Which slots for straps

[terrykitten]

What is the rule for which slots to use on the car seat? I thought it was "at or below their shoulders" but the last time I got our sons (4 yo) checked she said "at or above the shoulders". Is the rule the same for infant seats? (graco snugride w/ a 8 weeker)

Thank you

[crunchierthanthou]

It depends on whether the child is rear facing or forward facing.

rf= at or below the shoulders (to hold the child down and prevent ramping up and striking something above the shell of the seat in a crash).

ff= at or above the shoulders (to hold the child back to reduce head excursion without adding to neck loads and spinal compression).

The only seat that is an exception is the Radian. It allows you to use the harness with the child's shoulders above the top slots as long as the tops of child's ears are still below the top of the shell.

[terrykitten]

Aaaahhhhh! It is different RF vs FF. I wasn't sure I heard correctly. :)

[Jewels]

:yeahthat:
Rearfacing is at or below the shoulders and forward-facing is at or above the shoulders.

For FF if the shoulders are above the straps, the weight limit is reached or the ears are even with the top of the seat then the seat is outgrown.