Car Seat Safety With Baby Snow Suits

Parents face a dilemma when traveling out with babies in cold weather. It's too cold for baby to go out without a snow suit, but cold-weather apparel affects the safety of the child in the car seat. A few tips will keep your baby safe and warm in his car seat when weather dictates a baby snow suit.

  1. Infants and Car Seats

    • Babies and toddlers should be placed in a car seat that is rear-facing and installed properly. Rear-facing is five times safer than forward-facing. Remove any barriers between the baby and the car seat harness. This includes cold-weather wear such as snow suits, buntings, jackets and blankets. Everyone rides safest when wearing one layer between themselves and the seat belt.

    The Dangers of Clothing and Car Seats

    • Parents who dress their babies in thick layers may think they are protecting the baby from the elements. In fact, thick layers of clothing can cause serious injury in a car crash. Many layers, or a thick snow suit, can cause the car seat straps to be too loose. In a car accident these layers can compress and cause the baby to be ejected from the car seat.

    Safely Dressing Baby

    • Start by dressing the baby in one layer of clothing. Choose one shirt or bodysuit. Bring along the baby's snow suit and a blanket, but don't dress the baby in these. Place the baby in the car seat, and adjust the harness to fit snugly. The chest clip should rest at armpit level, and the straps should be tight enough that the parent can only put two fingers under the straps. When using a removable bucket car seat, perform these adjustments prior to going outside to the car.

      Next, place the blanket over the baby. Tuck in all around the sides being careful not to tuck the material under the baby's back as this can interfere with car seat function. When arriving at the destination, remove the blanket and the baby from the car seat when using a convertible seat that remains in the vehicle. Dress the baby in the snow suit or wrap the baby in the blanket. If the baby rides in a removable bucket seat, carry the baby in the seat into the building without removing the blanket. This will keep your baby warm without sacrificing safety in the car.

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