CDOT: Check your kids’ coats before buckling car seats

With frigid temperatures on the way as winter kicks off, the Colorado Department of Transportation wants parents to be aware of proper attire for kids in car seats.

According to CDOT, kids in car seats should not wear winter coats underneath their car seat harness.

That's because during a crash, the material of the coat compresses, leaving the harness straps too loose to be effective.

To make sure your child is safe riding in their car seat in a jacket, first strap your child in wearing their coat and buckle them up completely.

Without loosening the harness, remove your child from the car seat, take their coat off, then place them back in their seat.

After buckling the harness, pinch the straps.

If you're able to grab any excess fabric - their coat is too bulky to be worn in their car seat.

An alternative to keeping your little one warm during the car ride is to turn their jacket around and put their arms through it backwards.

For older children, you can put a blanket over them once they are completely strapped in.