Harness and Head Height

Have you noticed that a lot of seats advertise a weight and/or height limit which is used as a guide to consider how long your child will use the seat for?

The reasonable assumption is made by parents that their child will be able to use the seat at the entry requirements and until they reach the max weight and/or height. However, there are other limits to be aware of in addition to these – and often children reach these other limits well before they reach either the seat’s weight or height limit.

The other factors to consider are:

Harness Height:

Where does the harness sit on your child’s shoulders? And how does this compare with the car seat’s rules? Check your instruction manual to confirm what is allowed – can the harness be “even with”, “above” or “below” your child’s shoulders?

Head Height:

Check how your child’s head lines up with the shell or headrest of the seat. The general rules are:

Rear-Facing – ensure your child’s head is at least 2.5cm lower than the top of the seat shell.

Forward-Facing – check that your child’s ears do not come above the top of the seat.

Again, it is essential to check your car seat’s manual to confirm these particular measurements as they may differ slightly between seats.

These two measurements, the head and harness heights, are often reached well before a child reaches the weight or height limits of a seat, so being aware these are important.

Whichever limit is reached first is the one that tells you your child has outgrown the seat. Why not check yours now?

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