Tethering is generally not required for belt-positioning booster seats. Tether straps are commonly associated with forward-facing car seats, particularly convertible and combination seats designed for younger children. These seats often have a top tether anchor that attaches to the vehicle's anchor point to provide additional stability and reduce forward head movement in the event of a crash.
Belt-positioning booster seats, on the other hand, rely on the vehicle's seat belt system to secure both the booster seat and the child. Boosters are designed to elevate the child to the correct height for proper seat belt fit, guiding the lap and shoulder belts into the correct positions. Since the booster seat itself does not have its own harness, it doesn't typically come with a tether strap.
Here are some key points regarding tethering and belt-positioning booster seats:
Seat Belt Usage:
Belt-positioning booster seats are designed for children who have outgrown their forward-facing car seats. They use the vehicle's lap and shoulder belts to restrain the child.
Tethering in Booster Seats:
Most booster seats do not have a tether strap because they are not harnessed restraints. Tethering is more common in forward-facing seats with an internal harness.
Proper Belt Fit:
The primary focus for booster seats is achieving a proper belt fit. This means the lap belt should lie flat across the child's upper thighs, and the shoulder belt should cross the middle of the chest and collarbone.
Top Tether Anchor in Vehicles:
Some vehicles are equipped with top tether anchors in the back seat, but these are intended for use with forward-facing car seats that have an internal harness. They are not typically used with booster seats.
It's important for parents and caregivers to carefully read and follow the instructions provided by the booster seat . Additionally, consulting the vehicle owner's manual to understand the available safety features and anchor points in the vehicle is crucial.