Most Annoying + Necessary Routine For Parents In Western New York

As we get ready for colder weather and the snow to officially start falling across New York State, there are a few things every parent needs to remember. First, your kids will always need to use the bathroom immediately after they’re bundled up in all their winter gear. Second, you need to make sure your car seats are ready for the extra padding and heavy clothing your kids wear during the winter months.

The Challenge of Winter Car Seats with Young Kids

We have four kids under nine years old, and one of our biggest challenges is making sure we have enough space in the car for all the car seats, and that the kids are properly placed and buckled into them. As they get older, I’ve noticed our kids want nothing to do with their regular car seats or the restraints that come with them. There’s arguing, complaining, and fighting almost every time we load up the car.

It gets even worse when you’re running errands: buckle them in, unbuckle them five minutes later at the store, then buckle them back in again. It becomes a constant battle, and often a negotiation, just to get them into their seats.

But no matter how frustrating it gets, safety is the priority, and as a parent, it’s your number one responsibility.

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New York State Car Seat Laws Every Parent Should Know

New York State has very clear laws regarding car seat safety, and every parent should be aware of them. I’m constantly checking the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website for updates or changes.

Here’s what the current law requires:

All children under the age of four must ride in a federally approved child safety seat. All children must ride in a child restraint system until their eighth birthday. "Child safety restraint systems should not be used in the front seat of the vehicle. Child passengers should ride in the back seat".

I review this law with our kids regularly because they’re always begging to get out of their seats or harnesses. I just tell them, “Don’t blame me...blame New York!”

There are financial penalties for violating these laws, but any parent knows the real priority is keeping their child safe.

Winter Clothing and Proper Car Seat Use

As the snow gear becomes part of the daily routine, snow pants, boots, coats, hats, gloves and it’s more important than ever to make sure your child’s car seat is buckled and adjusted correctly. Thick winter clothing can prevent car seat straps from fitting properly, leaving your child less protected in a crash.

And there’s nothing more frustrating than fighting with a car seat buckle while the wind is blowing and snow is hitting you in the back of the neck. Oversized coats, bulky snow pants, and puffy snowsuits can make it tough to tighten harnesses correctly. Now is a great time to brush up on proper fit, adjustments, and best safety practices before winter chaos begins.

New Safety Standards Coming in 2026

There are also changes coming to federal car seat laws across the United States. Beginning in 2026, updated national safety standards will raise the bar for how car seats are designed and tested. These improvements will apply to parents buying new car seats in 2026 here in New York State as well.

I encourage all parents, especially new parents, to review the car seat laws and make sure your seats are installed correctly. Local police departments and the New York State Police often host free car seat safety events where certified technicians inspect your car seat, show you proper installation, and help you make sure everything is secure.