Aspirus Health advises against puffy coats in car seats

WOOD COUNTY--As winter approaches and temperatures drop, parents and caregivers are prioritizing warmth and safety for their children. However, a common winter staple—puffy coats—may pose unexpected dangers when combined with car seats.
Jaime Oswald, MD, Aspirus Family Medicine Physician and Safe Kids Wisconsin (SKW) provides essential guidance for securely bundling and buckling children during the colder months.
“While puffy coats are designed to keep kids warm, they create extra space between your child and the car seat straps,” Dr. Oswald warns. “Even if you think you’ve cinched the straps tightly, there may be a significant gap due to the bulk of the coat.”
According to SKW, a puffy coat can add up to four inches of slack to car seat harness straps. This extra space increases the risk of a child sliding around in their seat during a car accident, undermining the primary purpose of car seats.
To ensure warmth without compromising safety, Dr. Oswald recommends parents opt for lighter, thinner layers such as sweaters that maintain a snug fit with the car seat straps. Additionally, hats, gloves, boots, and blankets can be used for added warmth once the child is securely strapped in.

“A practical rule of thumb is to dress your child in what you’re wearing, plus an extra layer,” Dr. Oswald suggests. For example, if a parent wears a jacket, the child can wear a jacket along with a hat, ensuring both warmth and safety.
Aspirus Health also recommends SKW’s simple coat check method. After strapping the child into the car seat with their coat on, parents can remove the coat without adjusting the straps and then place the child back in the seat. “If the straps still fit snugly, the layer is safe. But if the straps become significantly looser, the layer is too thick and poses a risk,” Dr. Oswald adds.
By adopting these alternative clothing options and following recommended safety measures, parents can ensure their little ones remain securely fastened and protected from winter’s chill and the hazards posed by puffy coats in car seats.