14 month old moves chest strap down

roses25

New member
My 14 month old has started moving his chest strap down. Any suggestions on how to stop this?

He’s 17 pounds, is short, and still is in his infant seat for the convenience and because he still fits in the seat. Open to suggestions. D3C383E5-4AB6-43A8-BB58-885B88E3AB31.jpeg
 
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ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob
Staff member
Hi,

Since it looks like the straps are still well positioned on the shoulders, this is one of those annoying but not super dangerous habits. Make sure the straps are neither too tight nor too loose (pull up to check for hidden slack at the hips) and try to distract him. Limit time in the seat to the strictly necessary, give him toys that are soft and safe for the car reserved ONLY for the car, sing songs and ask him to do the hand motions.

It is only really risky if he starts getting his arms out, as it's a pre-crash positioner to keep the straps on the shoulders, not a restraining part, so you have time to try and break the habit. At his age it's likely that with consistent distraction and no extra attention when he does it, just silently correcting it, he'll outgrow the habit.

If it progresses or he doesn't seem to be able to be distracted, you'll probably want to switch to a convertible with a different style of clip and harness combination that might be harder to move. (It looks like that buckle is right under him, if it can be moved that might change the geometry to make it more comfortable, if discomfort is causing this. If not, a convertible might be more comfortable for him.)

Good luck.
 

aporthole

Active member
This is really common with BabyTrend brand seats. I’ve even seen it happen with newborns.
Do have his next seat picked out already? I’d probably consider moving him to a convertible sooner rather than later to the next seat.
It could just be the angle of the pic, but it looks like the crotch strap needs to be lengthened. BabyTrend has very specific requirements for positioning of the buckle in relationship to the child’s thighs.
 

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