How to Connect the Five-Point Harness Child Seat
Five-point harness systems are found in many models of car seats and are the safest way to transport a child from birth up to 85 pounds. The straps that retain the child connect with the car seat at five different points, thereby diffusing the crash forces away from the child's body in an accident. When installed and used correctly, these car seats can greatly minimize injury.
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Things You'll Need
- Car seat with five-point harness system
- Vehicle with back seat restraint systems (seat belts or LATCH)
Instructions
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Prepare the Seat
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1
Ensure that the shoulder straps are not twisted, but threaded smoothly through the correct opening for your child's age. For children under two, the straps should be at or below the shoulders. For children over two, they should be at or above the shoulders. On the back side of the car seat, slide the straps over the T-shaped metal hook.
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2
Slide the rectangular tabs on the lower section of the shoulder straps through the openings near where your child's hips would be if seated.
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3
Fasten both the chest buckle and the lower buckle to ensure that the straps are not twisted.
Install the Seat
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4
Determine if the seat should be installed forward- or rear-facing. The most common rule of thumb is that a child should be rear-facing until at least 12 months and 20 pounds. However, the experts on child safety at Safe Kids USA recommend continuing to use the rear-facing seat until the child reaches the maximum height or weight limit for that seat.
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5
Check to see if your vehicle has the LATCH system. All cars manufactured in the U.S. after 2002 are required to have the LATCH system, in addition to the standard seat belts. Run your fingers along the inside where the seat base and back come together. LATCH systems often are depicted by a small image showing you exactly where the LATCH restraints are.
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If you are installing the car seat to the LATCH system, take the strap that runs through the back of the seat and secure the two clips to the LATCH anchor on either side of the seat. Pull until the seat does not slide but is secure and stable.
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7
If you are using the standard seat belt, it is helpful to put your full body weight in the car seat, pressing down with one knee. Pull the seat belt through the opening on the lower section of the back of the car seat, and secure the buckle. Continue pressing down with your knee, and pull and tighten the seat belt as much as possible. If the car seat is securely fastened, you will be unable to move it more than one inch from side to side, or front to back.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure the harness straps fit your child snugly. Pull the bottom strap at the base of the car seat until the upper straps are tight enough that you cannot pinch the straps near the shoulders.
Use either the LATCH or seat belt to restrain the car seat but not both.
Never install the car seat in the front-seat of a vehicle equipped with front passenger air bags. The back seat is always the safest place for children under 12.
References
- Photo Credit child in the car image by Natalia Pavlova from Fotolia.com
