No coats or head straps - HSE issues car safety advice to Irish parents

Irish parents are being advised to remove their children's coats before strapping them into car seats. 

The warning was posted by the Health Service Executive (HSE) on X today (November 8), with parents advised to use blankets to keep children warm rather than bulky coats.

They stated: "This winter, keep it safe and snug in the car. Remove your child's jacket or coat before settling them into the car seat and make sure the harness is in contact with their body. Use a blanket to keep them warm." 

According to the HSE, Road Safety Authority (RSA) advice includes the following: 

• Take time to get your child comfortably strapped in on every journey 
• Make sure the seat's harness or the seat belt is adjusted correctly 
• Use blankets instead of bulky jackets in winter to make sure the harness is in contact with the child's body 
• Never tuck the seatbelt under the child’s arm or behind their back 

The HSE also advises against the use of head support straps, which are sometimes described as "car seat head safety straps", "neck protection belts" or "holder belts". 

According to the HSE, there is no evidence that these products - which reportedly claim to prevent a child's head falling forwards or sideways if they fall asleep - are safe to use.

The HSE states: "These products are also marketed for use in buggies or strollers. Do not use them." 

For more safety information on car seats and child safety in cars, click here.