Welcome to 

Car Safety 4 Kids! Keeping tomorrow's future safe today!

Guide to Correct Harness Use

On this page: Harness Use

Infant Seats Convertible Seats Combination Seats Booster Seats

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 (click on any picture to enlarge).

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












    

Important: The information on this site is intended for educational purposes.  Reading and/or following the information on this site will not guarantee that you are using your child restraint properly.  Please visit a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.  In as little as 20 to 30 minutes, you will know for sure that your child is as protected as he or she can be




Back to Car Safety 4 Kids Home