Viva Vitality: Winter Car seat Safety Tips
By Laura Lukye
It’s getting colder outside and we as parents want to keep our kids warm and safe. Figuring out how to dress your child for cold Canadian winters can be tricky when riding in the vehicle because winter coats in car seats can be a dangerous mix.
When your child is in the car seat you always need to make sure the harness straps are tight enough to pass the “pinch test.” The “pinch test” is that you should NOT be able to pinch the strap and hold it with your fingers. If you can pinch the strap, it is too loose.
If the child is wearing a bulky winter coat in a car seat, their straps will not fit properly against them and will not prevent them from sustaining injuries during a collision. The bulky material compresses in the force of the crash, making the straps suddenly loose and putting your child at risk of injuries. It is best to dress your child appropriately for the car seat, not the weather outside.
To keep your child safe and warm, dress them in thin layers of clothing that won’t compress and interfere with being securely strapped in a car seat. You can always put a hat, mittens and boots on the child. After securing your child in the car seat, you can use a blanket over top of the child or place their winter coat backwards on top of them.
Be aware of car seat covers (items that look like sleeping bags that fit into the car seat). Any product that fits between your child and the car seat (meaning underneath your child) is unsafe. Some car seat covers fit only on the top of the car seat; these should only be added after the child is secure in the car seat. If you are using this type of car seat cover, you should always be able to see your child’s face to ensure breathing and positioning.
If all this information seems overwhelming and you are still questioning yourself, here are a few places to get more information:
Read your car seat manual and vehicle manual.
Book an appointment with a car seat technician in your community.
Visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca, Transport Canada, and Parachute Canada online.
This winter, remember nothing bulky between the child and the harness straps make sure the harness straps are tight, and you can always see the face of your child. By doing this you can travel with confidence this winter season.
Laura Lukye is a health promotion facilitator with Primary Care Alberta.