Winter weather safety: Why bulky coats could be dangerous for children in car seats

KENDALL COUNTY, Ill. (WGN-TV) — Frigid temperatures returned to the Chicago area this week and while staying warm may be top of mind for many across the U.S., officials from the Kendall County Sheriff's Office are offering tips for parents on how to make sure their child stays safe while out on the roads.

The sheriff's office shared some winter weather tips for drivers, including some on how to make sure children stay safe and warm while in their car seats.

Warning about bulky clothing

According to deputies, as a general rule, parents should make sure that children are not wearing any bulky clothing, including winter coats and snowsuits, underneath the harness of a car seat.

Deputies said the extra bulk from certain types of winter clothing could create extra room in the harness, which could cause a loose fit and put the child at risk for injury in the event of a crash.

Instead, deputies advise parents to dress babies in thin layers, starting with close-fitting clothes, like tights, leggings, or long-sleeved bodysuits, before adding pants, a warm top, hats and gloves.

Make sure to tighten straps

When ready for the cold, deputies said parents should make sure to tighten the straps of their child's car seat.

Deputies said parents can test if the car seat's straps are tight enough by pinching them. If parents are able to pinch the straps, then they need to be tightened to fit snugly against the child's chest.

Extra warmth

Once safely strapped into the car seat, parents can take steps to make sure their child stays warm.

Deputies said an extra layer of cold protection can be added by placing a blanket over the top of the harness straps or by placing the child's winter coat on them backward after they are buckled up.

Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website for more information on car seat and booster seat safety.