Why Your Child Needs a 5-Point Harness Car Seat in 2024

In the world of child safety, ensuring your child is secure during every car journey is a paramount concern. 

The unsettling reality is that standard car seats may not provide the level of protection your child needs in the event of a collision. 

While some may argue that a 3-point harness is sufficient, studies have shown that a 5-point harness car seat significantly reduces the risk of injury in various crash scenarios. 

As we move into 2024, it's time to prioritise our children's safety by understanding the importance of a 5-point harness car seat. 

From its design and function to its comparison with a 3-point harness, this guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to make the best choice for your child's safety.

The Design and Function of a 5-Point Harness

A 5-point harness car seat is designed with two shoulder straps, two hip straps, and a buckle between the legs - hence the term "5-point".

This design evenly distributes the forces of a crash across the strongest parts of a child's body, reducing the risk of injury.

5-Point Harness vs. 3-Point Harness

Unlike a 3-point harness, which only secures the child at the shoulders and between the legs, a 5-point harness provides additional security at the hips.

This is crucial in preventing the child from sliding out in case of an accident, especially in roll-over scenarios.

A child car seat harness is designed to restrain the child in the child seat in the event of a collision. 

There are two types of harnesses: 3-point harness and 5-point harness.

Here are some differences between the two:

3-Point Harness:

• Has straps over the shoulders and between the legs.
• Acts more like a safety belt than a traditional harness.
• Keeps the passenger in place.
• Offers better mobility.

5-Point Harness:

• Has additional hip straps to help spread the force of a collision.
• Hugs the passenger tightly, preventing submarining and injuries delivered by.
• Offers better security and a snug fit.
• Has 5 points of contact: shoulder, shoulder, hip, hip, crotch.

In general, child car seats come equipped with a 3-point or a 5-point harness in group 0+ seats, and a 5-point harness in a group 1 car seat. 

A 5-point harness is recommended for younger children as it provides better protection for their neck and spine in the event of a collision. 

However, one study showed that a 5-point harness has much smaller benefits for 4-year-olds and older. 

Ultimately, the choice between a 3-point harness and a 5-point harness depends on the age and size of the child, as well as the type of car seat being used.

Correct Adjustment and Usage of a 5-Point Harness

Proper adjustment and usage of a 5-point harness is key to car seat safes. 

Here are some tips and requirements for using a 5-point harness:

• The shoulder straps must be at or below the child's shoulders when rear-facing.
• The harness should be snug and not allow any slack.
• The chest clip should be positioned at armpit level.
• The harness should be adjusted to fit the child's size and shape.
• The harness should be adjusted to different height positions as the child grows.
• A 5-point harness has five distinctive points of contact; it secures the child at both shoulders and across each hip, buckling between the legs.
• The adjustable side harnesses allow for a secured fit.
• The 5-point harness provides better safety features thanks to the secure lock system.
• The 5-point harness offers a better customisation option compared to the 3-point harness.

To adjust a 5-point harness, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

It is important to adjust the harness to fit the child's size and shape, and to ensure that the harness is snug and not allowing any slack. 

The chest clip should be positioned at armpit level to prevent the harness from slipping off the child's shoulders. 

With a 5-point harness, it is easy to adjust to different height positions for peace of mind that the child is as safe as possible.

Related: Common Mistakes To Avoid When Installing A Child Car Seat

The Importance of the Harness in Different Crash Scenarios

In crash scenarios, a 5-point harness car seat significantly reduces the risk of injury. 

Crash test dummies have shown that children in these seats are less likely to be ejected or sustain severe injuries, even in high-impact or roll-over accidents.

The harness in a car seat serves as a critical safety feature, securing the child firmly in place during a crash.

In the event of a collision, the harness straps are designed to hold the child securely within the seat.

If these straps are too loose, the child could potentially become unrestrained, posing a significant risk.

