When it comes to car seat safety, what your child wears can be just as important as how the seat is installed.
Our sixth tip for Child Safety Week is a vital one — never strap your child into their car seat while they're wearing a thick coat or bulky clothing.
Why bulky clothing is dangerous
Thick coats and snowsuits might feel warm and comforting, but they can be deceptive. In a crash, those bulky layers compress under the force of the impact, creating slack in the harness — even if it felt snug when you buckled your child in. That slack can seriously reduce the effectiveness of the harness and increase the risk of injury.
What to do instead:
- Dress your child in thin, fitted layers which you would be comfortable with then wearing indoors
- After buckling, place a blanket or car seat poncho over the harness for extra warmth
- Avoid padded clothing that prevents the harness from sitting flat and snug and also slippery rain suits etc even if they’re thin
Watch for head support and overheating
Don’t forget about bulky hoods — they can push your child’s head forward, leading to poor head positioning and increased risk of head lolling. In warmer months or with car heaters running, overheating is also a concern. Proper layering helps regulate your child’s temperature more effectively.
Want to learn more?
We’ve put together a detailed article on why coats and car seats don’t mix — and how to keep your child both warm and safe: 👉 Read it here
Have questions about what’s safe to wear in a car seat? Our expert team is always happy to help.
