How to Dress Your Child for Car Seat Safety in Winter

Let's break it down with practical, straightforward tips to help you keep your child safe and warm, so you can hit the road with confidence this winter. 
 

Why Winter Coats Are Dangerous for Car Seats 

You may be tempted to buckle up your little one in a puffy winter jacket, but it’s important to understand why bulky coats can be dangerous in car seats. 

When a child wears a winter coat in their car seat, the fluffy material compresses under the force of a crash. This creates slack in the harness, even if you’ve tightened it snugly. The result? Your child could slip out of the straps, significantly increasing the risk of serious injury.

The Risk of Bulky Coats 

Crash tests have shown that bulky winter coats can leave up to four inches of slack in the harness. This is enough slack to compromise your child's safety. According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, this gap can make the difference between a safe ride and a life-threatening situation.

What Should Kids Wear? 

The key to winter car seat safety is layering! Here's the golden rule: dress your child in thin, snug layers and use accessories to keep them warm. 

Why Thin Layers Are Safer 

When it comes to dressing your child for the car seat, thin layers are recommended over thicker ones for several reasons: 

• Snug Fit: Thin layers allow the harness to sit close to your child’s body, ensuring a secure fit. This is crucial in case of a crash. 

• Flexibility: Thick layers, like bulky coats, interfere with the proper positioning of the harness and can compress under force, creating slack. 

• Comfort and warmth: Thin layers allow the child to retain warmth without compromising safety. 
  
  

Layering Basics

• Base Layer: Start with close-fitting layers like leggings, long-sleeve bodysuits, or thermal tops. These provide warmth without the bulk. 
   
• Middle Layer: Add a fleece jacket or sweater. Fleece is a great material because it's lightweight yet offers excellent warmth. Plus, it doesn't compress as much under crash forces compared to other materials like down. 
   
• Outer Layer: For additional warmth, use a car seat-compatible coat, blanket, or warm accessories. Always ensure that these items are placed over the harness after your child is buckled in. 
  

Safe Accessories

• Car Seat-Compatible Coats: Look for car seat-friendly coats like the Buckle Me Baby Coat, which allows the harness to lay flat against your child’s body. 

• Car Seat Covers: A car seat cover, such as the 7 A.M. Enfant Le Sac Igloo Footmuff, provides warmth without interfering with the harness system. Ensure that the cover does not place additional material underneath your child. 
  

How to Keep Your Child Safe & Cozy 

Here are some tried-and-true tips for ensuring your child is both warm and secure in their car seat this winter: 

• Warm the Car First: Before you place your child in the car seat, warm the car for a few minutes. This helps prevent your child from sitting in a cold, uncomfortable seat.
  
  
• Dress in Layers: As mentioned, thin layers are key to safety. Layering gives your child warmth while allowing for proper harness tightening. 

• Use a Blanket Over the Harness: After your child is securely buckled, drape a blanket over them for extra warmth. Avoid putting anything underneath the harness that could compromise its function. 
  
  

FAQs 

Q: How do I know if my child’s coat is too big to wear under their harness? 

Use the "pinch test": Buckle your child in the car seat while wearing their coat. Tighten the harness until it passes the pinch test (you can’t pinch any harness webbing between your fingers). Without loosening the straps, remove your child from the seat, take off the coat, and buckle them back in. If the harness is now loose, the coat is too bulky to wear in the car seat. 

Q: How do I keep my child warm without compromising safety? 

Dress your child in thin, snug layers. Add a fleece jacket, warm hat, mittens, and thick socks or booties for warmth. For toddlers, consider a backward coat worn over the harness after they are buckled in.

Q: How do I prevent my child from overheating in the car during winter? 

Monitor your child for signs of overheating (flushed skin, sweating) and adjust layers as needed. Always ensure the car is at a comfortable temperature before your child gets inside.

Q: Is there a difference between infant and toddler car seat safety in winter? 

While the core principles remain the same (no bulky clothing under the harness), infants may benefit more from car seat covers, while toddlers might prefer a backward coat or blanket over the harness for warmth. 

Extra Tips 

Winter driving with kids requires some extra preparation. Here are a few tips to make your car trips safer and more comfortable: 

• Keep the Car Seat Warm: Store your infant carrier portion of your travel system inside when not in use to avoid placing your child in a cold seat. 

• Allow Extra Time: Give yourself enough time in the morning to layer, warm the car, and ensure the harness is tight and secure. Winter driving may require slower speeds, so leaving early will help reduce stress. 

• Pack a Winter Emergency Kit: Always keep extra blankets, hats, mitts, and snacks in the car, especially if you're travelling in remote areas or for long distances. 

• Always, Always Check the Harness: Even with thin layers, always double-check that the harness is snug. If you can pinch the straps, tighten them further for a secure fit. 
  
  

Final Thoughts

As parents, we want to keep our children warm and protected during cold weather. However, car seat safety should always be the priority. Fortunately, with a few adjustments—like layering appropriately, using car seat-compatible coats, and adding blankets — you don't have to sacrifice warmth for safety. 

By following these simple tips, you can confidently ensure your child stays both snug and secure on winter drives. For more winter parenting essentials, explore our curated collection of car seat accessories designed to make this season smooth and stress-free. 

Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy your winter adventures! 

On the hunt for the perfect winter stroller? Be sure to check out our Best Strollers for Canadian Winters.