by Shannon England-Rice
Child Advocacy Specialist
When it’s cold outside, most of us want to bundle up to stay warm. During the winter months, I am continually telling my children to put on their coats. At times I feel like a broken record. When it is cold, there are times a coat is necessary, but generally not in your vehicle.
Why is it unsafe to wear a coat in your vehicle? In a crash, you want the seat belt or harness of a car seat to be as close to the individual as possible. Here are a few tips to remember when fitting a child in a 5 point harness:
- The harness should be snug, comfortable, and positioned closely to the child.
- Big, fluffy coats prevent a good fit. They create a gap between the child and the harness.
- Winter coats can make it difficult for a parent to get the harness straps tight so they tend to leave the harness looser which is dangerous.
- In a crash, even when the harness is tightened, if a child has a coat on, the fluff compresses and the straps are too loose for the child’s body. When harness straps are loose, injury can result and at worst, ejection from the vehicle can occur.
- Keep in mind; this applies to children in booster seats and adults in seat belts as well.
There are many options for keeping your child warm in the vehicle without a coat on. Dress your child in layers before strapping them into his/her car seat. Undershirts, leggings and long johns work well for layering. Once the child is dressed, car seat manufactures and safety advocates recommend a sweatshirt, or a well fitted fleece coat be worn by the child in place of a bulky coat. If the car is extra cold, a blanket can be placed on top of the harness itself. Never place a blanket under the harness, because this causes the same problem – an improper fit with a gap between the child and the harness. Placing a coat on backwards after a child is buckled in is also an option. Gloves and a hat will also keep children warm and won’t interfere with the harness.
The installation of the car seat and the fitting of the child are equally important. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for both rear-facing and forward-facing positions. Please feel free to call one of Primary Children’s child passenger safety technicians with any fitting or installation questions. You can also call to schedule a free car seat check appointment Monday through Friday from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm by calling 801 662-6583.
Here’s to the rest of a fun, warm, and safe winter!
