Buckle Me Baby Coats at the 2024 ABC Kids Expo
Once, again the ABC Kids Expo was a well attended show featuring the latest trends and innovations in the world of children’s products. This year was the 20th anniversiy of this yearly event.
We will be reviewing several items over the next few months on TechTalk. One item that caught our eye was the Buckle Me Baby Coats innovation. While not something that would normally fit in our tech review catagory, this innovation is worth exploring due to its safety features targeting cold weather. Also seen on sharktank, the Buckle Me Baby Coats is well received in the market. With tempertures droping below freezing here in Bryan Head, Utah, keeping your little ones warm and safe is often a challenge. Buckle Me Baby Coats is a quick and cost effective solution for parents to keep their children warm on the short trip between lodging and the slopes.
Buckle Me Baby Coats offer an innovative solution for keeping children warm during winter while ensuring car seat safety. Traditional bulky winter coats can compromise the effectiveness of car seat harnesses, but these coats are designed to address that issue.
Design and Safety Features
The standout feature of Buckle Me Baby Coats is their unique design, which includes a side zipper and shoulder hook-and-loop closures. This allows parents to move the front panel aside, securing the car seat harness directly against the child’s chest and shoulders without the added bulk of a traditional coat. Once the child is buckled in, the front panel can be closed over the harness for warmth. The back of the coat is intentionally thinner to minimize any material between the child and the car seat. These coats have been crash-tested and approved by Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs), ensuring they meet safety standards.
Warmth and Comfort
Parents have noted that the coats effectively keep their children warm during cold months. The materials used are both wind and water-resistant, providing protection against various weather conditions. Some models feature Seawool insulation, known for its thermoregulating properties, offering warmth without excessive bulk.
Ease of Use
While the design is innovative, some parents have mentioned a learning curve in using the coat, particularly with managing the zippers and Velcro straps. However, many find that with practice, the process becomes more straightforward. The convenience of not having to remove the coat when transitioning the child in and out of the car seat is a significant advantage.
Sizing and Fit
The coats tend to run slightly large, which can be beneficial for layering and extended use as the child grows. However, some parents have found that ordering a size down provides a more snug fit. It’s advisable to consult the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer to ensure the best fit for your child.
Durability and Maintenance
Constructed with sturdy materials, Buckle Me Baby Coats are designed to withstand typical wear and tear. They are machine washable, making them convenient for parents to clean as needed. The quality of construction ensures that the coat maintains its integrity over time.
Customer Feedback
Overall, customer feedback is positive, with many parents appreciating the combination of safety and warmth. Some have noted that the coat simplifies the process of getting their child in and out of the car seat during winter months. However, a few users have mentioned that the coat may not be warm enough for extended outdoor play in extremely cold climates, suggesting the need for an additional heavier coat for such occasions.
Conclusion
Buckle Me Baby Coats provide a thoughtful solution to the common winter dilemma of balancing warmth and car seat safety. Their design allows for secure harnessing without compromising on warmth, and while there may be a slight learning curve, many parents find the benefits outweigh any initial challenges. Considering the positive feedback and safety features, these coats are a worthwhile investment for parents seeking convenience and peace of mind during colder months.
By, Scott Kraft (Technology Reporter), Richard, Berk (Executive Producer), April Fischer (Construction, Hunting & Automotive Reporter)
Scott Kraft is the Technology Producer for Utah Channel 3. He is a degreed Electrical Engineer that applies engineering testing/procedures to products that are of technical interest to those participating in sporting activities in Southern Utah.
Richard Berk is the Executive Producer for Utah Channel 3. Richard’s field of expertise is the medical field and covers medical conventions when he is not producing Utah Channel 3 content. Richard also shares the passion of outdoor sports as do all members of BHTV.
April Fisher is a field reporter with expertise in the automotive industry. April also coverers technology used in construction and hunting (safety) when she is not out and about racing her 1997 RED Corvette and covering the automotive industry.