The short answer is - yes - winter coats are dangerous in the car seat.
I know - I know - it seems like there's a lot of hype around puffy coat dangers especially when viral videos show children being thrown from car seats with obviously improperly tightened/loose straps leaving you thinking well if the straps were just tighter.....
The Unvarnished Real Deal
It is impossible to tighten the straps correctly with a winter coat on.
In a car crash the coat not only compresses creating space between your child and the harness but the force of the crash can stretch the harness up to 7%! Even if your child is not thrown entirely from the car seat all the stretching and the space left from compression will pitch your child too far forward. Studies show that as the distance forward increases the risk of critical injury also increases. In fact as little as 6 millimeters of forward movement can be the difference between walking away from a crash and sustaining critical injuries.
The Safest Solution
Tight harnesses directly on the chest and shoulders with a properly secured top tether decreases forward movement which dramatically reduces risk of critical injury and death. Which means - in short - take the puffy coats off parents. The risk in a crash is just not worth skipping a step.
Pressed for time or don't want to deal with the struggle?
Use a Buckle Me Baby Coat - which is crash tested and designed for easy winter car seat safety, use a blanket, or use a light fleece jacket.
Parents who have discovered Buckle Me Baby Coats say:
"This purchase was a no-brainer...this is the smartest, safest, best purchase I made for my son." Danielle P. Nebraska
"The struggle is finally over!" Kelse B Montana
"Solved the biggest complaint I have in the winter months!" April M
"Wonderful option to the battle of the winter car seat. I have made ponchos for my granddaughter but this is a really great way to keep the safe and warm!" Christina B
"So nice to be able to leave coats on in the frigid Michigan weather. Kids love them too!" Tearsa S Michigan
I purchased the pink for my new granddaughter for Christmas. We live in AZ so it doesn’t really get that cold. Being a Nana of 6, I hate taking coats on and off at the car seat. I’m really happy that I found the buckle me coat.
Buckle Me Baby Cozy Car Seat Blankies
09/10/2025
Laura H.
Love it
Warm enough for Chicago winters in and out of the car (we use a different coat if we're out for a long time). Totally worth it to not have to take it on and off when running errands or going to school! This is our 3rd winter with the same model.
Toast Car Seat Coat
09/03/2025
Annalisa W.
Love it!
The inner material is super soft!! So cozy and perfect for our harsh winters!
Toasty Car Seat Coat
09/02/2025
Aisha S.
Best pjs EVER!
I have tried bamboo pajamas from SO many different brands, but none are as good as the BMBC pjs. They're actually buttery soft, hold up extremely well in the wash, and my baby can wear them for so long due to the extendable arms/legs and stretchy material. My 14 month old is 95th percentile for height and weight and the 6/9 month BMBC pjs still fit him!!! Cannot recommend this company enough. And Dahlia, the owner, is so sweet and responsive.
Nature Jams
08/09/2025
JoAnn H.
Adoreable
So cute and so soft
Wild Child Jams
03/22/2025
Amy a.M.P.
So cozy and warm!
This is so easy to use in the car and instantly warm.
Buckle Me Baby Coziest Car Seat Blankie
03/02/2025
Atalie F.
Genius Jams are GENIUS!
I bought these pjs for my daughter and she loves them! I love that the wrist and feet fold over. The bamboo makes the pjs so soft and they are stretchy which is so nice for a growing little one! Highly recommend!!
Genius Jams
02/26/2025
Linda B.
Love it!!!
It makes it so much easier on my daughter in law when she puts the kids in the car. Specially it the early morning hours when they get dropped off to me.
Almost Gone Car Seat Blankie
02/17/2025
Susan W.
Works great!
My granddaughter loves it. Not too heavy, so she gets hot. I've had alot of people ask where I got it.
Almost Gone Car Seat Blankie
02/11/2025
Mnchevygirl88
Coat
Makes life easier with a child in a carseat
Toasty Gender Neutral Surprise Coat - FINAL SALE
02/11/2025
Chelsey K.
Exactly what I needed
My house runs cold and we keep the baby bundled with blankets to keep her warm. The problem is that our baby has happy feet and always kicks the blankets off. The cozy car seat blankie is perfect for keeping her toasty wherever she is. I was losing my mind having to pick up her blankets every few seconds, ESPECIALLY while she is in her bouncer or swing. The blankie itself is very soft but lightweight too so she doesn’t overheat. Would definitely recommend!
Almost Gone Car Seat Blankie
02/10/2025
Nana
Softest blankie ever
I was reluctant to order for my grandson, because I knew that much of the winter would be over when it arrived. Once I received it in the beginning of Feb, I couldn’t be happier with my purchase.
In addition to being the softest fabric ever….
Its so light and comfy, that it could really be used all year long! ( even on a cool evening in the summer ) And the fact that it goes from 0-24 months is an added bonus!! Highly recommend
Almost Gone Car Seat Blankie
02/04/2025
debi B.
Car seat blanket
great product! So soft and cozy bought for my 6 month old grandson. Had to roll the sleeves up a bit but it will fit him. Next winter too ! Would recommend !
Buckle Me Baby Coziest Car Seat Blankie
01/31/2025
Lanb
Must have!
I bought two of these for my, one a brown and gold for my 16mth old grandson and pink and lavender for my 20 mth old granddaughter.
I hated that the babies couldn’t wear their coats in the car. It’s cold here!!! We’ve had below zero windchills temps in the teens it lower. Getting the kids into the car, out of their coats and into the car seats is a major hassle, not to mention requires mom or dad to be out in the cold while trying to manage that.
Gigi to the rescue!! These coats are not only adorable, but so practical. I love the way they’re constructed. With Velcro next to the zipper, and the shoulder tabs, it fast and easy to get the kids secure in the car seats, harnesses against their body and the coat closed with the Velcro. The kids are warm, mom and dad’s life is easier and I’m not stressing over the babies being out minus their coat.
SURPRISE Toasty Car Seat Coats
01/20/2025
Vid E.
Amazing!
Easy to use - baby was comfortable and no tears in the carsear!
Toasty Gender Neutral Surprise Coat - FINAL SALE
01/09/2025
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