Fall is upon us and before long winter will be here.  The temperatures are declining and the wind is picking up so if you are like me, you are starting to bundle up your little one to keep him/her toasty.  Warm coats, hats, gloves, etc… are all essentials for the upcoming winter season.  However, if you are experiencing the same thing I am, heavier coats are too bulky and too restricting for your little one when riding in their car seat.  Not to mention the fact that the thicker the coat the looser the straps must be, creating a false barrier between the harness and your child.  Safety tests and police recommendations for proper car seat safety strongly discourage parents from putting their precious cargo in a bulky winter coat before buckling up for a ride in the car.  So, what are we to do to keep our children warm yet not compromise their safety? Last year the solution was so simple, the BundleMe for the infant carrier but now we are in a convertible car seat that is no longer an option.

As I pondered the above question, a friend of mine introduced me to The Car Seat Poncho.  I had never heard of this item but when she showed it to me, I thought it was genius! The fleece poncho which has a hood allows you to dress your child in a warm sweater and a light jacket or vest so car seat buckling is simple and provides the tightness needed for the straps.   The poncho goes over your child after buckling them in and provides plenty of warmth even in the coldest of months.  This is just what we needed so I went to the website to investigate.  I read all about the product and was surprised to see all the safety endorsements, including one from our local police department.  For $39, the car seat poncho comes in array of colors and two sizes depending on how tall your child is.  This was a real find!  Of course, it does not replace the need for a good warm winter jacket for playing outside, walking in the snow or building a snowman.  But for the car and going in and out of stores, this is the perfect solution.  At least, I think so.