· By Dahlia Rizk
Most Parents Don't Know What The Top Tether Is
@bucklemebabycoats Fun fact: without the top tether forward facing car seats will tip in a crash 😳 64% of parents DON'T use top tether even though top tether use reduces risk of injury and death significantly. #learnontiktok #edutok #momlife #babysafety ♬ original sound - Stan :)
Using the top tether with forward facing car seats is one of the easiest things a parent can do to keep their child safe in a crash.
Even so tether use is often less than 50%, and in some types of vehicles it’s as low as 17.2% 😯.
What is a Tether?
The tether is a strap attached to the top back of a convertible or combination seat, and it attaches to a tether anchor in the vehicle.
Why the Top Tether is Important
Image source: http://www.preventinjury.org/Child-Passenger-Safety/About-Child-Safety-Seats/Tethers
A top tether keeps the top of the car seat back an additional four to six inches during a crash which means the child are less likely to hit the back of the seat in front of them, or a center console.
(If a child’s head hits the back of the seat in front of them during a crash they are more likely to suffer head and neck injuries and these injuries can be very severe or fatal.
To find your top tether check your car seat manual and to find the anchor it hooks to check your cars owners manual.
Adventure Safely!
