Occupant Safety Resources
Winter Safety
Winter presents unique challenges for parents and caregivers when it comes to safely harnessing children in car seats. Cold weather requires special considerations to ensure that children are both warm and securely restrained while traveling in vehicles.
Understanding the risks
In winter, many caregivers bundle little ones up against the cold in bulky coats, snowsuits or blankets to keep them warm. However, these can interfere with the proper fit of car seat harnesses, potentially compromising safety in the event of a crash. The harness must fit snugly, as close to your child’s body as possible—puffy jackets or thick layers can change how the harness fits. It’s important to strike a balance between keeping children warm and ensuring their car seat harnesses function effectively.
Avoid Bulky Clothing
Bulky coats or snowsuits can create space between the child and the harness, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Instead, dress children in thin layers and use the car seat harness without any bulky outerwear.
Use Car Seat Covers Wisely
If you use a car seat cover, make sure it does not interfere with the harness system. Items not included with the car seat have not been crash-tested and may affect its performance. Opt for covers designed specifically for car seats that go over the top, ensuring they allow for proper harness adjustment and a secure fit.
Warm Up the Car
If possible, warm up the car to a comfortable temperature before buckling your child into their car seat or booster seat. However, never warm your car in the garage due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can occur even with the garage door partially or fully open.
Layering Technique
Dress your child in a snug-fitting thermal layer, and use a blanket over the harness once the child is securely buckled in. This way, the harness remains tight against the child’s body, and you can easily remove the blanket once the car is warm.
Test the Coat
To check if a clothing item is too bulky, put it on your child and prepare to buckle them in. After harnessing them, perform the pinch test to check for proper fit. Unbuckle your child without loosening the harness, remove the clothing and re-buckle without adjusting the straps. If you can pinch any slack without the clothing item on, it is too thick for safe use in the car seat.
Utilize a Warm Blanket
Instead of bulky clothing, place a warm blanket over your child after they are buckled in the harness. This keeps them warm without compromising the safety of the harness.
Disclaimer:
The information and materials found on this website are intended for reference and education. To ensure all passengers are using vehicle restraint systems correctly, please consult with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, as well as your vehicle’s owner’s manual and your child restraint owner’s manual.