BRRRR!! It Is Cold Outside!

Has anyone noticed the temperature lately?  It seems to be dropping rapidly and it seems winter is here to stay.  Did you know that in the past week there was snow in all states except Florida?  I wonder about Hawaii.  I can't imagine they had snow so maybe it was just in the Lower 48 and Alaska. Regardless, it is cold!!! 

Why am I mentioning this?  You may think I am being silly.  It is winter after all and it is supposed to be cold in winter, right?  Well, I am using this as an opportunity to talk about car seats. Specifically, winter coats and after market products like the JJ Cole Bundle Me.  These items are very hazardous when it comes to car seats.  Why?  Well, read on!

Many parents buy the JJ Cole Bundle Me because they want to keep their precious infants warm during the cold months.  Many parents assume that since it is sold in stores that it is safe.  It isn't.  The Bundle Me goes between your baby and the harness of the infant carrier.  This alters the way the harness fits your baby.  You may think the straps are tight enough, but in reality they are not.  In a crash that Bundle Me will compress.  That compression can be enough to loosen the straps so your little darling becomes a missile.  No parent wants that. 

Plus, as an after market product it will void your car seat's warranty.  You may be thinking who cares about a warranty.  Well, you will if your baby is injured.  If your baby is injured in a crash and you use an aftermarket product then you cannot sue the car seat manufacturer.  The product could not do its job properly due to the aftermarket product.

You may now be scratching your head wondering what you should do to keep Junior warm.  A puffy, thick coat perhaps? No. An infant or child in any type of car seat should never wear a coat in the car.  It, too, interferes with the function of the harness and can compress in a crash launching your child out of the seat.

So, what should you do?  Well, there are a few safe options.  For an infant carrier try a shower cap style cover  This style cover goes over the whole seat and does not interfere with the harness.  Some examples are the Jeep Infant Carrier Cover on Amazon for $19.99, Baby's World Cover on Amazon fr $19.99, and the Kidopotamus CozyUp Carrier Cover on Amazon for $19.46.  All three are pictured below. 


Now, if your child is no longer in a carrier you may want to check out the Car Seat Poncho . Your child can wear it both in and out of the car.  Prices, sizes, and colors vary. 


Another option is to have your child wear a coat to the car and have him remove it in the car.  Then, strap him in without the coat.  Once he is strapped in put his coat on him backwards. 

Lastly, you can do what I do.  We use a plain old blanket in the car.  We call it our Car Blanket. When Monkey gets in the car he immediately removes his coat.  I strap him in and cover him with the blanket. He has never complained.  None of us wear coats in the car and it warms up pretty quickly with the heater.

I hope these tips help you out this winter.  Part of the reason I have this blog is to keep babies and children safe. I feel the best way to do this is through education.  It is not to berate someone who doesn't know any better.  Once you have the knowledge you have the power!  Good luck and stay warm!!