1. National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program
National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program
Module 9
Children in Forward-Facing Car Seats
9-1
2. Module 9 Objectives
• Describe when children should travel forwardfacing.
• Identify types of forward-facing car seats.
• Apply 5 steps for forward-facing car seat use.
• Explain best practices about forward-facing car
seats to caregivers.
• Identify forward-facing car seat errors and
consequences.
9-2
3. When Children Should Travel
Forward-Facing
• Remain rear-facing until reaching the top height
or weight limit allowed by the car seat
manufacturer.
• Ride forward-facing with a harness until they
reach
top height or weight limit allowed by car seat
manufacturer – usually until between ages 4 to
7.
• Use a harnessed car seat with a harness
approved for a height or weight limit greater
than that of the child.
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4. Types of Forward-Facing Car Seats
Five Types
•Convertible
•Combination
•Forward-facing-only
•Large medical seats or vests
•Integrated seats
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10. Harness Fit
• Snug harness lies flat
and passes pinch test
• Sit with back and bottom
flat against car seat
back
• Harness placed through
proper slots, usually at
or above child’s
shoulders
• Harness straps placed
over the shoulders and
buckled at crotch
• Retainer clip at armpit
level
9-10
11. 5 Steps for Car Seat Use
1. Selection: Choose the right car seat.
2. Direction: Face the car seat the right way.
3. Location: Install the car seat in an appropriate
location in the vehicle.
4. Installation: Secure the car seat to vehicle in
the right way.
5. Harnessing: Place the child correctly in the car
seat.
9-11
13. Common Car Seat Installation Errors
• Seat belt or lower anchor connector that is too
loose or not locked
• Rear-facing-only car seat that is forward-facing
• Seat belt or lower anchor connectors routed
incorrectly through wrong belt path
• Recline angle not adjusted appropriately for
forward-facing direction
• Using 2 seat belts or using a seat belt and lower
anchor connectors together (unless allowed)
9-13
14. Common Car Seat Installation Errors
(continued)
• Incorrect use of lower anchors and tethers, not
installing lower anchor connectors to correct
designated lower anchor bars or attaching
connectors upside down
• Not using appropriate tether anchor or using it
when it should not be used (when applicable)
• Locking clip installed incorrectly
9-14
15. Common Car Seat Installation Errors
(continued)
• Installing a car seat with lower anchors in a
seating position that is not a designated LATCH
position
• Installing a seat with LATCH when child weighs
more than the vehicle and/or car seat LATCH
weight limits
9-15
16. 4 Steps to Correctly Harness a
Child in a Car Seat
1.
Place child all the way back in car seat.
2.
Put harness straps over the shoulders and
buckle at the crotch.
3.
Tighten harness straps snugly. You should
NOT be able to pinch excess webbing at the
shoulders once harness is buckled.
4.
Secure and place harness retainer clip at
armpit level.
9-16
17. Common Car Seat Harnessing Errors
• Harness not used (child just sitting in car seat)
• Harness straps too loose
• Retainer clip not at armpit level
• Harness routed through the wrong slots. (NOTE:
A harness may look as though it is properly
routed through the pad, but it may not be routed
correctly through the shell.)
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18. Common Car Seat Harnessing Errors
(continued)
• Harness twisted or incorrectly routed
• Harness not placed on the child correctly
• Harness frayed or damaged
• M etal adjuster not flush with slot or out of
position
• Crotch strap adjusted too long or not through
slot closest to child
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19. Which part of this installation is an error?
Scenario: A 2 ½-year-old, 30-pound child is in a
forward-facing combination seat with a snug
harness. The latchplate is sliding and the
retractor is switchable in the emergency locking
retractor mode.
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20. Key Questions to Answer Regarding
Forward-Facing Car Seats
• What are the age, weight, and height of the
child?
• What does the car seat owner’s manual (or
label) say about the minimum and maximum
weights and heights for the child using this car
seat?
• What type of forward-facing car seat is this?
• Is the car seat facing the right way in the
vehicle?
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21. Key Questions to Answer Regarding
Forward-Facing Car Seats (continued)
• Considering everyone who rides in this vehicle,
is the car seat in the best seating position?
• Is the car seat secured by a seat belt or with
lower anchor connectors?
• Is the car seat installed tightly?
• Is the top tether used if present/able?
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22. LATCH & Tether Use
Courtesy of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Loose LATCH & No Tether
Loose LATCH & No Tether
Secure LATCH &&Tether
Secure LATCH Tether
Secure LATCH &Tether
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23. Belt Routing & Tethers
Courtesy of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Incorrect Belt Routing & No Tether Correct Belt Routing With Tether
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