Make sure you take those winter coats OFF before placing your children in their car seats!!! When a child is wearing a winter coat, it may feel like they are strapped snugly into a car seat when the straps are dangerously loose. If you have children or know someone who does – this is SO important. Children do not have a choice whether they are safe and secure in your vehicle – you must protect them! Dress your children in layers so that they are comfortable but safe.
Buckle the kids up for warmth AND safety! Here are a couple of things you can do:
– For children of all ages, keep a blanket on the floorboard, so when you place them in their seats, you have a blanket to put over them to keep them warm. (They usually like the snuggle effect anyway!)
– Only use aftermarket covers, essentially fitted blankets, designed to give additional warmth that the manufacturer approves for your specific car seat, as these covers have been tested with the seat and won’t compromise your child’s safety.
– Secure bigger children into their car seats with their coats off. Once you have secured them in their seat, turn their coat around and put it on backward. Have them put their arms out like Frankenstein and slide their coat on “backward” with their arms through the armholes (the zipper to the back of the seat). Their jacket transforms into a blanket resting on top of the harness.