Car Safety Tips for Winter Weather

Pediatrician shares safety tips for safe car seat use during winter months.

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According to Board-certified pediatrician Dr. Alisa Baer (a.k.a. The Care Seat Lady) who helped CafeMom develop these drawings, thick, puffy outerwear worn during cold weather prevents care seat straps from tightening against your child's body in the event of a crash.

Tips to keep your baby safe in their car seat during the winter months include:

• making sure straps start at or slightly below the should and fit snugly (one adult finger fits between the strap and collar bone);

• finding a trained technician to check the installation of your car seat at www.seatcheck.org;

• dressing the baby in a hat and two to three thin layers under straps;

• using the “safe swaddle” method for warmth by tucking a blanket around the baby and over straps; and

• properly reclining the seat so that the baby’s head and back are approximately at a 45 degree angle to the ground.

Additionally, Dr. Baer says most products designed to keep babies warm while they are in car seats are dangerous including fleece-lined sleeping bags which add a layer that stops straps from functioning properly. Car seat safety tips for toddlers are also available online.

To learn more, visit thestir.cafemom.com.