A five-point harness, recommended for toddlers and young children, is specifically designed to distribute the forces exerted during a crash across a wider area of the body, keeping the child consistently restrained and within safe limits.

This harness configuration also absorbs some of the jostling or whiplash from a crash, thereby reducing stress on the child's delicate neck and spinal cord.

In a collision, the child is pushed back into the seat. This action spreads the force across the entire seat back, exerting less force on the child and providing better protection for their neck and spine.

As such, a five-point harness car seat is considered the optimum safety restraint for babies and young children during an impact.

In the UK, every car seat equipped with a three-point or a five-point harness must also feature a buckle for the harness to click into.

Both parts of the harness must be brought together before they can be securely clicked into the buckle.

The Impact of Clothing on the Effectiveness of the Harness

The clothing your child wears can significantly impact the effectiveness of the car seat's harness.

This is particularly true in colder climates, where bulky winter clothing is a common part of a child's wardrobe.

One of the most common culprits is the puffy winter snowsuit.

While these garments are excellent for keeping your child warm in frigid temperatures, they can interfere with the snug fit of the harness against your child's body.

The thickness of the snowsuit can create extra space between the child and the harness, which can become a safety issue in the event of a crash.

In a collision, the force can compress the fluffy material, causing the straps to become loose and potentially allowing the child to slip out of the harness.

To ensure the harness remains effective, it's best to dress your child in thin layers when using a car seat.

Start with a base layer, such as a thin thermal top and bottom, followed by a fleece or a sweater.

This approach allows you to keep your child warm without compromising the fit of the harness.

If additional warmth is needed, consider placing a blanket over the harness after your child is securely buckled in.

This method provides extra warmth without interfering with the harness's function.

It's also easy to adjust as needed, for example, if the car becomes too warm during your journey.

Another important consideration is the type of fabric. Some materials, such as nylon or other slick fabrics, can cause the harness straps to slip and not hold as securely.

Opt for clothing made from materials that provide some friction against the straps.

Regularly checking the harness tension can also help ensure that it remains effective, regardless of what your child is wearing. 

The harness should be tight enough that you can't pinch any slack in the straps at the shoulder level.

Maintenance and Cleaning of the Harness

Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential to ensure the harness functions properly.

Check the harness height and tension regularly, and clean the straps and buckle according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they can weaken the harness.

In conclusion, a 5-point harness car seat is a crucial investment for your child's safety. 

It provides superior protection in various crash scenarios, and with proper adjustment, maintenance, and consideration for clothing, it can significantly reduce the risk of injury.

As we move into 2024, let's prioritise our children's safety by choosing the right car seat.

FAQs

What is the difference between a car seat and a 5-point harness?

A car seat is a seat designed specifically for children in vehicles, providing them with additional safety measures not found in standard vehicle seats. A 5-point harness is a type of safety restraint system used in many car seats. It secures a child at five points: two at the shoulders, two at the hips, and one at the crotch. Not all car seats use a 5-point harness system, but it is considered one of the safest options.

What are the rules for a 5-point harness?

The rules for a 5-point harness can vary depending on the specific car seat model and the regulations in your country or state. Generally, the harness should be adjusted so that it fits snugly against the child, with the shoulder straps positioned at or slightly below the child's shoulders for rear-facing seats, and at or slightly above for forward-facing seats. The harness chest clip should be at armpit level, and you should not be able to pinch any slack in the straps at the child's shoulder level. Always refer to your car seat's user manual for specific instructions.

When can a child move from a 5-point harness to a seat belt?

The transition from a 5-point harness to a seat belt depends on several factors including the child's age, weight, height, and maturity level. Many safety experts recommend keeping a child in a 5-point harness for as long as possible, as it provides the best protection in a crash. Typically, children are ready to transition to a seat belt when they have outgrown the weight or height limit of their forward-facing car seat, which is usually around 65 pounds or more. However, it's important to ensure that the seat belt fits them properly before making the switch. Always refer to your local laws and regulations regarding child car seat usage.