Car seats and puffy snowsuits. Why they do not mix
In winter we instinctively buckle children in wearing their snowsuits. It looks warm and safe, but the harness loses what matters most: a snug fit.
What happens in a crash
Down and padding are full of air. In a crash, huge forces compress them in a split second. Straps that felt tight suddenly have several centimetres of slack. That is enough for a child to move further in the seat than its designers allowed for.
The pinch test
A simple way to check the harness is tight enough:
- Put your child in the seat and buckle up.
- Tighten the straps as you normally would.
- Try to pinch the strap at collarbone level.
If you can pinch a fold, the harness is too loose. Try the test once with the snowsuit and once without. The difference can be surprising.
How to travel in winter
- Dress your child in thin, warm layers, such as a bodysuit and a fleece.
- Buckle and tighten the harness.
- Put a blanket or a back-to-front coat on top of the fastened straps.
- If you can, warm the car up before you leave.
- Choose covers that go over the seat like a shower cap, with no extra layer behind your child’s back.
Most accidents happen close to home. The rule applies on the way to the corner shop too.
Rear-facing for longer
Keeping your child rear-facing for as long as possible, even up to age 4, spreads crash forces across the whole back and protects the neck. Check the weight and height limits of your seat and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
In short
- No snowsuit or puffy coat under the harness.
- Do the pinch test at collarbone level.
- Blanket or coat goes over the fastened straps.
- Rear-facing for as long as possible.
This article is for information only and does not replace advice from a doctor or midwife. In an emergency call 112.
Writes for Parento and answers parents’ questions in the app. Every piece is also reviewed by a paediatrician.