Harness Pinch-Test Pics - Car Seat.Org - Carseat, Vehicle & Child Passenger Safety Forums

Defrost · 04-23-2008, 03:37 PM

I said in another thread I'd take pics of how I do the pinch-test.

I put one finger under the harness, so I can pull it up to fold with my thumb and forefinger; then I remove the finger under the harness once I've "pinched." I always check near the child's collarbone.

This harness is too loose; I could easily fold it in half:

So I grab the harness near the child's stomach and pull it up, which pulls out the slack around the child's hips/thighs (note that some carseats, like the EFTA, tighten at the bottom of the harness instead of the top, so this step should be skipped on those seats):

Next, I pull the harness adjuster strap, and test again. Still too loose - I can still pinch the harness together:

I pull the harness adjuster strap again, and pinch again. Now it's tight enough. My fingers slip off the harness when I try to fold it:

This harness is too tight. The Nautilus has a very smooth adjuster, so it will easily let you over-tighten the harness, but it's possible to over-tighten the harness on any carseat. Note that I can still fit a finger under the harness, but it's still too tight. My DD was unable to take a deep breath with the harness this tight:

There's nothing unsafe about having a harness too tight, except that it's uncomfortable and unnecessary. Kids can be both safe and comfortable in their carseats.

mish · 04-23-2008, 03:39 PM

Thanks! I do the pinch test, too, but it is nice to have pictures. I am totally guilty of overtightening the harness on Adam's Nautilus. He keeps wanting it tighter though. I think he likes the feeling of it for some reason. Strange kid.

MomToEliEm · 04-23-2008, 03:41 PM

Great explanation of how to test. I would love to see this post copied over to the "articles" forum so I could easily find it when needed.

Beckers · 04-23-2008, 03:41 PM

Thanks for making that! I think all my kids' straps are too tight

BookMama · 04-23-2008, 03:41 PM

Thanks Debbie - great visual aids! I know that I tend to overtighten once in a while, especially on my Britax seats (but believe me, both kids let me know when I do

).

I tried to give you rep but apparently I need to spread the love first.

Defrost · 04-23-2008, 05:02 PM

Glad everyone likes them! I wish the "pinch" was easier to see, but it was the best I could do with a black harness.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MomToEliEm

I would love to see this post copied over to the "articles" forum so I could easily find it when needed.

That would be fine by me.

southpawboston · 04-23-2008, 05:14 PM

thanks for the visuals. i have a question. when you do the pinch test, is it okay to use three fingers? i mean, i understand using the thumb and forefinger for the pinch, but can you use your middle finger behind the strap to help grab the harness with the other two fingers? am i making sense? or do you have to use only the thumb and forefinger to initially grab the harness? pic #3 looks like you're using two fingers, but pic #4 looks like you're using three fingers.

ginny4 · 04-23-2008, 05:20 PM

excellent pics! oh my i definitly do them too tight. i'll be more careful

pastrygirl · 04-23-2008, 05:22 PM

Thank you! I think I do them too tight, too.

Defrost · 04-23-2008, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by southpawboston

thanks for the visuals. i have a question. when you do the pinch test, is it okay to use three fingers? i mean, i understand using the thumb and forefinger for the pinch, but can you use your middle finger behind the strap to help grab the harness with the other two fingers? am i making sense? or do you have to use only the thumb and forefinger to initially grab the harness? pic #3 looks like you're using two fingers, but pic #4 looks like you're using three fingers.

I always use three fingers - you just can't see it in the first two pics because the harness was loose enough that I was able to pinch. I put my middle finger under the harness, then attempt to pinch. That's how I did it in tech class and no one said it was wrong, though I'll admit I never asked or paid attention to how the instructors did it.

I've seen videos where people just slide their thumb and forefinger along the shoulder, but if you do that with a too-loose harness, you pull up clothing or even skin. I think it also leads to people getting the harness too tight - they slide their fingers along the top of the harness, and if anything bunches up at all, even if it doesn't pinch together, they tighten.

If you compare how I did it above to the old "two fingers" method, it's very similar. In the too-tight pic, I could only slide one finger under the harness; in the "just-right" pic, I could fit two fingers side-by-side, and in the others I could fit more than two fingers. The only reason we don't use the two-fingers method anymore is because people have very different-sized fingers (not because it wasn't tight enough.)

mysweetwe · 06-07-2008, 07:22 PM

Thanks for this! I'm definitely guilty of tightening too much.

My kiddos will thank you.

papooses · 06-07-2008, 10:40 PM

Good thread

You should add it to your collection of blog re-routing links

Defrost · 06-07-2008, 10:45 PM

Thanks, glad you like it.

