Puffy jackets pose a serious risk in car seats because their thick, compressible padding creates extra space between the child and the harness straps. When you buckle a child in while wearing one, the straps may feel snug, but in a crash, the coat flattens under impact, loosening the harness and allowing the child to slip out or be ejected, increasing injury chances. Safety experts, including those from NPR and Cleveland Clinic, warn that this bulk makes the seat ineffective, as shown in crash tests where kids in coats experience more forward movement. To stay safe, remove the jacket before buckling—tighten straps to pass the “pinch test” where you can’t pinch any webbing at the collarbone—then cover the child with the coat backwards, a blanket, or the jacket over the harness. For babies, use car seat covers or thin layers like fleece. Always check manufacturer guidelines and avoid aftermarket add-ons that could void warranties. This simple step can prevent tragedies during winter drives.
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