While keeping warm in cold weather is always a problem regardless of your individual cold tolerance level, it is even more of a problem with young children – especially babies.
This is because at this young age, our ability to regulate our own temperature isn’t quite as developed yet.
And unfortunately for us, the cost that weighs down on our heating bill isn’t worth turning up the dial on the thermometer.
The easy solution, then, is to simply consume warm food and beverages and layer up. And when you need to go out and about, then surely the expected reaction is to pile on the layers against the cold outside your warm house.
After that, it is a quick pile into the car so that you can start up the heater as soon as possible.
All those winter coats you put on your children, however, may actually expose them to danger if they still need to be placed in a car seat.
Backed by research done by the American Academy of Pediatrics, safety experts are now trying to raise awareness over just how much danger you might be putting your child in if you were to strap them in with their winter coat.
As it turns out, the bulk of fluffy padding found in most winter wear easily flattens from the force of a car crash, leaving plenty of room for your child to slip free of their harness.
This then renders whatever protective capabilities your child’s car seat has utterly useless.
In other words – the bulkier your child’s outerwear, the more room there is between the straps and your child. The result? A higher chance for your child to get seriously injured.
To ensure the harness is secure enough, you should not be able to pinch the webbing of your child’s collarbone.
Instead, your fingers should just simply slide off the webbing. Should you be able to grasp any material when performing the pinch test, then your child is not securely strapped in.
Here are some other tips to make it easier to strap in your child.
1. Keep the car seat in the house
The car can be especially cold at this time of the year. Eliminating any jackets in the name of your child’s safety will only serve to make the car seat even more uncomfortable.
Keep it indoors so it isn’t as cold, and therefore more comfortable to sit in.
2. Use thinner layers
The jacket that you dress your baby up in is usually very bulky.
Consider using multiple layers instead, such as dressing them up in tights or leggings, and then a pair of warmer pants.
3. Utilise winter accessories
Hats, scarves, gloves, and even an extra pair of socks are often all easily overlooked. In reality, they serve to trap heat that would otherwise escape through exposed digits.
When you are trying to keep the bulk down, every little thing counts.
4. Throw on a blanket or a coat when you are done
Your coat doesn’t become useless once your baby is strapped in! Cover them up with a blanket or a coat once they have been secured.
Staying warm is important in cold weather, but your child’s safety is paramount!
SEE ALSO:
Mom Sends Out Warning After 2-Year-Old Dies From Undiagnosed Diabetes
