Winter clothing safety risks in car seats

Wearing thick winter clothing, such as puffer jackets, inside car seats can significantly compromise safety during a collision. Experts warn that heavy layers create an air gap between the child's body and the safety belt. While the belt may appear properly fastened during normal driving, the body can quickly overcome this gap upon impact, causing the child to move further forward than intended.

Road safety experts note that crash tests have shown alarming differences in body movement when children wear thick jackets compared to when they do not. To ensure proper safety, it is recommended that the belt be tightened so that no more than two fingers can fit between the strap and the child. A safer alternative is to remove the heavy jacket and place it over the safety belts like a blanket.