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Winter Car Seat Covers and Footmuffs: What's Safe?
Once the snowsuit comes off for the car seat, how do you keep a baby warm between the house, the car and the stroller? A cover over the infant seat and a footmuff in the stroller can help, as long as nothing ends up between your baby and the seat or the harness, and your car seat manufacturer approves the cover.
Why does the snowsuit come off in the car seat?
The Canadian Paediatric Society says bulky clothing or snowsuits should not be worn in the car seat, because they can interfere with proper harness tightening and placement. Transport Canada adds that car seat manufacturers say never to add anything between the shell of the seat and the child: extra padding behind a child can add slack to the harness and let it compress in a crash.
For the layers themselves, see our guide to the warmest winter clothes for babies and kids in Quebec.
How is a car seat cover different from a bunting bag?
A bunting bag or a padded insert sits behind your baby, and the harness straps pass through it. Transport Canada warns about padded car seat bags like these, and the Canadian Paediatric Society says add-on accessories not approved by the car seat manufacturer, such as a bunting bag, are not safe.
A cover works from the outside. You buckle your baby in without a snowsuit, tighten the harness, then stretch the cover over the top of the infant seat, a bit like a shower cap. Nothing goes under your baby or between the straps. A cover is still an add-on, though, and Transport Canada notes that manufacturers generally tell parents not to use third-party products with their seats. So use a cover only if your car seat manual or manufacturer approves it. If not, ask the manufacturer how to keep your baby warm.
Which Petit Coulou covers do we carry?
We carry Petit Coulou covers for several temperature ranges, from a light summer cover to winter covers the brand rates from -30 °C to 5 °C. The Sherpa winter cover has an elastic base that slips over the seat, a water-repellent fabric and, according to the brand, a structure that keeps the fabric from sagging onto your baby.
Winter Car Seat Cover - Sherpa Collection (-30°C to 5°C)
The Sherpa 3-season cover, rated by the brand from -30 °C to 15 °C, works like a coat with a removable lining: you unzip the lining on mild fall and spring days.
Three-Season Car Seat Cover - Sherpa Collection (-30°C to 15°C)
Two points from Petit Coulou's FAQ:
- The insulating base sold separately is for outdoor outings. The brand says to remove it in the car, because car seat manufacturers advise against using one while driving.
- The winter, 3-season and light covers fit rear-facing infant seats, not convertible car seats. The brand lists one exception, the Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe+.
How do you keep your baby from overheating?
Health Canada notes that overheating increases a baby's risk of sudden infant death syndrome and asks parents to dress babies so they don't overheat. A cover holds in heat, so open it as soon as you step into a heated place. Petit Coulou suggests checking the back of your baby's neck: a damp neck is a sign your baby is too warm.
Health Canada also says not to use car seats or strollers for sleep. If your baby falls asleep during the ride or the walk, take them out as soon as you arrive and move them to a crib, cradle or bassinet. The Canadian Paediatric Society says a car seat is not a safe place to sleep.
What about the stroller?
A footmuff is for the stroller only. Petit Coulou's model has two elastic straps and six openings at the back, so it fits a stroller, a pram or a sled. The brand rates it from -30 °C to 10 °C and describes it for children from 0 to 18 months, with a total length of 107 cm. Its FAQ says it is not designed for car seats.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the insulating base in the car?
No. Petit Coulou says to remove it in the car, and Transport Canada notes that car seat manufacturers say never to add anything between the seat and the child.
Will a cover fit my convertible car seat?
No. Petit Coulou's covers are made for rear-facing infant seats. Check your seat model before ordering.
What should my baby wear under the cover?
Thin layers that don't add bulk, with the harness snug over them.
Can my baby nap in the stroller under the footmuff?
Health Canada says strollers are not for sleep. As soon as you arrive, move your baby to a crib with nothing else in it.