As winter weather settles in, parents face a common dilemma: how to keep kids warm without compromising car seat safety. Taylor Koehnen, Family Medicine Physician Assistant at Aspirus Health, says bulky winter coats can pose a hidden risk during travel.
“Sometimes puffy coats can be dangerous in the event of a collision,” Koehnen said. “When the coat compresses, there may be gaps where a child could slip through the seat.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns that puffy coats and snowsuits can make car seat harnesses too loose to protect a child in a crash. Instead, families should buckle their child in snugly without a bulky coat and then place the coat or a blanket over the child for warmth.
To ensure a secure fit, Koehnen recommends performing a quick “pinch test.”
“Put your child in the desired coat and strap them into their car seat. Then remove them from the seat, take off the coat, and buckle them back in without adjusting the straps. If you can pinch the strap material, it’s too loose. That means the coat is too thick and you’ll need to choose something thinner,” she explained.
Safer alternatives include ponchos or side-zip coats that allow the harness to be buckled underneath while keeping warmth over the top. For everyday wear, Koehnen suggests dressing children in thin, warm layers and pre-warming the car when possible.
“Any child strapped into a seat with a chest harness needs clothing that allows the harness to fit snugly and safely,” Koehnen said.
Simple steps like checking coat thickness or layering strategically can make a big difference in preventing injuries during a crash while keeping kids comfortable through Wisconsin’s long winters.
For more car seat safety tips, visit aspirus.org/passenger-safety or healthychildren.org.