In most cases, there is no such thing as too tight – only too loose. If you’re just using typical human strength and maybe a few installation tricks like getting behind a rear-facing carseat or using the reclining seatback trick, you do not have to worry about getting the seatbelt or LATCH strap too tight.
What happens when car seat straps are too loose?
Why it’s unsafe: If a harness is too loose, the child could move outside of the protection of the car seat’s shell and possibly be ejected from the seat in a crash. Pro tip: First, remove the harness slack at the child’s hips by pushing down on the crotch buckle and pull up on the straps in the torso area.
How do I make sure my car seat isn’t too tight?
Seat belt locking device added ONTO the vehicle’s seat belt. A locking clip—a metal H-shaped clip—can be added onto a shoulder/lap belt to keep it tight around the car seat.
Where should the retainer clip lie on baby once they are strapped in to the car seat?
Ensure that the harness is snug (you cannot pinch any slack between your fingers when testing the harness straps over the child’s shoulders) and that the retainer clip is placed at the center of the chest, even with your child’s armpits.
How long should your child be in a 5 point harness?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids use a car seat until they reach the maximum height or weight for that five-point harness. This is usually not until at least age five. Three-year-olds are not ready to ride in a booster seat, even if they fit within the manufacturer’s height and weight guidelines.
Can you replace straps on car seat?
If you have already washed your straps before reading this, call your car seat manufacturer and explain the mistake. Most of them will ship you replacement straps for free as a courtesy. So your straps are tight, the chest clip is up, you’re all set!
How do you get the smell out of car seat straps?
Dawn dish washing detergent or baby bath soap are the best options. Rub a little soap on a wash cloth with cool water and wipe, wipe, wipe. Let dry and repeat if needed. Try not to let the straps become dripping wet.