As temperatures cool, this is a reminder from your friendly neighbourhood Newborn Care Specialist, to save putting the cute, fluffy, eared (because apparently babies get ears on their clothes but I'm too old...), coats or snowsuits until they are out of their car-seat 

The cosy padding provided by these coats and suits are great for keeping baby (or any child) warm when out and about but, when buckled into their carseat, act as a barrier against you tightening the upper part of the harness sufficiently close to your little one's body, to keep them safe in case of an accident or a sudden stop

You can test what I mean (if you're in that way scientifically minded) by strapping little one in WITH their suit on, tightening the straps, then undoing the buckle, keeping the straps at their current adjustment, removing the padded layer(s) and returning your little one to their seat....

The straps will now be far too loose... - in an accident, the padding in your little one's cosy clothes will be compressed, leaving the straps in this looser state and putting them more in danger of moving in a way that results in injury or worse...

So, what can you do instead to keep your little one cosy in the car?

• Use thin layers e.g. a long-sleeved vest, tights etc. underneath their clothes

• Pre-heat the car before you set-off so it's nice and warm for your journey

• Place their coat or thicker fleece layer backwards, over the straps once your child is secured in

• Use a blanket over your safely strapped in child, to provide an extra layer of warmth