In a forward-facing car seat, where should the harness straps be positioned?

In a forward-facing car seat, the harness straps should be positioned at or above the child's shoulders. This positioning is crucial for ensuring that the harness effectively secures the child in the event of a crash. When the straps are at or above the shoulders, they provide adequate restraint, keeping the child in the protective confines of the car seat. This height allows the harness to distribute crash forces across the strongest parts of the child's body, minimizing the risk of injury.

If the harness straps are positioned below the shoulders, they are not providing the necessary support, which can lead to improper restraint during a collision. It is also important that the harness is snug and properly adjusted to maintain safety, regardless of the specific position. Straps located at or above the shoulders offer optimal protection and align with best practices in child passenger safety.