Harness Use
Infant Seats:
- The harness straps must be threaded through the slots at or below the child’s shoulders.
- Adjust the harness straps so they are snug against the child (i.e. – you can only fit one finger between straps and child’s collar bone.) If the harness is a 3pt. system, it should form the shape of a V. If the harness is a 5 pt. system, it should fit snugly over the hips or thighs.
- The chest clip should be placed at armpit level.
- If the buckle is adjustable, use the position closest to baby.
- Be sure the child is within the recommended weight limits.
Below: A properly harnessed 2 month old in a 5pt. harness seat.
Convertible Seats:
1. Convertible Seats Used Rear-Facing:
- The harness straps must be threaded through the slots at or below the child’s shoulders.
- Adjust the harness straps so they are snug against the child (i.e. – you can only fit one finger between straps and child’s collar bone.)
- The chest clip should be placed at armpit level.
- If the buckle is adjustable, use the position closest to baby.
- If you are using a tray shield seat, adjust the tray shield to the position closest to the child (if applicable).
- Be sure the child is within the recommended weight limits.
Below: To the left is a correctly harnessed 6 month old (*note – the shoulder pads on the harness were provided by the manfacturer for use on this seat). To the right is a correctly harnessed 20 month old.
2. Convertible Seats Used Forward-Facing:
- The harness straps must be threaded through the top reinforced slot(see picture below). *Exceptions: Britax seats, Alpha Omega Convertible seat, and any combination seat.
- Adjust the harness straps so they are snug against the child (i.e. – you can only fit one finger between straps and child’s collar bone.)
- The chest clip should be placed at armpit level.
- If the buckle is adjustable, use the position closest to child.
- If you are using a tray shield seat, adjust the tray shield to the position closest to the child (if applicable).
- Be sure the child is within the recommended weight limits.
Below: To the left shows the reinforced bar on a convertible seat. Notice that the harness is threaded above that bar for forward facing. To the right is a correctly harnessed 2 year old.
Combination Seats:
1. Combination Seats Used as a 5pt. Car Seat:
- The harness straps must be threaded through the slots at or above the child’s shoulders.
- Adjust the harness straps so they are snug against the child (i.e. – you can only fit one finger between straps and child’s collar bone.)
- The chest clip should be placed at armpit level.
- If the buckle is adjustable, use the position closest to baby.
- Be sure the child is within the recommended weight limits.
Below: A properly harnessed 2 year old.
2. Combination Seats Used as a Belt Positioning Booster:
- Remove the harness.
- Make sure booster is set back against the vehicle seat.
- Use only with lap/shoulder belt. If applicable, pass belt through lap-belt cutout or under the arms (depending on the style of the seat).
- Belt should ride low over the thighs, across the middle of the chest, across the middle of the shoulder, and be snug. Use the belt positioner if needed.
- Tips of ears should be below the back of the booster seat.
- Be sure the child is within the recommended weight limits.
To see picture: of a child properly harnessed in a belt positioning booster, see picture under “high back booster” below.
Booster Seats:
1. High Back Booster:
- Make sure booster is set back against the vehicle seat.
- Use only with lap/shoulder belt. If applicable, pass belt through lap-belt cutout or under the arms (depending on style of the seat).
- Belt should ride low over the thighs, across the middle of the chest, across the middle of the shoulder, and be snug. Use the belt positioner if needed.
- Tips of ears should be below the back of the booster seat.
- Be sure the child is within the recommended weight limits.
Below: A properly restrained 5-1/2 year old.
2. Low Back Booster:
- Make sure booster is set back against the vehicle seat.
- Use only with lap/shoulder belt. If applicable, pass belt under lap-belt positioning arms.
- Belt should ride low over the thighs, across the middle of the chest, across the middle of the shoulder, and be snug. Use the belt positioner if needed.
- Tips of ears should be below the back of the vehicle seat.
- Be sure the child is within the recommended weight limits.
Below: A properly restrained child riding in a low back booster
