We all know how endless arguments are about the temperature in the car, but adults' preferences are left on the curb once a child passenger is nearby. Maintaining an ideal body temperature for a child is vital to their overall well-being.  

If you are travelling around with your little one during the colder months, a car seat footmuff is a great accessory. They are an all-in-one suit that is compatible with the design of a car seat to provide a secure and snug fit for the young child. 

Not only do these cosy products help to keep a child warm and comfortable, but they can also help to keep a child secure in their car seat. The suits are designed to cuddle a child's body from head to toe for a complete layer of protection.

Another benefit is that the suits can transition from inside to outdoors, meaning you can easily keep a little one protected from unfavourable elements during all stages of travel. Lastly, using a footmuff when travelling also protects a child's clothing should they have an accident. They can be washed easily, allowing them to remain in brilliant condition.

To offer complete comfort and warmth, materials such as fleece and wool are commonly used. You will then normally find a waterproof outer material made from durable fabrics, such as nylon or polyester.

As with any childcare accessories, even though the item has been designed with safety in mind, footmuffs should always be used with care. Leaving your child unattended could lead to them overheating when using a cosy footmuff suit. 

When using a car seat, you should always check that the footmuff suit is compatible with the fixings and security features such as the harness. If the suit is too bulky or large, you will find it hard to properly secure a child in their seat. Another consideration to make is ensuring that the child can still regulate their body temperature and that they are not showing any signs of overheating. Whilst footmuffs are made from breathable materials, if they are used for too long or in the wrong temperatures, they will cause discomfort to the child. 

Finally, you must always monitor the child to ensure they have not slipped down in their suit. This could cause the item to become restrictive around the neck, leading to breathing issues.

Yes, you can easily wash a footmuff suit with the rest of your child's laundry.  

Our advice is always to pay close attention to the care label, opt for a low temperature plus select a mild, child-friendly detergent. The cosytoe or footmuff should be 100% dry before the child uses it again, so leave it to air-dry fully or use a tumble dryer on low heat.