Adjusting the straps on your Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat is crucial for ensuring your child's safety and comfort. This involves properly positioning the shoulder straps, buckling your child in, and tightening the harness system to achieve a snug fit.
Adjusting the Harness for a Proper Fit
Proper harness adjustment is essential every time you place your child in the car seat. It ensures maximum protection in the event of a collision.
Step 1: Adjusting Shoulder Harness Height
The shoulder harness straps must be at the correct height relative to your child's shoulders for optimal safety.
- For rear-facing infants: The harness straps should be positioned at or below your child's shoulders. Never above.
- Check your car seat's user manual (e.g., Chicco KeyFit 35 User Manual) for specific instructions on how to physically change the shoulder strap height. This typically involves rethreading the straps through different slots on the back of the car seat or using a non-rethread adjustment mechanism.
Step 2: Securing Your Child in the Harness
Once the shoulder straps are at the correct height, you can buckle your child into the seat.
- Place your child comfortably in the car seat with their back flat against the seat back.
- Pull the waist straps around their waist. Ensure there are no twists in the harness straps.
- Insert each buckle tongue into the harness buckle, listening for a distinct click to confirm it's securely fastened.
- Fasten the chest clip by snapping both sides together. Position the chest clip at armpit level.
Step 3: Tightening the Harness
After buckling your child, you need to tighten the harness to ensure a snug fit.
- Locate the harness tightening strap, usually found at the foot of the car seat.
- Pull the harness tightening strap firmly until the harness straps are snug against your child's body.
- Perform the "Pinch Test": Try to pinch a horizontal fold of webbing at your child's collarbone. If you can pinch any slack, the harness is too loose and needs further tightening. You should not be able to pinch any excess webbing.
Step 4: Loosening the Harness
To remove your child from the car seat, you will need to loosen the harness.
- Locate the harness release button or lever, often covered by a flap of fabric near the foot of the car seat.
- Press the harness release button/lever and simultaneously pull forward on the shoulder straps or the crotch buckle strap to create slack.
- Unfasten the chest clip and the harness buckle.
Quick Reference: Harness Adjustment Tips
Here are some general tips to keep in mind when adjusting your Chicco KeyFit 35 straps:
| Aspect | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Shoulder Straps | For rear-facing, they must be at or below your child's shoulders. |
| Harness Twists | Always ensure all harness straps lie flat and are not twisted before buckling your child. |
| Chest Clip Position | The chest clip should be positioned at armpit level. It is a pre-crash positioner, not a primary restraint. |
| Tightness | Use the "Pinch Test" at the collarbone; if you can pinch webbing, it's too loose. The harness should be snug. |
| Crotch Buckle | The crotch buckle should be positioned closest to your child without being underneath them. Ensure there's no slack around the thighs. |
| Clothing | Avoid bulky clothing (like thick coats) as it can prevent a snug harness fit. Instead, dress your child in layers and use blankets over a properly buckled harness. |
Regularly check your car seat's user manual for detailed illustrations and specific instructions pertaining to your Chicco KeyFit 35 model.
