Stupid Question re: jackets

mommmyz

So last winter DS was super little and when we did take him out he was under his car seat cover and blankets. This year I know he needs a real jacket, but do you put lo in the car seat in a jacket? I feel like the rule would be no, but I am thinking that's not realistic. I've just been looking at jackets online and taking him in and out of a jacket each time we get in a car seems so complicated, but of course I will if that's what I need to do!

TIA!

smacb

I don't think they're supposed to wear bulky jackets or clothing in a car seat.  I saw a disturbing video where the baby basically slides right out of the coat in an accident leaving the coat in the car seat and the baby somewhere else.

We were in AZ last year so DS didn't have a winter coat.  I bought him a winter coat, but I'm planning on having blankets, etc. in the car.

HikerBride07

The rule applies as long as they're in a carseat.  No bulky jacket.  We'll be sticking to a fleece jacket in the car for regular, everyday in and out for daycare and a heavy coat for when she's playing outside.  We may also buy a cheaper heavy one to leave in the car for spur of the moment stuff.  Our daycare doesn't take the kids outside during the day in the winter, otherwise we'd leave one there too.

eeclem

I was just reading a blog post that recommended shuttling them out to the car, putting them in their seat and then tucking the coat on backwards once they're buckled in.I guess that's what we'll do, although I hate that we have to choose between being safe and being warm.

kbalb

eeclem:

I was just reading a blog post that recommended shuttling them out to the car, putting them in their seat and then tucking the coat on backwards once they're buckled in.I guess that's what we'll do, although I hate that we have to choose between being safe and being warm.

I read the same one, and thought that seemed way too complicated.  I just figured I would keep with a little fleece coat and blankets in the car.  I usually crank up the heat anyway, so it would only be cold in there for 10 minutes at most and the few steps it takes to actually get in the car.

Mrs.Ram

I hadn't even given this any thought until you posted this. What about a Bundle Me? I think my strategy will be to put her in the car and straight into the Bundle Me, then when we're getting out, put her jacket on.

mstavish79

We used the Car Seat Poncho https://www.carseatponcho.com/ last winter and will probably do the same this winter for shuttling in and out of the car.  Typically if we were outside for longer we used a winter jacket.  It especially worked great for the fall weather when it was chilly in the morning and warmer in the afternoon.  Also, the material is a very thick fleece and the zipper is super durable.  They have some pretty cute patterns as well.

Baby4OT

I like the 3-in-1 coats because most of the time DDs just wear the fleece in the carseat, but we have the heavier part to add to it or wear alone for colder weather. DD1 was in preschool last year and they still went outside unless it was raining, snowing, or really cold. A fleece wouldn't have been enough for playing outside at school. Last winter I bought her a regular winter coat instead of 3-in-1. I'd put her in the carseat, buckle her in, and then put the coat on her backwards to keep her warm in the car. She didn't love it, but it worked out well. I'll probably do the same this year because the old coat still fits. DD2 has a 3-in-1 for this winter.

Baby4OT

Oh, I forgot to mention that MIL thinks I'm on crack for not putting my kids in winter coats in their carseats and is forever accusing me of freezing them in their fleeces. Just thought I'd mention that because if you have old-school family members who aren't up on current car seat safety, you may hear about it. Good times!

mek10976

Every "car seat guru" will tell you absolutely no thick jackets on while in the carseat.  However, it isn't realistic to take them in/out of the jacket all the time.  I kept DS in his and just made sure the straps were really snug.