Week 2- Proper Harnessing
Which harness slots? Use the ones at or below shoulder level when rear-facing. And, at or above shoulder level when forward-facing.
The chest clip, should go exactly where the name of it tells you, at the chest, armpit level. It's not a belly clip, but a chest clip. It keeps the harness in the proper location on the shoulders for maximum protection. If it is slid down on the belly it can cause major internal damage in an accident, as well as prevent the child from staying restrained in the seat.
The harnesses should fit snugly. There are two tests to determine if it is snug enough. The pinch test, if you can pinch it easily(up by the shoulders), it's not tight enough. 
And the finger test, you should be able to only fit one finger under the straps up by the shoulder. If you can fit more, not tight enough. 
In an accident the webbing on the harness is designed to stretch up to 14%. If your straps are loose to begin with, well they will only become more loose. It will defeat the purpose of having them restrained if they don't stay in the harness, right?Once again, any questions? Throw 'em at me! Oh, and isn't my little subject just cute?
11 comments:
Thanks Maeg, I really learned alot. And now I think I'll go do some adjusting on my carseats.
I love the live model, he did perfect!
You just hit my biggest pet peave! This part of buckling is so obviously important to me. Duh - So why after dad buckles him in is the buckle on the belly and the shoulder strap off the arm??!!?? This is what I was referring to on teaching the dad to do it right. I end up adjusting it. grrrr I'm sure you are feeling my pain.
Thanks for the information!
You should write your own brochure about safety. I check Evey's seat often, but sometimes I make mistakes. For instance, last week, during one of Evey's "tantrums," she didn't want to leave daycare, and I was so upset with her I forgot to lock her in the seat. Luckily I only drove a block before I came to my senses. I was so upset at myself for that. And I am probably the only mommy in the world who has done that.
Anyway, give the boys' hugs and kisses from us. And can't wait to meet little "Brendan" Just kidding.
I love the pics. I have always wondered if the finger thing is like that or sideways so thanks for the clarification. I love ya.
Thanks for the info and tips. I really appreciate you sharing them. These things are good to know. Bytheway...you have a darling pirate and subject!
I thought I was the only one that is such a freak about carseats! Why can't daddy get it?! When I drive down the freeway or side road and see kids climbing around, it makes me so mad. I won't name names but I had a friend who got a carseat from the DI! (something I would never do, or recomend!!!) It had no chest strap! They had no clue. They came over to the house when the baby was 6 weeks. I had a fit and told them they had to get a new carseat, NOW. While they left the baby with me.
Those are great tips. You look great at 29 weeks. Hope you're feeling good.
Very informative. I know a lot of time we are just in a hurry to get going and we don't always check to make sure the kids are strapped in correctly or at all. It is crazy that when we were kids we surrvived in the car. Car seat saftey is so much more of an issue today then back then.
That a girl. Great tips!
Your assistant is adorable. Thanks for the tips! I think my straps may be too loose!
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