Up to what weight should a child typically remain in a five-point harness?

The guideline for the use of a five-point harness is based on not only the weight of the child but also their age, development, and the specific instructions provided by the car seat manufacturer. Many modern convertible car seats are designed to accommodate children in a five-point harness system until they weigh 65 pounds or even more, as long as they fit appropriately in the harness. This allows for enhanced safety, as children are better secured and less likely to sustain injuries during a crash when using a harness compared to transitioning too early to a booster seat.

Using a five-point harness well into higher weight limits is supported by current best practices in child passenger safety. As children grow, their bodies are still vulnerable, and maintaining them in a five-point harness offers more protection compared to seat belts alone, which are not designed for smaller, lighter bodies. This approach aligns with recommendations from safety organizations, which emphasize that the safest option is for children to remain in a harness until they reach the maximum weight or height limit designated by the car seat manufacturer.