Winter coats can create dangerous gap in car seat safety

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Winter weather means bundling up, but safety experts warn that thick coats can create a dangerous gap between car seat straps and a child’s body.

Kara Miller, a community health educator, today assisted a young family with car seat installation, something she’s been doing since 2009.

“Making sure we are educated on how to install a car seat correctly and making sure that our children are as safe as they can be when we transport them is going to make us a happier and healthier community,” Smith said.

The key lesson: never put a child in a car seat while wearing a winter jacket. Kim Conway, an Ozark resident, already follows this practice with her granddaughter.

“We love when she goes places with us, but it is very important that we keep her safe. We always make sure we don’t have a large jacket on her,” Conway said.

Why winter coats pose a risk

Car seat straps need to fasten snugly to a child’s body to be safe and effective. While straps may appear secure over a thick winter coat, the appearance is deceiving. The way puffy winter jackets are designed puts extra space between your child’s body and the strap. If you do get into a crash, this jacket could compress and create just enough space for your child to possibly slip out, which could lead to serious injury.

Safe alternatives to keep children warm

Safety tips for winter car seat use:

• Buckle your child in their car seat while wearing thin clothing items, like a long-sleeve shirt or sweatshirt
• Wrap their coat around them after buckling, or use a blanket
• Never put anything between the straps and the child

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