Yes ma'am, I've added it to my blog.

mommycat · 06-15-2008, 02:14 PM

Thanks. I think I am probably over-tightening. But the kids don't complain! And hey, maybe it makes up for all the times everyone else leaves them too loose, despite all my nagging.

Defrost · 06-15-2008, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mommycat

Thanks. I think I am probably over-tightening. But the kids don't complain!

If they're not complaining, I wouldn't worry about it. Some kids like it more snug - it's a sensory thing.

Quote:

And hey, maybe it makes up for all the times everyone else leaves them too loose, despite all my nagging.

Sadly, it doesn't. Otherwise, I could skip my insurance payments because I didn't get in a wreck and use my insurance for several months.

Kashi · 06-15-2008, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Defrost

Some kids like it more snug - it's a sensory thing.

That's my Boo - no matter how hard we try, the harness can never feel tight ENOUGH for him.

mommycat · 06-15-2008, 03:45 PM

I guess in the end my insisting will pay off, because DS is starting to ask daddy and grandparents to tighten him more.

bobbysgirl7103 · 06-16-2008, 12:19 PM

Thanks for the great explanation and pictures!

I'm pretty sure I over tighten all of our car seats.

Defrost · 06-16-2008, 05:55 PM

Just to let everyone know, I submitted this thread and it is now in the Articles section. Thanks Mods!

http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=49030

04-23-2008, 03:37 PM	#1
Defrost Moderator - CPS Technician Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,791 Blog Entries: 16	Harness Pinch-Test Pics I said in another thread I'd take pics of how I do the pinch-test. I put one finger under the harness, so I can pull it up to fold with my thumb and forefinger; then I remove the finger under the harness once I've "pinched." I always check near the child's collarbone. This harness is too loose; I could easily fold it in half: So I grab the harness near the child's stomach and pull it up, which pulls out the slack around the child's hips/thighs (note that some carseats, like the EFTA, tighten at the bottom of the harness instead of the top, so this step should be skipped on those seats): Next, I pull the harness adjuster strap, and test again. Still too loose - I can still pinch the harness together: I pull the harness adjuster strap again, and pinch again. Now it's tight enough. My fingers slip off the harness when I try to fold it: This harness is too tight. The Nautilus has a very smooth adjuster, so it will easily let you over-tighten the harness, but it's possible to over-tighten the harness on any carseat. Note that I can still fit a finger under the harness, but it's still too tight. My DD was unable to take a deep breath with the harness this tight: There's nothing unsafe about having a harness too tight, except that it's uncomfortable and unnecessary. Kids can be both safe and comfortable in their carseats. __________________ Debbie, CPST In an '07 Mazda5 with Thomas (15, seat belt) * Sam (13, seat belt) Fighter (11, Recaro Start) * Macha (9, Husky/Parkway) “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." -Bonnie Jean Wasmund

04-23-2008, 03:39 PM	#2
mish CPS Technician Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 969	Re: Harness Pinch-Test Pics Thanks! I do the pinch test, too, but it is nice to have pictures. I am totally guilty of overtightening the harness on Adam's Nautilus. He keeps wanting it tighter though. I think he likes the feeling of it for some reason. Strange kid. __________________

04-23-2008, 03:41 PM	#5
BookMama Moderator - CPS Technician Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Midwest Posts: 3,180	Re: Harness Pinch-Test Pics Thanks Debbie - great visual aids! I know that I tend to overtighten once in a while, especially on my Britax seats (but believe me, both kids let me know when I do ). I tried to give you rep but apparently I need to spread the love first. __________________ Andrea, CPST DS 4/01 - Radian, Nautilus, Regent, Parkway DD1 11/05 - My Ride, Radian, MA, FPSVD DD2 10/23/09 - KeyFit 30 (8 lbs. 10 oz./21.75" at 2 months) http://bookmama.wordpress.com

04-23-2008, 05:14 PM	#7
southpawboston CPS Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 4,978	Re: Harness Pinch-Test Pics thanks for the visuals. i have a question. when you do the pinch test, is it okay to use three fingers? i mean, i understand using the thumb and forefinger for the pinch, but can you use your middle finger behind the strap to help grab the harness with the other two fingers? am i making sense? or do you have to use only the thumb and forefinger to initially grab the harness? pic #3 looks like you're using two fingers, but pic #4 looks like you're using three fingers. __________________ *DD1* \| 4.10 years \| 39 lbs \| 42" *DD2* \| 3.2 years \| 34 lbs \| 38" Both FF and luxuriating in Midnight Desert Recaro Signos in a 2006 Mazda3 S Touring

04-23-2008, 05:20 PM	#8
ginny4 CPS Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,150	Re: Harness Pinch-Test Pics excellent pics! oh my i definitly do them too tight. i'll be more careful

