Proper Restraint with Winter Coats
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First burst of winter is on its way. Be sure to secure your child in his/her car seat without heavy, bulky jackets. The first photo shows the same child properly restrained without the jacket while the blanket over the seat keeps him nice and warm. If possible and you can do it safely, warm up the car a few minutes before you have to leave. The next photos shows a child who is improperly restrained because of a bulky jacket. While the harness appears tight, it is actually too loose. In an accident the jacket would compress and possibly allow the child to be ejected from the seat.
Comments
Thanks for the comment Amy. You are correct…the child in the photo is definitely not safely restrained. The photo was chosen to depict what NOT to do when harnessing a child who is wearing bulky winter clothing.
Can you please tell me which vehicles and car seats passed the ncap tests in europe? Did you test with three across the back?
I just bought a Radian RXT and it is extremely difficult to tighten the harness straps. And I can't even get it tight enough re: safety. Is this normal?
We are having the same issue as Staci, cannot tighten the harness enough, please help
There must be a problem. I have 2 RXTs and it's super easy to tighten the harness in all cars i've put them in.
Please call Customer Service and they will gladly assist you. 855-463-4666
8am-5pm PDT
Stacie and David - can you please post if you got your tightening issues resolved. We just installed the carseat tonight and will be heading on a long road trip - I'd like to know if there are any techniques we should be applying.
I just installed the Radian RXT, and I am having the same issue; I am no able to properly tighten the harness. I pull on as tight as I am able to and the harness is still loose. Does anyone know what to do?
Andres,
First, check for a snug and comfortable fit at the collar bone. You should not be able to pinch the harness webbing at the collar bone. Checking at the chest clip will always show a loose fit. If you are still having a challenge tightening the harness be sure the shoulder pads are not pushed up against the harness slots.
Meanwhile, you are always welcome to call customer service to discuss any issues. They will gladly assist you.
While the reminder to harness children in their car seats without a big, heavy winter coat is great, the picture you chose is a poor example of a child safely restrained. (If it was supposed to be a "what not to do picture" that should be stated.) This child's harness straps appear to be too loose and the chest clip is down at the belly button instead of at the armpit level.