Common Harnessing Errors

Next time you harness the child you're transporting, check this list to make sure you're not making these common errors!

1) The chest clip must always be at the child's armpit level. The sole purpose of the chest clip is to keep the harness straps appropriately positioned on the child's shoulders so they stay down in their car seat during a crash. If the chest clip isn’t at armpit level , the harness straps won’t be held in place during a crash and a child may actually move up and out of the harness! In order for the car seat to protect your child, they have to stay in it and an appropriately placed chest clip will help do exactly that.

2) A rear facing child's harness straps must come out of the car seat shell at or below the child's shoulders. This keeps the child down and in their car seat during a crash. A forward facing child's harness straps must come out of the car seat shell at or above the child's shoulders. If the straps come out of the shell below their shoulders, this can cause spinal compression during a crash.

3) Twisted harness straps can compromise harness snugness and focus crash forces on the twisted area rather than spreading them evenly across the harness as intended. Always make sure your child’s harness straps are flat against their body for every ride.

4) A snug harness is very important. To check harness tightness, do the pinch test. After you harness your child, pinch the harness webbing at the top of the child's shoulders. If you can pinch webbing between your fingers, the harness is too loose and must be tightened further.

Check each of these things every time you harness your child. The extra time is worth it to keep them safe every ride!