As winter approaches and the weather begins to cool off, it’s time to get your biggest and fluffiest coats out of the closet and ready to go. As such, there's no better time to learn more or refresh what you know about winter car seat safety.
The biggest safety tip to remember is ensuring your child isn't wearing a puffy jacket or snowsuit while in their car seat. While it may seem like a good idea to bundle them up for cold weather, bulky clothing can actually compromise the effectiveness of their car seat harness. Additionally, babies regulate temperature differently than adults. Not only is over-dressing an issue for harness fit, but it is also important not to overdress them because they will warm up quickly and may overheat.
When a child wears a puffy jacket, the material compresses in a crash, leaving extra space between the child and the harness. In the event of a crash, this extra space can lead to an increased risk of injury. To keep your child safe, it's best to dress them in thin, warm layers and then buckle them into the car seat. You can then place a blanket over the harness to keep them warm without compromising safety. Older kids could also put their jacket on backwards after they are harnessed. One extra tip — if you have a child in an infant car seat, you could consider bringing the infant carrier into your home to store when not in use, so it remains at a comfortable temperature (instead of getting cold from sitting in your car).
Safety experts recommend using the pinch test to make sure you achieve a snug car seat harness fit. After you buckle and tighten the harness, pinch the harness at the shoulder. If the harness is snug, your fingers will slide off the webbing. If the harness is loose, you will be able to pinch the webbing between your fingers.
Another thing to remember regarding safety is that unexpected roadside emergencies happen, especially when the winter weather can take a turn for the worse. It's best practice to keep an emergency bag of essentials in the trunk of your car during the winter months in case any stressful situations take place. Extra layers, a blanket, non-perishable snacks, water and a cell phone charger or portable battery are great options to keep in your kit. Keeping your little one warm if you find yourself stranded on the side of the road should be a top priority.
SensorSafe™ is a great way to help make sure that your child stays safe in their car seat not only during the winter months, but all year round. Integrated SensorSafe technology adds a layer of protection for peace of mind, alerting you in real-time to 4 potentially unsafe conditions from your child’s car seat via Bluetooth®: unsafe ambient temperature, child unattended, child buckled too long, and unexpected chest clip unbuckling.
By being mindful of these winter car seat safety tips, parents can ensure that their little ones stay snug and secure during the colder months. Remember, it's all about finding the right balance between warmth and safety to keep your child protected on the road.