Winter Car Seat Safety

Winter Car Seat Safety – Child seats help protect children in case of an auto accident. They are extremely important, helpful and a requirement for children under height, age and weight restrictions. There are things to consider for car seats during winter that may not be at issue during warmer months.

Basics In Winter Car Seat Safety

Store child seats in warmer temperatures when possible. When storing a seat outside or in colder temperatures, children’s body temperature will be lower as soon as they sit in the seat. Allow children to stay warm when they get into a child seat. To increase winter car seat safety, never install a child seat cover or blanket that goes between the child and the straps. Adding items like this can affect the crash test ratings and may cause issues. If you have concerns about your child staying warm in the vehicle, place a cover or jacket on top of them AFTER buckling them in safely. Ensure that you do not place really bulky blankets on small babies to avoid risk of the child being smothered.

Further, it is important to keep an emergency bag in your car, especially in colder climates. Keeping extra blankets, gloves or hats in your car will come in handy if you drop something or become stranded.

Winter Gear Removal

Winter coats should never be worn while in a child seat. It takes extra time to remove your child’s clothing before buckling them into a child seat but the extra effort may save their life. Winter coats and other heavy gear make it so the child seat does not fit properly. Straps are designed to fit snug on the child’s chest and pelvis area. In the event of an accident, children can slip through the harness if they have bulky items on while in a child seat.

Hats, scarves and large bows should also be removed on smaller children and babies. These are good ways for children to stay warm but can smother babies without you knowing. It is better for the driver to focus on the road without having concerns about their child’s safety in the back seat. Should you choose to place a winter hat on your baby, check on them regularly to avoid potential risk.

These guidelines help determine if your child can wear their jacket safely in the car seat:

1. Place the child in the car seat with their jacket on. Snug up the harness and perform the pinch test. You should not be able to pinch any of the harness material at the child’s shoulder.
2. Remove the child from the seat without loosening the harness.
3. Take the child’s coat off and put the child back in the car seat without adjusting the tightness, then buckle up the harness straps.
4. Can you pinch any material between your thumb and forefinger? If yes, then the coat is not safe to wear in the car seat.

It is important to ensure you follow guidelines for child seats and strap children in correctly. Protect your child this winter by following these safety tips.

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Sources: Alaska Highway Safety Office; Health Source Kids

Image Source: Tenet Health