AAA Mid-Atlantic and the TMA Bucks Community Traffic Safety Program warns parents NOT to bundle children in winter coats before putting them in car seats. As a general safety rule, winter coats should NOT be worn underneath the harness of a car seat. However, as parents, our first thought is to bundle our babies/toddlers to keep them warm and protected from the elements. A bulky coat under a child seat harness can result in the harness being too loose to be effective in a crash.
Buckle Up Baby for Winter Tips
- Never buckle child in snowsuit/jacket
- Buckle child in regular clothes
- No twists in straps
- Chest clip at armpit level
- Cover child with jacket/blanket over 5-point harness
