Shoulder Harness

[Tiff]

My son has a very long torso and he has almost maxed out forward facing in his carseat. His shoulder harness is at the highest possible location. He's only 4. His shoulder straps are just above his shoulders when the car is on level ground. But if we are on a hill, the shoulder straps almost look like they're coming from below his shoulders. Can anyone tell me why that is, and if it's still safe?

 

[ketchupqueen]

My son has a very long torso and he has almost maxed out forward facing in his carseat. His shoulder harness is at the highest possible location. He's only 4. His shoulder straps are just above his shoulders when the car is on level ground. But if we are on a hill, the shoulder straps almost look like they're coming from below his shoulders. Can anyone tell me why that is, and if it's still safe?

Hi!
You want to check his fit when you're level. He may be sliding up in the seat, which may cause an illusion of being outgrown.
I would check before he's buckled in though, to make sure the harness isn't pushing his shoulders down. Sit him back and get a ruler or butter knife in the slot, and make sure that opening is really truly above the shoulders.

If you'd like recommendations for a taller seat, let us know what seat he's near the top of and we can go from there.

 

[Tiff]

Thank you! I will definitely check with a ruler. It seems to come from above his shoulders, except when the strap hits the curvature of his neck, which almost makes it look like the slot is below his shoulders. But I know it's in reference to shoulder level, not neck curvature level, so hopefully it's still ok!

 

[ketchupqueen]

It sounds like it, but also sounds like it's time to shop for the next seat! You'll probably want to get one tall enough to keep him harnessed a few more years.