Keep Your Little One Comfortable and Protected Year-Round

A PSA for new parents: there’s more to car seat safety than proper installation and harnessing! Seasonal changes can also impact your child’s comfort, whether it’s the middle of winter or the peak of summer. But never fear–we’re here to help with tips for all seasons.

Keepin’ Cool With Your Cutie

 

In your car, temperatures can climb quickly–even on a mild day! Here are some tips to protect your backseat rider as the weather starts gets warmer:

• Pre-cool your car before loading your child. If possible, start the vehicle ahead of time with the air conditioning on
• Use breathable fabrics like cotton for your baby’s clothes and avoid thick, insulated materials that trap heat
• Remove any unnecessary layers like hats or blankets once the car warms up.
• Avoid aftermarket seat covers or inserts that aren’t approved by your car seat manufacturer–these can trap heat and interfere with airflow! UPPAbaby does not permit use of any offbrand car seat accessories.
• Make use of your car seat canopy to block direct sunlight from babe’s face and body.
• Check the back seat temperature! It can be significantly warmer than the front. Touch the car seat buckles to make sure they’re not hot before strapping your child in.
• Take breaks on long drives to allow your child to cool off and get fresh air.
• NEVER leave your child alone in the car. Even cloudy days can put children at risk of heat stroke–and a child’s body temperature rises 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s. Leaving items like your purse in the backseat can help ensure you never have a forgetful moment, especially during time periods where your routine is changing dramatically!

Why Babies and Children Shouldn’t Wear Jackets in Car Seats During Winter

It might seem counterintuitive, but thick winter jackets or snowsuits can be dangerous in a car seat. That’s because:

• Puffy clothing compresses in a crash, leaving extra space between the child and the harness straps. Even if the straps feel snug, they won’t hold your child securely in an impact.
• Harnesses must lie flat against the child’s chest. Bulky layers prevent this and reduce the effectiveness of the restraint system.

Ditch the baby puffer jacket (even though it’s adorable) and try this safer approach:

• Dress your child in thin, warm layers like fleece or wool when it’s cold.
• Use accessories like the CozyGanoosh to safely keep your baby warm when strolling (not for use in the car.)
• After securing the harness, place a blanket or their jacket over the straps, not underneath them.
• Consider using a manufacturer approved cover like our All-Weather FootCover (included with the Aria V2) for trips to and from the car – just make sure to take it off for the ride!

Car seats aren’t just about buckles and belts–it’s about protecting your child in every condition. By being mindful of how you dress your baby and monitoring for signs of discomfort, you can help ensure every ride is a comfortable one.