unsafe to reharness 6 year old?

[mysticmomma]

My dd has been in a hbb for some time. we are downsizing our vehicle and it seems impossible for her to be able to get buckled with 2 other harnessing seats back there because of the arm rests on her seat. I was thinking it would just be easier to have 3 harnessing seats back there instead. Is there a danger to her being harnessed again? She's 46 inches and 38 pounds.

[chickabiddy]

As long as she fits properly, not at all. (I'd do the same. Harnessed seats are SO much easier than boosters in tight three-acrosses.)

[LynnS6]

As long as you get a harnessed seat that goes up high enough in weight. We had one that only went to 40 lbs. (too low, IMO). It was a moot point for my light weight ds, but dd outgrew it too quickly.

[mysticmomma]

I keep hearing about the increased strain on the neck and that's what is making me wonder.

[chickabiddy]

Originally Posted by mysticmomma

I keep hearing about the increased strain on the neck and that's what is making me wonder.

There are some non-conclusive studies that harnessed seats perform less well in certain situations (strain on the neck). There are also some non-conclusive studies that harnessed seats perform better in certain situations (side impact). The bottom line is that we can't predict which situation we'll be in, and that overall properly used harnessed seats and properly used boosters are both very very safe, and that there is no conclusive evidence pointing towards one or the other as being definitively safeR.

[alegna]

From my reading there are arguments on both sides (harnessing vs. booster) the higher loads on the neck are a possible issue. BUT that's less of an issue with an older child as the head is not as out of proportion. Also a factor often overlooked is contacting the seats in front in a crash. A boostered child is moer likely to smash into the front seats with their face than a harnessed child.

There is not enough info on either side to sell me at this point.

My dd is 6 and usually harnessed though we have started booster training. She fits well in her turbobooster, but when she falls asleep she slumps in a way that makes me uncomfortable.

-Angela

[mysticmomma]

Originally Posted by chickabiddy

The bottom line is that we can't predict which situation we'll be in, and that overall properly used harnessed seats and properly used boosters are both very very safe, and that there is no conclusive evidence pointing towards one or the other as being definitively safeR.

Thank you. This is exactly what I needed to hear. I can let go now!

[DahliaRW]

But, you will need a booster at some point, as she will outgrow the harnessed seat at some point.