· 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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Let customers speak for us
Laura H.
I don't usually write reviews
But this is our 3rd winter with one of these coats, and they're a lifesaver. Slight learning curve when you first get one, but not having to take the coat on and off in the cold is worth it. It's also piece of mind that it won't fall off when driving or if in an accident (kiddo will be warm when waiting for first responders). We live in Chicago and the Toast is warm enough for quick errands and the Toasty is nicer for deep winter. We do have a larger parka coat if we spend more time outdoors.
Buckle Me Baby Car Seat Coats
Fransheska
Safest jacket for kids
I ordered a green toastier coat for my 1 year old. Now when I did receive it that there was a tear in the jacket. But customer service made it simple in easy to file a claim to receive another one which was great. I had 1 already for my son but it became to small. I love these coats though they make it easy to just buckle your child without removing the coat. As well it gives me the peace of mind knowing he is sitting safely in his car seat. Definitely would recommend and be riding another once this one get too small again.
Toastier Car Seat Coats
K.H.
A great way to save & give back!
Made upgrading a breeze!
Swoondle Trade Up Bag
Heather
Great coat for toddler
Love our car seat coat. This is our second year ordering and will be coming back again next year. Perfect for bringing kids out without having to take their coats on and off in the cold.
Toasty Car Seat Coat Different Color per size - FINAL SALE
Amy G.
Great product
This product is great. I was thinking about a coat for my grandson that he could wear in his car seat, and I was told about the Buckle Me Coats. It works great and keeps him warm.
Toasty Car Seat Coat
Roxann B.
Awesome
It's a Christmas gift for my granddaughter 😁
Toast Car Seat Coat
Cheyenne B.
Definitely recommend
This is amazing I love how it soft and keeps her warm and cozy in her car seat. It easy covers over the car seat buckle and I love the plaid cover
Cozy Car Seat Blanket | Buckle Me Baby Blankies
Althea O.
Warm, convenient and love it
I work at the Turnpike and I get sick of seeing babies drug and just pajamas cause people don’t wanna waste time putting a coat on them. This is wonderful because I can wrap a baby in it. They’re still warm.
Cozy Car Seat Blanket | Buckle Me Baby Blankies
Madeline P.
Car seat coat
We live this jacket. It’s so convenient and comfortable for our little guy
Toasty Car Seat Coat
Jama L.
Amazing!
This is absolutely amazing.. kept our granddaughter toasty warm on a cold night kicking off the Christmas holiday in Tennessee!
Buckle Me Baby Cozier Car Seat Blankie
Crystal G.
Warm
I was worried about how to keep my baby warm during the cold months in Ohio. I personally can warm up my car first but my sister cannot. I stumbled upon these coats and went back and forth. I bought a poncho and two other coats before I caved. I feel so much better that she is warm and safe in her car seat. I rarely write reviews, but this company offers 20% off for a review so if that tells you anything, I’ll be buying another one for next year-I wanted the discount.
Toast Car Seat Coat
Dev
Soft and warm
Just got the buckle me baby blanket the other day. It’s super soft and warm. I look forward to using it in the car seat and stroller to keep my little monster warm. I think I’m going to order a coat for her as well for those extra cold days!
Cozy Car Seat Blanket | Buckle Me Baby Blankies
Shaina
We love these coats!
We’ve always loved these coats first my daughter now for my son. They make buckling with a coat so much easier and safer and my kids are always warm!
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Stacey
I have ordered two of these coats for my daughter over the years and have now ordered one for my infant. It's so nice to know they're warm and safe!
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Annie
Perfect
Toasty Car Seat Coat