The Fundamentals
How Your Child Fits in the Car Seat
4c - Forward-Facing Seat
- The child's ears should be below the top of the plastic shell of the child safety seat.
- The harness should be snug. To check harness snugness, place two fingers under the harness, slide them up towards the top of the shoulder. You should be able to easily slide your fingers to just above the armpit but not roll them. Make sure there are no pockets of slack. To do this grab each side of the harness near the buckle and tug on it. The harness should not get any looser. If it does, tighten again, check again, and tug again.
- The harness should go through slots on the seat that are at or above the shoulders. When checking this, make sure you're checking where the harness is going through the plastic and not just the fabric liner.
- The retainer clip should be at the armpit level when the harness has been tightened appropriately. The retainer clip at the armpit level will help keep the harness on the shoulders so crash forces will not eject the child.
- Never place padding between the child and the child safety seat or between the child and the harness. Thick padding creates air pockets that have the same effect as slack in the harness. For warmth, place a blanket or coat over the child after the harness has been secured. If you are concerned about the harness irritation the child's skin around the neck, pull the collar of his/her outfit up between the harness and neck.
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