What's a better alternative to snowsuits (to use in infant car seats)

[aakella]

Hi,
I wanted some input from my fellow canadians on how to bundle up my baby in her car seat. We were using a snowsuit but the snowsuit is so good that she is sweating in it by the time we reach our destination.

Also, I read that they are not safe to use in the car seat. Currently, we just put a blanket over the car seat when we take her out of the car. But I feel this is not enough.

I saw something like a bunting bag called peekaboo kangaroo that can be used in car seats. Does anyone have input on that? I saw it on the needababygift.com website.

Appreciate your much needed input.

Thank you.
--aakella

[neuhofer]

My Spring daughter didn't need one, but I have seen all kinds of the car seat warmer I will definitely buy if I ever have a winter baby (just one of many advantages of living in the currently wintry Manitoba).

I don't know what they are called, but it is like a fitted sleeping bag for a carseat that completely zips apart into top and bottom pieces. Both halves are padded with warming fill (the top moreso, I think).

The bottom has cuts in the back for the seat harness. In some models, there is a hole for each belt entry, so it is threaded through and semi-permanently installed. In others, there is a big slit across the 2 shoulder harness points and to the lower belt point, so it just pops in and out in seconds for washing.

The top is completely removable, with a zippers on each side that start at the baby's feet and end at the head of the carseat. Most of the warmers I've seen DO NOT have any window for the baby's face. The moms just flip and zip them fully closed between car and house. Inside the car, they undo the zippers halfway and fold the top down so face and upper body are visible.

With a warmer like this, you could completely remove the top portion if in the car a long time and baby is getting hot.

These warmers are usually made of corduroy exteriors and flannel linings.

Shannon

PS. Just before I posted, I thought I would do a quick web-search. Here is a warmer exactly like what I've been trying to describe. After all, "a picture is worth a thousand words". Good luck.

http://www.bundleme.com/index.html

[aakella]

Hi Shannon,

Thanks for your advice. I looked at the bundleme product. It looks pretty good. I am might go ahead and buy it.

---Aparna

[hipmaman]

Hi,

Here are some links for on-line stores that carry a very popular bunting bag in Canada. You can also find them in certain baby stores. I am not sure where you are in Canada, but you can call the local baby specialty stores to check it out.

The bunting bag is called Kokkoon and is very nice. It works well for carseats and strollers and comes in either 3 point or 5 point harness. It is readily available in Canada.

http://www.borntolove.com/catlog16.html
http://www.babyuniverse.ca/pro.asp?id=4545&catid=219&secid=33
http://www.bummis.com/kozy.html
http://www.thebabymarketplace.com/securestore/c39217p172362.2.html
http://www.bareware.net/swim.htm#bags
http://www.pitterpatters.com/Baby_accessories.htm
http://www.diaper-eez.com/otherproducts.html (call for price)

I am not sure who has the best price, but check them out. If you are in Ontario and is close to a Once upon a Child store, they too carry the Kokkoon bunting bag.

[aakella]

Hi Tam,
I finally got a chance to visit the Once upon a child store in Ontario and found the Kokoon bunting bag. I went ahead and bought it. It works very well. It is quite cosy and warm and not a hassle like the snowsuit. Thank you very much.

---aakella