Published on December 03, 2025
Winter Car Seat Safety
The cold weather has finally arrived. This means, here in Michigan, you will likely be bundling up in thick winter coats. Infants and babies look precious in their puffy winter gear, but be sure to keep safety in mind when buckling in your little ones to their car seats. It is tempting to put your child in the car seat with a bulky snow gear. However, this may not be a safe practice. Taking a few extra minutes to ensure your car seat is secure and there is nothing bulky between the child and the straps is well worth it. Check out these suggestions from the AAP Healthy Children website.
- Store the carrier portion of infant seats inside the house when not in use.
- Dress your child in thin layers. As a rule of thumb, infants should wear one more layer than adults.
- Don't forget hats, mittens and socks or booties.
- Tighten the straps of the car seat harness. If you can pinch the straps of the car seat harness, it’s too loose. It should fit snugly against your child's chest.
- Use a coat or blanket over the straps. You can add a blanket over the top of the harness straps or put your child's winter coat on backwards (over the buckled harness straps) after they’re buckled up.
- Use a car seat cover ONLY if it does not have a layer under the baby. Nothing bulky should ever go underneath your child's body or between their body and the harness straps. Be sure to leave your baby's face uncovered to avoid trapped air and suffocation.
- Remember, if the item did not come with the car seat, it has not been crashed tested and may interfere with protection. Never use sleeping bag inserts or other stroller accessories in the car seat.
- Pack an emergency bag for your car. Keep extra blankets, dry clothing, hats and gloves, along with non-perishable snacks, in your car in case of an on-road emergency or your child gets wet on a winter outing.
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