As winter approaches and we need to bundle up to stay warm, there are some important car seat advice and laws to be aware of for everyone.
Minnesota law requires all children under age 8 to be in a car seat or booster seat, but does not specify what to do about winter coats. However, safety experts strongly advise against placing bulky winter coats under car seat straps, as this can prevent a proper fit and compromise safety in the event of a crash. Alternatives include dressing the child in thin layers and placing a blanket or coat over the straps, or using a coat specifically designed for car seats.
Here are the official recommendations:
~Children’s of Minnesota - Winter care seat guidelines.
https://www.childrensmn.org/blog/winter-car-seat-guidelines/
~Minnesota Laws for child safety in cars.
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/safe-driving-information-and-laws/driver-and-passenger-safety/cps
~CDC – Child Passenger Safety
https://www.cdc.gov/child-passenger-safety/about/index.html
~NHTSA – Car Seat Recommendations for Children
https://www.nhtsa.gov/.../carseat-recommendations-for...
~American Academy of Pediatrics / Healthline Summary
https://www.healthline.com/.../when-can-a-child-sit-in...
~GHSA – Child Passenger Safety Laws & Risks
https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws-issues/child-passengers
Seat belts are designed for an average ADULT — not an 8, 9, or 10-year-old.
Children who ride without boosters too early are at high risk for “seat belt syndrome,” which can cause severe abdominal, spinal, and internal injuries. Airbags deploy with violent force — meant for adults around 5’ tall and 150 lbs. A child’s body cannot withstand that impact. Booster seats and proper car-seat stages reduce injury risk by up to 45–70%, depending on the study.
