"Thick Winter Outerwear" as an Enemy of Child Car Seats? —— The "Invisible Risk" Reported by a German Newspaper and the Pros and Cons on Social Media & Practical Techniques

On a cold morning, you might be tempted to put your child in the car seat with a puffy down jacket on. However, this "parental instinct" might actually compromise safety. In an article dated November 9, 2025, the German local newspaper Kreiszeitung warned that sitting with a thick winter jacket can prevent the seatbelt (harness) from fitting snugly against the body, concentrating force on soft areas like the abdomen during a collision, leading to serious injuries. The German Automobile Club (ADAC) crash tests also indicated that even at speeds equivalent to about 16 km/h, there is a demonstrated risk.kreiszeitung.de

What's Dangerous: Visualizing the Mechanism

• The Air Layer Issue
  Down or padded coats create a "bulge," resulting in the belt pressing against the clothing rather than the body. When the air is compressed during impact, the belt can "slack" and shift upwards, increasing the risk of it digging into the abdomen or neck.kreiszeitung.de

• Submarining
  If the harness is not tight enough, the forward force can cause the body to slip through the belt, increasing danger. ADAC strongly recommends **children "take off their jackets first."**adac.de

• Don't Underestimate Low Speeds
  "It's safe because it's low speed" is a misconception. Even at around 16 km/h, there are test cases showing abdominal injury risks, indicating that care is needed even for "short distance drop-offs.".kreiszeitung.de
  
  

Practical Measures: Balancing Warmth and Safety in Four Steps

1. Remove and Cover
   Take off the outerwear before seating, properly tighten the harness, and then cover with a coat or blanket.kreiszeitung.de

2. Thin Layers (Fleece + Layering)
   Instead of one thick layer, **layering thin clothes "mille-feuille style"** is better for harness fit.kreiszeitung.de

3. Preheat the Car
   Use the heater or EV preconditioning to ensure **"warmth before getting in."**kreiszeitung.de

4. For Babies, Use Footmuffs "Over"
   Do not place anything between the body and the belt, and use a cover type. Child seat manufacturers also provide similar guidance.MAXI-COSI

One Point: "Pinch Test"
Tighten the harness with the coat on, then remove it, and if there's "pinchable slack" when seated without the coat, it's a no-go. This practical method is widely shared in communities..Reddit

Social Media Reactions: Agreement, Confusion, and "What to Do?" Intersect

Agreement Side

• "Take off the jacket even in winter. It's officially recommended and enforced at home" —— An official X account of an insurance company warns **"Remove outerwear"** and it spreads.まいどなニュース

• ADAC and parenting accounts' reel videos are supported for intuitively understanding with footage of **"wearing down → belt floats."**Instagram

Confusion Side

• "It's only 5 minutes to the nursery..." and complacency over short distances is observed. → The aforementioned danger even at low speeds data serves as counter-evidence.kreiszeitung.de

Practical Side (Sharing Tips)

• "Solved with a blanket + thin fleece" "Turn on the car heater first" and other techniques for balancing warmth and safety are numerous.adac.de

• In overseas communities, the **"Pinch Test"** is introduced as a standard self-check.Reddit
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is a thin jacket okay?
A: The requirement is "no pinchable slack." Results vary by material and thickness, so check each time with the Pinch Test.Reddit

Q2: The shoulder belt seems to hurt the neck...
A: Adjusting the position and height of the harness and proper tightening are crucial. Don't be misled by the "appearance of fit" with thick clothing.kreiszeitung.de

Q3: How about using "aftermarket accessories" to compensate for thickness in winter?
A: Items placed between the body and the belt are generally not recommended. Choose manufacturer-recommended **"over-the-top" types**.MAXI-COSI

Background of This Article (Sources)

• Kreiszeitung"Im Auto ohne Winterjacke?" (November 9, 2025).Explains the mechanism by which thick jackets increase abdominal injury risk, and measures such as **"remove and cover."**kreiszeitung.de

• ADAC's Awareness Campaign (2023–2024):Insights from crash tests and winter practical advice published.presse.adac.de

• Domestic Parenting and Traffic Safety Media / Official X Warning Posts: Spreading awareness to **"remove outerwear."**まいどなニュース
  
  

Summary

• Thick Outerwear and Child Car Seats Are Incompatible

• Don't Underestimate Low Speeds and Short Distances

• Removing and Covering / Layering Thin Clothes / Preheating the Car can balance warmth and safety

• Use the Pinch Test to Self-Check "Is This Outfit Okay Now?" Every Time

A Parent's "Warmth" and "Safety" Are Not Trade-offs. By changing the approach, both can be protected.kreiszeitung.de