Measuring slot height - perpendicular to shell, or parallel to ground?

diaperjoys · Apr 16, 2010

What is the correct way to decide if the child's shoulders are above the slots of the seat? My oldest (6.75) is pretty close to the top slot in his Nautilus. What is my point of reference? Is it the top of the slot, or the bottom of the slot? And, do I measure parallel to the ground, or perpendicular to the shell?? If perpendicular, then we have lots of room. If parallel, we're dead even when he's sitting up straight and tall, and then, to make the issue muddier, he settles into the seat and has a good inch.

Any tips??

Our oldest is not quite ready for a booster, and still rides harnessed in the Nautilus. Our second oldest is using our Regent because he finds the Nautilus headrest to be pretty uncomfortable. So we're trying to eek out all the time we can in this harness!

Jennifer mom to my 7 · Apr 16, 2010

diaperjoys said:
What is the correct way to decide if the child's shoulders are above the slots of the seat? My oldest (6.75) is pretty close to the top slot in his Nautilus. What is my point of reference? Is it the top of the slot, or the bottom of the slot? And, do I measure parallel to the ground, or perpendicular to the shell?? If perpendicular, then we have lots of room. If parallel, we're dead even when he's sitting up straight and tall, and then, to make the issue muddier, he settles into the seat and has a good inch.

Any tips??

Our oldest is not quite ready for a booster, and still rides harnessed in the Nautilus. Our second oldest is using our Regent because he finds the Nautilus headrest to be pretty uncomfortable. So we're trying to eek out all the time we can in this harness!

Okay, rear facing it is perpendicular, forward facing it is parallel with the ground. Hence the reason if you get a more upright install, you can gain a bit of harness height.

Personally, I think it is the bottom of the slot, because you don't want the strap to round over the shoulder at all, make sense?

Maedze · Apr 16, 2010

If he has an inch when he settles, I really don't think you need to be concerned.

And yes, perpendicular to shell when rear facing, parallel to ground when forward facing.