Why is a heavy, winter coat unsafe for your infant in their car seat?

Let’s talk about it!

Most coats on the market today are NOT designed to be worn while your little one is in their carseat. Because of their extra bulk, it is not recommended for them to wear a traditional coat which causes the harnesses to be loose and then, ineffective. Many people do not consider that extra bulk will go flat or ‘deflate’ under impact and then your child’s harness straps will be too loose. 

With a large, bulky coat you put your child at great risk of spinal, neck, and head injury caused by up to 10 cm of extra space from their jacket alone. Always check the straps to ensure they are snug! Put your child in the seat with regular clothing and tighten the straps- if you cannot put your child with a coat on into the seat without adjusting the straps do NOT loosen to accommodate their jacket. 

This is especially dangerous when mixed with icy roads, sudden stops, and slick pavement. Of course we want our children to be warm, but we also need them to be safe in this dangerous driving season. 

Because infants are still developing, their spines are softer, heads are heavier, and their neck muscles aren’t very strong. This is why carseat safety is so important and a bulky coat causing extra room in the harness can lead to a dangerous outcome. 

The American Association of Pediatrics cautions against bulky coats as well. They warn “In a car crash, fluffy padding in a coat immediately flattens out from the force, leaving extra space under the harness. A child can then slip through the straps and be thrown from the seat.”

Buckle Me Baby Coats ensures your baby’s comfort AND safety while keeping them warm and cozy. Because of its special design there is no need to remove their coat and put it back on upon arrival! 

Travel with peace of mind this winter with Buckle Me Baby Coats.