The Simple Feature That Makes Your Child’s Car Seat Secure
By Daniella Brown, CPST-I

Do you know what a tether is? It’s actually a common feature that is on most car seats.  According to Safe Kids Worldwide, 64% of parents do not use a tether on a forward-facing seat(1), yet it’s a critical car seat component. It may be a small feature, but it can play a big role in the outcome of a crash. We’re breaking down exactly what a car seat tether is, why it matters, and how it can make a big difference for your child’s safety, especially when it comes to our Rove Convertible Car Seat. Let’s take a moment and walk through what a tether is and why it is so important!

What is a Car Seat Tether, Anyway?

A tether is a piece of belt webbing with a metal hook that is attached to the top of a car seat. When this is tightened and latched onto a tether anchor location in your vehicle, it prevents your child and your car seat from moving forward in a frontal crash. A tether is also referred to as a top tether or tether strap. It’s part of the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) and is designed to limit movement during a crash, particularly forward motion.

Tethers can be found on many different types of seats.  They can be found on infant, convertible, forward-facing, combination, all-in-one-and booster seats. They are all used to limit forward motion in a frontal crash. The UPPAbaby Rove is the only car seat on the market that has an integrated tether that can be used forward-facing and rear-facing.

Why Does the Tether Matters So Much?

According to the Child Passenger Safety Technician Certification Training(2), when used forward-facing, tethers can reduce the distance that a child’s head moves forward in a frontal crash by four to six inches. Tethers can make the car seat installation more stable and improve the outcome in any type of crash.

When used rear-facing (like the Rove), it limits the forward motion of the car seat and child and distributes the crash forces along the back of the seat. It can reduce seat rotation and stress on the child’s head and neck in the event of an impact by 32%(3)!  If a car seat rotates too much on a horizontal angle, it puts more strain and force on the critical areas of a child’s body (head, neck, shoulders and spine).  Rear-tethering keeps the seat more upright and protects the child.

Always check your car seat manual because tethers are either required for use or strongly suggested for use.  Vehicle manufacturers provide direction on how and when to use tethers, so remember to check their manual as well.

Here’s where the Rove’s Multi-Directional Tether shines:

• Reduces seat rotation when rear-facing
• Minimizes forward motion when forward-facing
• Lowers stress on the child’s head and neck by up to 32% in a crash
• Recommended for BOTH rear- and forward-facing installations

With the Rove, our Multi-Directional Tether is recommended even when rear-facing, giving your little one an additional layer of support earlier than most.

How Do You Use the Tether?

The first step when installing a car seat with a tether is to pull out your car seat and vehicle manual to understand the process of installation and to find the tether locations in your vehicle.

Always unfasten your tether hook from your car seat and bring it around to the front of your car seat before you start the installation process. This way you don’t install your car seat then realize you can’t get to the tether to unhook it from its storage position.

Following your car seat and vehicle manuals, complete installation using either the lower anchors or the vehicle belt. Route the tether as directed from your manuals. Attach it to the vehicle tether anchor location then pull the excess webbing to remove slack from the tether assembly.

Using the tether is easier than you think! Here’s how:

1. Find the tether anchor in your car
2. Route the tether as directed from your manuals
3. Simply attach the tether strap to the vehicle tether anchor location
4. Tighten until the strap is snug with no slack
5. That’s it!

Pro Tip: If you don’t see anchors right away, don’t panic! Your vehicle’s manual will guide you to it. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid: 

• The most common mistake when it comes to tethering is that it is often forgotten and not used! The Rove’s tether is bright yellow and stored external to the seat on purpose to bring attention to it. Try to make a conscience effort to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help remind you about this great safety feature!
• The Rove is the only car seat that has an integrated tether that can be used rear-facing and forward-facing.  Just because a tether is present does not mean it can be used in both directions like the Rove.  ALWAYS, follow your car seat manufacturer’s instructions.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Skip the Strap!

Every part of your child’s car seat has a purpose. The tether might be small, but its impact is big, especially in a crash. Every feature on the Rove Convertible Car Seat was intentionally designed for your child, and the Multi-Directional Tether is a key part of that. It’s just one of the thoughtful, protective features that help parents feel more confident on the road.

After reading this blog, we hope your major takeaway is to never skip the tether!  Whenever in doubt, review your car seat or vehicle owner’s manual. Manufacturers have a lot of resources available to help you with your installation – videos, FAQs or social media posts.

Need help with installation? Reach out to our certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians for a complimentary virtual consultation or find a certified technician at https://cert.safekids.org/find-tech. Remember, we are always here to help!

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Resources:

1. Safe Kids Worldwide (2017), Car Seat Tethers: Essential for Safety but Consistently Overlooked.
2. National Safety Council (2024), Child Passenger Safety Technician Certification Training: Technician Guide.
3. Rove Convertible Car Seat, Controlled Testing Environment