Safe Baby Clothes For Winter Car Journeys

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On the JJ Barnes Blog, as the weather gets cold I share my top tips for safe baby clothes for Winter car journeys, and what you have to avoid to keep your little one from harm.

As the chilly winter months arrive, keeping our little ones warm and cozy becomes a top priority. While bundling them up in layers of adorable baby clothes is tempting, it’s crucial to prioritize safety, especially during car journeys.

Now that my daughters are older, I often reflect on the early days of motherhood. One thing that surprised me was learning that not all baby clothes are safe for car seats. It’s a detail that many parents might overlook, but it’s vital for ensuring your baby’s well-being.

In this post, with the help of Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, I’ll share my top tips for selecting safe and warm winter clothing for your baby’s car journeys. I’ll explore what to avoid and how to keep your little one protected from the cold without compromising their safety.

Safe Baby Clothes For Winter Car Journeys

AVOID – Puffy coats and snowsuits

Puffy clothing, such as coats and snowsuits, can create a dangerous illusion of safety. While they keep your baby warm and cozy, they also add bulk between your child and the car seat harness. This extra padding can compress in the event of a crash, leaving the harness loose and ineffective.

Essentially, what may feel tight with the coat on could become dangerously loose in a collision. This increased risk of injury underscores the importance of dressing your baby in layers of thin clothing under the car seat harness.

INSTEAD – Blankets

Instead of bundling your baby in a bulky coat while they’re in the car seat, opt for layering thin clothing. This allows the car seat harness to fit snugly against your baby’s body. Once they’re securely fastened, cover them with a warm blanket to keep them cozy. This method ensures that the harness remains effective in protecting your child in the event of a collision.

AVOID – Oversized hoodies or jackets

Similarly to bulky coats, oversized hoodies or jackets can also pose a safety risk. The extra fabric can create slack in the harness, hindering its ability to restrain your baby effectively. Additionally, these loose garments can shift around, causing discomfort and potentially obstructing the harness’s proper fit.

INSTEAD – Fleece Jacket or jumper

As an alternative, opt for a fitted fleece jacket or jumper to provide warmth without adding bulk. These garments are designed to fit snugly, ensuring the car seat harness can do its job effectively.

AVOID – Thick knitted or heavy hats

Bulky hats can pose a serious risk to your baby’s safety. During a car journey, these hats can easily shift, potentially covering your baby’s face and obstructing their airway. Moreover, in a warm car, a bulky hat can lead to overheating, which can be dangerous for infants.

INSTEAD – Lightweight hat

When traveling by car, it’s best to remove any thick or heavy hats from your baby. If you still want to keep their head warm, opt for a lightweight, snug-fitting hat that won’t interfere with the car seat harness or obstruct their airway.

AVOID – Thick blankets worn under the harness

Placing thick blankets or buntings under the car seat harness can compromise your baby’s safety. These items can interfere with the proper placement and tension of the straps, similar to how bulky coats or jumpers can. While it may seem like a good way to keep your baby warm, it’s not worth risking their safety.

INSTEAD – Blankets over the straps

To keep your baby warm without compromising their safety, secure them in the car seat harness first. Then, layer a blanket over the straps to provide additional warmth without interfering with the harness’s effectiveness. This ensures that the harness remains snug and secure, protecting your baby in the event of a collision.

Conclusion

By following these simple tips, you can ensure your baby stays warm and safe during winter car journeys. Remember, it’s all about finding the right balance between comfort and safety. By avoiding bulky clothing that can interfere with the car seat harness, and opting for layers of thin, snug-fitting garments, you can keep your little one protected and cozy.

Stay warm and safe this winter!