Keeping baby warm?

[babylove]

DS is 2.5 mo old and we live in a cold climate. I've recently learned that the BundleMe is not safe for carseat use. I also know that bunting and heavy coats are a no-no in the carseat. So here's my question: How do you keep your child warm in the winter months? Lots of blankets??

[Marisa]

My son was born in Jan. in NJ so it was probably similar winter weather to what you're going to be experiencing. :)

Layers are key -- like a cotton one-piece footed sleeper, and fleece pants and a hooded fleece jacket over it. Not too heavy -- overheating is bad too! Then we'd throw a fluffy blanket over the carseat for the trip from house to car, and try to have the car warming up already when possible.

[jennylou]

We have a fleece thing for the carseat - sort of like a sleep blanket - but with the car seat buckle cut out. It is sleeveless. For really cold days, we could put a fleece body suit (complete with footies, hand covers and hat) that matches and would theoretically go under the other item. I think both might be a bit warm though, so I might just do one or the other, depending upon how cold.

We live in NE Ohio, near Lake Erie.

ETA: We were thinking about getting the bundle me, but didn't know how long DD will be in her infant carrier (I've heard of some babies going to the regular rear facing carset as early as 4 months), so I didn't want to invest in something that we weren't going to get much use out of. Hearing that it's not for the car reinforces that we don't really need it.

[emschwar]

You can get a shower-cap style car seat cover to help keep warm. Those are perfectly safe to use with your infant car seat.

[Ericka_Jarett]

We have a Bundle Me but for Toddler size so won't use that this year since Easton will only be 3 months. I put him in one of his lighter weight snowsuit just tonight actually.

When we did the carseat test in the NICU before we could bring Easton home, the nurse said that we could leave him with a blanket behind him (between seat and Easton)so we could pull it around once we had him buckled in. The swaddle blankets have slits for use in carseats so that you have access to the straps without interference.

[a_spark]

I'm not really getting why the BundleMe isn't safe for the carseat when it's the same thickness (in the back) as a fleece top or a sweater, or a swaddling blanket...can someone explain? TIA!

[emschwar]

I'm not really getting why the BundleMe isn't safe for the carseat when it's the same thickness (in the back) as a fleece top or a sweater, or a swaddling blanket...can someone explain? TIA!

"They" (CPS techs and car seat gurus) say you should never put any after market accessories on your car seat because the seat was not safety tested with those. Any after market product - especially those which interfere with the harness of your carseat are not recommended and can void your carseat warranty. I've gotten this information from the CPS techs on the Baby Bargains board.

Also, a link - http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/aftermarket.aspx