No, a two-year-old should not wear a bulky jacket in a car seat because the padding compresses in a crash, creating dangerous slack in the harness, which could allow them to be ejected or seriously injured; instead, dress them in thin layers, buckle them snugly, then put the coat on backward over them or use a blanket on top of the harness for warmth.
Why winter coats can be dangerous in car seats. In a car crash, fluffy padding in a coat immediately flattens out from the force, leaving extra space under the harness. A child can then slip through the straps and be thrown from the seat.
Putting your child in a car seat with a puffy jacket may actually do more harm than good. Puffy winter coats and car seats are a dangerous combination. That bears repeating. It can be dangerous for your child to wear a winter coat in the car seat.
when putting baby in the car seat the rule is thin indoor clothing only - no thick/puffy jackets, no waterproof jackets, no puddlesuits etc as they can all interfere with the harness. same goes for those 'car seat blankets' - nothing should come between the child and the car seat.
Two to four inches is enough for a child to slide out of the car seat in a crash! Not convinced that your child's coat is a problem?
What should my baby wear? Babies that get too hot are at a greater risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Always remove any hats and outdoor clothing such as snowsuits and thick coats once your baby is in the car and placing a blanket over them and where needed dressed in a thin cardigan or jacket.
It is crucial to dress your child in thinner layers and adjust straps snugly to ensure their protection. Bulky clothing, including winter coats and snowsuits, should not be worn underneath the harness of a car seat. Place a blanket over the straps after they are buckled up.
As a general rule, put nothing thicker than a sweatshirt or fleece jacket on your child before buckling them into their car seats. Winter coats and snowsuits contain fluffy padding that immediately flattens out during situations of force, such as in a car crash.
Experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics and NHTSA recommend no coats or bulky clothing should be worn in car seats. Car seat technicians also say to put nothing thicker than a sweatshirt on your child under the harness straps of a car seat.
Safety experts recommend children stay rear facing until they reach the maximum height or weight allowed by the car seat. Most children won't reach those limits until they are two years old or more.
I personally would not put my child in a car seat with any jacket on. It is just an additional layer that will make my baby less safe. You can control the temperature inside the car so they do not get cold.
If you can pinch the webbing between your thumb and forefinger now, then the coat is too big to be worn in the car seat.
Avoid overheating in the car
Babies are at a greater risk of SIDS if they get too hot. Follow these tips to help stop them getting too hot while you're travelling by car. Remove any hats or outdoor clothing, such as snowsuits and coats, once your baby is in the car.
Staying safe and warm in a car seat starts with choosing warm but thin layers. Fleece sweaters, thin down jackets, or lightweight coats are all great choices for the car. It's also important to choose layered outerwear in a size that fits your child well in order to limit excess fabric that may add too much bulk.
Generally, the recommendation is dressing your baby in the same number of layers as you have on, plus one more. Try to dress your baby in lightweight layers that are easy to remove if they warm up. It does not take much for them to overheat if they are dressed or wrapped in thick layers of clothes.
As a general rule, bulky clothing, including winter coats and snowsuits, should not be worn underneath the harness of a car seat. In a car crash, fluffy padding immediately flattens out from the force, leaving extra space under the harness.
🧥🚫 Those big, fluffy jackets may look warm and cozy, but they can make the car seat straps too loose — and in a crash, that can be dangerous. What looks like protection can actually leave too much space between your child and the harness.
Baby's can wear thin coats in carseats. Northface actually makes great thin, warm coats for infants and toddlers. I put a thicker sweater on with a blanket. I always bring their jacket with.
But there are certain items of clothing that are dangerous for your child to wear in their car seat. Coats/hoods/bibs/thick or slippery clothing can all affect the fit of a child's car seat. To work in a crash, the car seat's harness must be tight. What your child wears could also lead to overheating.
Only indoor clothes for car seats never anything else. Place the cardigan over them or a blanket. The clothes compress creating room for them to slip in the even in the event of a crash. Also a hat should not be worn in the car this is a risk of over heating too.
Choose lightweight fleece layers instead of puffy materials to ensure a snug-fitting harness. For added warmth, cover your child with a blanket, or put a coat on backwards over the properly fitted harness.
Never put anything on a baby or child that has cords or drawstrings attached to it. These can strangle a baby or child if they get caught around their neck. Items to avoid include: hoodies or other tops with cords or drawstrings.
Either seat belt or LATCH, when used correctly, are equally safe. There are many things to keep in mind when deciding which method to use for your child's car seat. Child's weight – If your child's weight is over the LATCH limit, then the decision to use a seat belt installation is an easy one as it's your only option.
Tight pajamas may prevent a deep squat position, causing an improper seat and affecting support. Size up, choose stretchy materials, use foldable foot covers, or switch to socks and pants. Footie pajamas can be safe if the baby is comfortable and well-positioned—no need to police other parents.