· By Dahlia Rizk
Car Seats & Summer Driving
Think Summer is the Safest Driving Season? Think Again.
Winter can be dangerous for drivers. Think about it – icy roads, wind, snowy conditions and, of course, the days are shorter and the nights much longer. This cold weather pile-on can make driving a challenge for anyone — and if you have kids in the car, you have their safety to think of too. We’re here to help – that’s a big part of our job at Buckle Me Baby Coats.
Believe it or not, the warmer months can be some of the most dangerous for drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 9 of the 10 deadliest days for youths on the road fall between May and August – when driving conditions are, surprisingly, the best.
So – what gives?
Why is Summer a Dangerous Driving Season?
While winter is an environmentally dangerous driving season, summer comes with its own special challenges. Not only are there more young drivers on the road – it’s summer vacation, after all – but families are spending more time on the road as well Between road trips, parties, and BBQs, there’s always somewhere you and your kids have to be. And because it’s lighter longer, there are more “safe” driving hours – which means more opportunities for accidents.
Our advice?
Take these added summertime precautions especially when you’ve got your kids in tow.
- Make sure kids are always in the backseat.
- Secure anything heavy or over sized in the trunk or in a cargo holder. If you slam on the brakes or swerve unexpectedly, items shift or, even fly into surrounding seats and injure passengers.
- Double-check your car seat installation. About three in four car seats are improperly installed double checking before you hit the road takes a second and can protect your kids all summer long.
- While you’re at it, check your kiddo’s car seat straps to ensure they’re secure, twist free, and tight enough.
How Tight Should the Straps be on an Infant Car Seat Anyway?
It’s a big question many parents have: how tight should straps on a child’s car seat be? Sometimes harnesses may seem a little too snug and as your kids get older, they might even say they’re too snug. So what’s safe and what’s not?
- Make sure the top of the straps are in the right place. Forward facing car seat harnesses should sit just above your child’s shoulders. Rear-facing seat’s harnesses should be just below the shoulders. Instructions can vary from car seat to car seat so always check your car seats manual to be sure.
- Check straps to ensure they aren’t pinched or twisted.
- Once the harness is pulled in place, make sure the clip is armpit level.
- Adjust the harness straps so they’re snug. If you can slip more than two fingers between the strap and your child’s collarbone, it’s too loose.
Follow these simple summer safety tips and you and your family will be ready to hit the road. Happy summer!
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Reece
Great buy
This is my granddaughters 2nd coat. She grew out of the first. It's so convenient to use and keeps her warm. Great buy@
Toasty Car Seat Coat
Nana M.
So soft!
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
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
Annalisa W.
Love it!
The inner material is super soft!! So cozy and perfect for our harsh winters!
Toasty Car Seat Coat
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
JoAnn H.
Adoreable
So cute and so soft
Wild Child Jams
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
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
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
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
Mnchevygirl88
Coat
Makes life easier with a child in a carseat
Toasty Gender Neutral Surprise Coat - FINAL SALE
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
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
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
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