Does baby need a winter coat?

skittleblu

I'm in MN, so it definately gets cold here.  But car seat specialist says no coat in the carseat.  Use blanket instead over the straps as a coat under the straps would be too poofy and compromise the safety of the seat (straps need to be snug to baby's body).

 

I have a snowsuit for when we actually play outside.

When would I need a winter coat?

 

caseycritchley

Walking from the car to the store? Thats the only time i have one on him. Hiking around outside. We have a thick fleece jacket but in wv it doesnt get that cold and if it is i just don't go outside. Lol

Netty_3

I bought LO a snow suit last year...and that was a colossal waste of money as it turns out. I think we'll hold off on another one until next year when he might be old enough and steady on his feet to learn how to ski and play outside.

We have a coat for him, and will probably use it, it doesn't seem too big, and also have a blanket in the car...although I can see that being thrown off.  We live in CO though...and winters aren't too crazy.

mben1119

For playing outside, going for walks...basically anytime they're out in the cold but not in the car. A snowsuit can be bulky and a pain, so sometimes pants and a coat is easier.

jmlushbough

Our LO has a thin but warm wool pea coat (and it's super adorable - bonus!). It doesn't add bulk in the carseat, but still keeps her warm. She wears it whenever we're out and about. I don't think babies need super warm coats bc they're not really ever out in the elements. A nice warm hat is important, but you can always wrap them up in a blanket if it's super cold.

 At this age, I might skip the snowsuit and just get a fleece jacket of some kind (I think Old Navy has cheap ones). It they're outside, they're probably not going to be getting wet in the snow at this point. Our son had a snowsuit and I think he wore it once or twice that first winter.

brewcitybride

By age 1, babies can wear coats in carseats. Just use a thinner coat, not a huge outdoor puffy coat.

Yes, DS has a few winter coats, of varying warmth and puffiness.

janinekrause

I couldn't live with out a coat in the winter on her. We walk outside to the car which isnt super warm and she would never keep a blanket on. My oldest had a jacket from lands end- they aren't puffy. I honestly have never heard of no coat and carseat.

mben1119

janinekrause:

I couldn't live with out a coat in the winter on her. We walk outside to the car which isnt super warm and she would never keep a blanket on. My oldest had a jacket from lands end- they aren't puffy. I honestly have never heard of no coat and carseat.

A jacket is one thing, but a coat is another. Coats are thicker, and can allow the car seat straps to be too loose on LO's shoulders, allowing for LO to slip out in case of an accident.

sunnyday016

brewcitybride:

By age 1, babies can wear coats in carseats. Just use a thinner coat, not a huge outdoor puffy coat.

Yes, DS has a few winter coats, of varying warmth and puffiness.

Age really has nothing to do with it. Fleece is okay, puffy coats are not at any age because they compress. Basically, if you have to loosen the straps to put baby in, then the coat is too puffy.

We have a fleece suit from ON for DS.  

EveryNameIWantIsTaken

We have fleece for our kids too.  I never put their winter coats on in the car seat.  We do have winter coats though for if we're outside, especially the 3 year old since he obviously will play in the snow if we get any this year.

TheLovingWife

If you have to tighten the straps when the coat is not on, it is not safe, the coat could compress in an accident and your child could come out of the straps. Use a thin fleece jacket and a blanket in the car.

mbgreenwalt

DD1 has a winter coat with a fleece liner that zips to the puffy part.  We remove the puffy part for car rides and then slip it on when we get to our destination.  DD2 has a fleece jacket that she wears.  We use blankets for extra warmth in the car and stroller.

TwiMom

We have a bundle me to put over the carrier instead of a big bulky coat.  I have heard that if you use one your car seat warranty is voided in the event of a crash but I don't really understand the logic of that.  We also have a light weight fall coat and a fleece jacket.  Both can fit safely under the straps while they are still tight.  If you have a snow suit for playing outside it doesn't sound like you'll need a coat...unless you plan on doing other winter activities before it's actually snowy weather.

SuperCuteBenz

TwiMom:

We have a bundle me to put over the carrier instead of a big bulky coat.  I have heard that if you use one your car seat warranty is voided in the event of a crash but I don't really understand the logic of that.  We also have a light weight fall coat and a fleece jacket.  Both can fit safely under the straps while they are still tight.  If you have a snow suit for playing outside it doesn't sound like you'll need a coat...unless you plan on doing other winter activities before it's actually snowy weather.

The warranty is voided because it specifically says in the manual to not add anything to your seat that didn't come in the box. The reasoning is because none of that stuff is crashed tested with your seat, so you are essentially using your child as a crash test dummy by adding extra stuff to your seat. If the seat fails in an accident the company will not assume liability for any injuries, etc.

TwiMom

SuperCuteBenz:

TwiMom:

We have a bundle me to put over the carrier instead of a big bulky coat.  I have heard that if you use one your car seat warranty is voided in the event of a crash but I don't really understand the logic of that.  We also have a light weight fall coat and a fleece jacket.  Both can fit safely under the straps while they are still tight.  If you have a snow suit for playing outside it doesn't sound like you'll need a coat...unless you plan on doing other winter activities before it's actually snowy weather.

The warranty is voided because it specifically says in the manual to not add anything to your seat that didn't come in the box. The reasoning is because none of that stuff is crashed tested with your seat, so you are essentially using your child as a crash test dummy by adding extra stuff to your seat. If the seat fails in an accident the company will not assume liability for any injuries, etc.

 

I know what they are trying to say but I still don't understand...it doesn't effect how the seat clips in the base whatsoever and it doesn't have anything to do with the straps either.  Perhaps knowing that many people that live in states with cold weather purchase such products they should use actual crash test dummies to see if it has any effect.