Grace WellsIt’s important to keep children safe from the elements, especially in cold temperatures. This generally means bundling them up in layers of clothing, including jackets and coats.
For children in car seats, however, these extra layers and bulky winter wear could put them in danger during accident. Fortunately, there is an easy way to check–and we’ll tell you how!
How to Check for Car Seat Safety
To see if your child’s extra layers are preventing the car seat from keeping them safe, first place them in their car seat with all of the layers on. Next, secure the harness straps and ensure there is no slack. After that, remove their coat or outer layers and put them back in the seat.
If the straps are now loose or have slack without adjusting them, there’s a problem. If this is the case, you’ll need to find other ways to keep them warm in the car and remove those extra layers.
Keep Them Warm AND Safe
Rather than bundling your child up in winter gear that impedes the car seat’s function, get creative with keeping them warm during car trips. The easiest fix is to remove bulky coats before placing your child in the car seat and then draping the coat back over them.
You can also keep a spare blanket on hand to snuggle under. For older children, you can also put the sleeves of their coats on backward after securing them. Don’t forget to pack extra mittens and hats, as well as thick socks, to keep extremities warm, too.
Practicing these safety tips will help keep your children warm and safe during cold weather. For more tips, read our article on How to Choose the Safest Car Seat, and Why It Matters. Additionally, you can find out where to get Free Car Seat Checkups, Inspections, and Educational Workshops to ensure your car seat is safe and installed properly.
Erin Long
