I’ve learned a lot since having my first baby eight years ago. I pretty much knew nothing. Many times we rely on the stores and recommendations of family and friends to suggest the best baby products for us. But there’s a world of baby products out there which are not safe for car seats, despite the advertising which claims that it is. I’m here to shed some light on a few of those products, especially some that are particularly tempting to use during the cold winter months!
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There is a general rule of thumb with car seats that you do not add any “aftermarket products.” What does that mean? It means that if a product did not come with your car seat, or was purchased directly from the car seat manufacturer, then it is not approved for use with your car seat. In some cases, using these items may even void the warranty on your car seat. These aftermarket products include things like custom car seat covers, strap covers, additional headrests, etc.
Does it really matter? These products seem harmless.
The answer is yes, simply because there is no way to ensure that your car seat will protect your child as intended when you use these products. Car seats are tested in a very specific way to meet very detailed federal standards. If you change a variable, it can alter the results. Think of a car seat on the same level as a parachute or a bullet-proof vest. It is specifically engineered to provide protection according to the laws of physics. Would you feel comfortable altering those items against the instructions? The instructions from car seat manufacturers are the same way: these items are forbidden by the manufacturers, and not following them could cost a life (especially considering that car crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 1-13).
The crash tests for car seats are performed by the car seat manufacturers and must meet the criteria in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213 (FMVSS Standard No. 213). The car seats are not tested with these “after market” products. Therefore there is no way to know how their use will impact the safety of the car seat in a crash.
Here are some examples you should take right off that registry, and a few ideas of what you could use as an alternative.
Bundle Me/Winter Liners
These have thick fabric that goes underneath your child and could affect the fit of the harness. They also may not meet FMVSS flammability standards. They are definitely not safe to use.
Instead try:
- A cover made by your car seat’s manufacturer (specifically designed for your seat) such as Britax B-Covered All-Weather Car Seat Cover
or Britax B-Warm Insulated Infant Car Seat Cover
- Purchasing a car seat that includes an all-weather boot with the car seat liner such as the Chicco Key Fit 30 Zip Infant Car Seat
- A shower-cap style cover which only covers the exterior of the car seat and can be removed easily. Be sure that it does not interfere with the proper installation of your car seat. One option is the Cozy Cover
- Dress your child in thin, warm layers such as fleece and cover your child with a warm blanket after they have been buckled in
Head & Body Support Pillows/Liners
This type of product presents the same risks as described with the winter liners. They add bulk to the car seat which may affect the harness fit and they may not meet flammability standards. Some brands will try to advertise that the “meet FMVSS standards,” but there is absolutely no way for them to claim that because these products are non-regulated. They can say anything they want, but it doesn’t make it true.
Instead try:
- A car seat that already comes with infant head and body support inserts (that have been crash tested with that particular seat), such as the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Infant Car Seat
- Purchase infant inserts directly from your car seat manufacturer such as Britax Head and Body Support Pillow
- Place rolled receiving blankets on both sides of the infant’s head and/or body for support after they are buckled, in lieu of an infant insert (see how here)
Harness Strap Covers/Shoulder Pads
These may interfere with getting the harness as tight as it needs to be. This can often be disguised and seem like the harness is perfectly tight, but upon removing them you may find otherwise. Plus, there’s no way to know how they will interact with your car seat in a crash and may possibly hinder the straps doing their job of properly distributing force.
Instead try:
- Purchasing a car seat that comes with padded straps. They will provide more than adequate comfort in a safe way. One example is the Chicco Key Fit 30 Zip Infant Car Seat
- Try moving the fabric of your child’s shirt between exposed skin and the harness strap if comfort is an issue. Most children are not bothered by the harness straps (don’t pull too tight- but do make sure they pass the pinch test)
Seat Protectors
These can interfere with the installation of your seat. They tend to be thick and firm and may allow for extra slack in the seat belt or latch straps which may not be noticeable to the average user. I know messes in the car are inconvenient, but keep in mind that messes can be cleaned up, and dents in the leather will relax over time. But what happens in a crash can last forever.
Instead try:
- Check to see if your car seat manufacturer makes mats that are tested & approved for your car seat, such as the Britax Vehicle Seat Protector
(approved for all Britax seats)
- Using a thin receiving blanket or towel under your car seat (if the manufacturer allows for it- read the manual!) in lieu of a seat mat
Thick Coats/Snowsuits
You most likely will not need these unless you live in a very cold climate. Even then, keep in mind that thick winter items cannot safely be worn while in a car seat. They prevent you from being able to properly tighten the harness. Even if you think you are pulling the harness as tight as possible, there is mostly likely hidden slack. Think about those airtight storage bags that compress sweaters and blankets. That is what it is like during a crash. You can only manually compress those items so much, but added force will smash the stuffing and leave space between your child and the harness, making it more likely for your child to be ejected. Your best bet for cold weather is layering.
Instead Try:
- Layering items such as a Fleece Jacket
, Fleece Hoodies, and/or Fleece Pants to
provide warmth without a lot of bulk
- Bring or keep blankets in the car to place over your child after they are properly buckled (I prefer Fleece
)
- If more warmth is needed, place your child’s winter coat on them backwards after they are buckled up
- Use snowsuits outside in the snow 🙂
This is just a short list of items to reconsider. There are probably other items that stores sell that may not be the best choice for you and your baby for a variety of reasons. What I’ve learned is that just because a store sells it, doesn’t mean it’s safe!
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Thanks for posting this kind of info, its very important. I don’t have kids but I will share with people who do.!!!
http://www.kingbraswell.com
I would never have thought about these, but it makes sense that they can interfere with the safety of your child. Thanks for shedding light on these products and then giving great recommendations!
OMG I don’t know how parents do it with so much to consider!
Thanks for sharing this safety information and providing alternatives!
I have actually heard about these previously. It is good to get the word out when our children’s safety is concerned. Third party validation speaks a bit louder, too. 😉
What an important post! Great advice!
I love this post. Safety is so important yet when we see things at a “baby” store we assume it is safe. Great read for parents!
Good practical ideas! I never had a baby registry but I did use some of these products.
Thanks for sharing the word… great ideas!
Thank you for your thoughts and the information on these products. I had never really thought about it before. I will let my family know.
This is great information. I had never thought about these things being no good for a car seat fit.
I remember what it was like to set-up a baby registry as a first-time parent. You are made to think that you need everything! Thanks for this info!
Great tips for new moms!
These are all great tips for new moms! Wish I had thought of these during those stages!
I would have never thought about the impact that using these items would cause! Thanks for sharing!
The rule of thumb I have always followed is to not add anything extra to the car seat! It has always kept our kids safe!
This is such a great post. I had not heard of some of these items, but I never thought about how a liner could affect the car seat.