The cold winter days are among us once again. While some are soaking in the cool weather, others are trying to maintain whatever warmth they can. During these times, parents may question what to do with winter coats and car seats for young children.
As parents, you want to keep your children warm but also want to keep them secure during your trip. However, bulky winter coats can seriously threaten safety when worn under the straps of car seats and booster seats. Wearing coats in car seats is dangerous because the coats create space between the child’s body and the harness itself. Fortunately, you can do a couple of things to keep your child safe and warm in the car.
According to a study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 46% of car seats and booster seats are used in a way that could make them less effective. Misuse includes improper positioning, loose installation, and loose harnesses among others.
The less the child moves in their car seat during an accident, the more effective the car seat will be. Wearing winter coats can prevent a snug fit of the harness, which should be tight at the shoulders and hips at all times. If your child is wearing a coat, you may mistakenly think they are snug when the harness isn’t tight enough. In the event of a crash, the puffiness of the coat will compress underneath the harness. This will create about two to three inches of space for the child to lurch forward in instead of staying still.
Unfortunately, even though car seat experts have shared this information, a study by Volvo showed 65% of parents still don’t remove their child’s coat before putting them in a car seat. Taking the time to remove your child’s coat can seem like a hassle, but it could be life-saving in the event of an accident.
To test if your child’s coat is too thick for a car seat, try these steps:
No one is going to pretend that it’s not easier to simply place a child in their car seat with their winter jackets on. However, if you are a parent who believes in the importance of using a car seat correctly to protect your precious cargo, you should ensure that you do not sabotage the car seat’s main feature
Of course, it can be tempting to leave your child in their warm jacket in the chilly weather. However, there are other things you can do to keep them warm.
Although we try our best, sometimes accidents do occur. However, you aren’t alone and you won’t have to deal with car crashes alone. When contacting a car accident attorney, you and your family will be in good hands throughout navigating the legal process. We care, and we can help.
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