A five-point harness is the safest car seat harness for infants and toddlers, fitting over the shoulders and hips. Children should use them until they reach around 40 pounds, and booster seats should be used until the seat belt fits securely. Local services can check the harness is correctly adjusted.
A car seat harness consists of straps that fit over the child to help protect the child in the event of an accident. A five-point harness, which fits over the child’s shoulders and hips, is the preferred type of car seat harness for most infants and toddlers. Most US states require children under a certain age and weight to ride in car seats or booster seats, and car seat manufacturers specify a safe weight range for their use. The harness should always fit snugly on the child for maximum protection. Also, the closure between the shoulder straps should be at the proper height on the child’s chest, not too high or low.
For babies and toddlers up to a certain weight and age, the five-point harness is generally recommended for maximum safety. It consists of two shoulder straps that meet across the child’s chest and connect to two additional straps that fit over the hips, along with a fifth strap across the legs. It is important to adjust the straps of a five-point harness correctly, with the top clip across the chest rather than near the neck or tummy. If the chest clip is positioned incorrectly, it can injure the child in an accident. Many car seat shoulder straps are also height adjustable and should sit just over the child’s shoulders, not too low or too high.
Most infants and toddlers should use five-point car seat harnesses until they reach approximately 40 pounds (approximately 18 kg), although this guide may vary based on local laws. Car seat manufacturers also specify a weight range for each individual product that is appropriate and safe for use. Older children can ride in a booster seat, which uses the car’s existing seat belts, but positions the child high enough to use them properly. An older child should use a booster seat until she is tall enough for the vehicle seat belt to fit securely over her shoulder, as it does for an adult. If the strap does not fit properly, it will not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash.
Some local fire departments, police stations, and emergency medical service providers offer free checks to make sure the car seat harness is properly adjusted for the child. They can also adjust the connections to the vehicle’s restraint system to ensure a perfect and secure fit. The American Academy of Pediatrics also provides more detailed information on age, weight, and height requirements for different types of car seat harnesses.
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