Seats

Winter means keeping kids warm, but did you know that babies and young children in car seats should NOT wear puffy coats or snowsuits when in their car seats? A coat or snowsuit can compress under the harness of a car seat, sometimes up to four inches! This compression can cause your child's car seat straps to not fit properly, leaving a dangerous situation. Sleeping bags for babies can also add extra slack under the harness, creating an unsafe ride for your baby.

How should you warm your baby or young child in the car seat when cold?

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Try these tips to keep your child warm and safe while in their car seat:

• Dress your baby or young child in snug layers, like onesies and leggings. Add long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, a hat, shoes, and socks. You can even include a jacket.

• For babies, use covers specifically for car seats designed to give warmth. The car seat manufacturer should approve these covers for your specific car seat. 

• For older babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners, after securing them in the car seat, turn their coat around and put it on backward (arms through the armholes) so the coat is on top of the harness, or use a blanket in the car. 

• Make sure your child is in the safest car or booster seat as appropriate for their age, height and weight.