04-23-2008, 03:41 PM	#3
MomToEliEm Senior Community Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northeast Texas Posts: 2,131	Re: Harness Pinch-Test Pics Great explanation of how to test. I would love to see this post copied over to the "articles" forum so I could easily find it when needed. __________________ Katy DD#1 - 7 years old in a Sunshine Kids Monterey DD#2 - 5 years old in a Britax Regent and Britax Parkway Click here for the Carseat Measurements and Data Spreadsheets

04-23-2008, 03:41 PM	#4
Beckers Senior Community Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 237	Re: Harness Pinch-Test Pics Thanks for making that! I think all my kids' straps are too tight __________________ Becky Ally 6 in a Monterey Riley 4 in a Nautilus Sam 18 months RF in a Radian

04-23-2008, 05:22 PM	#9
pastrygirl CPS Technician Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: MA Posts: 622	Re: Harness Pinch-Test Pics Thank you! I think I do them too tight, too. __________________ Cristina CPST mom to Toby 6/06 & Caleb 8/09

06-07-2008, 07:22 PM	#11
mysweetwe Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 44	Re: Harness Pinch-Test Pics Thanks for this! I'm definitely guilty of tightening too much. My kiddos will thank you. __________________ Kathryn ds 2/03 (46 in, 48.5 lbs) Regent and Nautilus dd1 7/05 (36 in, 38.5 lbs) ff in 2 Boulevards dd2 3/08 (23 in, 14.5 lbs) SS1

06-07-2008, 10:40 PM	#12
papooses CPS Technician Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 10,582 Blog Entries: 4	Re: Harness Pinch-Test Pics Good thread You should add it to your collection of blog re-routing links __________________ Britax Husky \| Ride Safer Travel Vest \| Sunshine Kids Monterey

06-07-2008, 10:45 PM	#13
Defrost Moderator - CPS Technician Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,791 Blog Entries: 16	Re: Harness Pinch-Test Pics Thanks, glad you like it. Yes ma'am, I've added it to my blog. __________________ Debbie, CPST In an '07 Mazda5 with Thomas (15, seat belt) * Sam (13, seat belt) Fighter (11, Recaro Start) * Macha (9, Husky/Parkway) “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." -Bonnie Jean Wasmund

06-15-2008, 02:14 PM	#14
mommycat CPS Technician Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 2,122	Re: Harness Pinch-Test Pics Thanks. I think I am probably over-tightening. But the kids don't complain! And hey, maybe it makes up for all the times everyone else leaves them too loose, despite all my nagging. __________________ Cat in Canada DS1 5 yo - 40 lb (42") - FF in 2Radians/TrueFit/Traditions/MA DS2 2 yo - 27 lb (34"/13.5"torso) - RF in 2MyRides/2Sceneras - and still BF Also in possession of a Graco SafeSeat-loaned out, 1 AOE-traded out for the Traditions, an EFChase-loaned out and 1 Clek Oto + 2 demo seats: SafeSeat and SnugRide. DS1's opinion of the new addition (Edgemont Dots MR): It's ok but he likes it least. Why? "Well, it's just... too polkadotty!"

06-15-2008, 03:45 PM	#17
mommycat CPS Technician Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 2,122	Re: Harness Pinch-Test Pics I guess in the end my insisting will pay off, because DS is starting to ask daddy and grandparents to tighten him more. __________________ Cat in Canada DS1 5 yo - 40 lb (42") - FF in 2Radians/TrueFit/Traditions/MA DS2 2 yo - 27 lb (34"/13.5"torso) - RF in 2MyRides/2Sceneras - and still BF Also in possession of a Graco SafeSeat-loaned out, 1 AOE-traded out for the Traditions, an EFChase-loaned out and 1 Clek Oto + 2 demo seats: SafeSeat and SnugRide. DS1's opinion of the new addition (Edgemont Dots MR): It's ok but he likes it least. Why? "Well, it's just... too polkadotty!"

06-16-2008, 12:19 PM	#18
bobbysgirl7103 Carseat Crazy Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 130	Re: Harness Pinch-Test Pics Thanks for the great explanation and pictures! I'm pretty sure I over tighten all of our car seats. __________________ Sarah, mom to DSS 11 Seat belt, DS 10 Turbo booster, DSD 8 Parkway, DS 7 Radian, DD 2.5 RF Marathon, and DD 5 months in a SS1 all in a 99' Suburban

06-16-2008, 05:55 PM	#19
Defrost Moderator - CPS Technician Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,791 Blog Entries: 16	Re: Harness Pinch-Test Pics Just to let everyone know, I submitted this thread and it is now in the Articles section. Thanks Mods! http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=49030 __________________ Debbie, CPST In an '07 Mazda5 with Thomas (15, seat belt) * Sam (13, seat belt) Fighter (11, Recaro Start) * Macha (9, Husky/Parkway) “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." -Bonnie Jean Wasmund

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