Top Tethers: Use Them For Every Forward Facing Installation!

You may have noticed that your convertible or forward facing car seat has a tether that dangles off the back of it. When your convertible is in rear facing mode you won't need this tether (except in special manufacturer circumstances!), but once your child is forward facing you'll need to use the top tether to properly install the car seat.

The top tether is the "T" in LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren). Top tethers were invented to decrease forward movement of the child and car seat in the event of a crash. When used correctly, they keep the car seat anchored securely to the vehicle seat which stops the car seat (and the child) from flying forward during a collision.

When you're ready to install your top tether, take a look in your vehicle manual to see what your vehicle manufacturer has to say about top tether location and installation. Some vehicles prefer that the tether is routed under the vehicle head restraint, some prefer that the head restraint is removed entirely while a top tether is in use, and others want you to lower the head restraint all the way and route the top tether over the head restraint. It's important you read your vehicle's manual to ensure you've installed it the correct way to get the most protection for your child.

It's also important to make sure your tether is installed on the appropriate top tether anchor and not on a cargo anchor. Top tether anchors have the LATCH symbol next to them and are made of metal. You may see other anchors or tie downs in your vehicle, but only use the anchor designated for top tether use. Your manual will provide diagrams to ensure you're installing it correctly.

If your child is still in rear facing mode, make sure you store that top tether so it's not a projectile in the car! There's usually a bar on the back or side of the car seat to clip it to. Your car seat manual will tell you how to store it correctly.