Harness tightness and placement on Marathon

[LisaMer]

Just received my Marathon for my DD (16.5 months, 32", 20lbs). She was previously in a SafeSeat. It installed RF like a breeze into my Vibe, but I have a few questions about the tightness of the harness around DD. Two questions:

1) The bottom straps go across the top of her thighs instead of across her hips (like they did in the SafeSeat). Is this okay? Will this rectify itself as she gets bigger?

2) When I tighten the harness, it's not nearly as tight as I could get it with the SafeSeat. Is this a Britax thing? Also, what is the deal with the HUGS? I find them kind of annoying and they seem to be part of the problem with getting the harness tight enough (the comfort pads, too!).

Thanks a bunch!

Lisa =)

[Shaunam]

1) It's normal for the straps to go over the thighs. It looks funny at first, but you will get used to it, and as she grows, it will look like it fits better. I'm sure a tech can explain exactly why it's ok for the straps to fit like this.

2) You can take the HUGS off for rf'ing, but keep them in a safe place because you have to have them on for ff'ing. Taking them off does sometimes help get a better fit when the kiddo is still smallish.

[Melizerd]

Also sometimes people don't realize that the harness is a ratchet mechanism. You need to pull, release, pull, release to tighten it.

[Kalinky]

I had the same experiences when we first put DD in her MA. I've since gotten very used to the lower side harness points going over her thighs. I've also gotten very used to tightening the harness with the tug, release, tug, release. I ended up leaving the HUGS on for RF - it has nothing to do with me being too lazy to take them off - I swear:whistle: . No - really - I think I prefer them on, but that's just me and I know a lot of people do remove them for RF.

[MandiRN]

It takes a little bit of practice to get used to the ratcheting strap and dealing with the HUGS and shoulder pads all at the same time. I find it's easiest to work on getting your harness tight first while making sure the HUGS stay low and shoulder pads don't get pulled back towards the holes too much. Once I have the harness tight, I adjust the shoulder pads, HUGS and chest clip. Then one more tug to make sure it's still tight. DD likes to be in there snug. :) ~M

[LisaMer]

Thank you! I guess I missed the ratcheting business in the manual. I'm starting to get used to it all. Your responses have been reassuring and very helpful!

Lisa =)