There is no perfect car seat. Sometimes we expect that because they usually don’t come cheap. But with endless variables between cars and children, it’s inevitable to run into some quirks. One of the most versatile seats I’ve worked with is the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat
(featured in my guide for the most budget-friendly car seats) which is no exception. Some users report that the harness straps can be difficult to tighten, particularly when rear-facing. There are other rear-facing car seats where this situation can come up, too.
When a car seat is rear-facing, the strap that tightens the harness straps is very close to the back of the vehicle’s seat. This leaves less room for pulling the strap straight out (parallel to the ground), which gives you the most leverage. So, how can we get around this issue when our straps can’t be pulled tight enough that way? {Your straps need to pass the pinch test to be considered tight enough.} I came across this little trick which saved me TONS of frustration in the past year and a half of owning this Graco Extend2Fit car seat.
Note: The Extend2Fit 3-in-1 has a different routing and will not look the same as this video.
Check it out in the video below. Let me know in the comments if this helps you!
Are you looking for car seat recommendations?
Here are a few car seat recommendations that I have used myself as well as while working as a Child Passenger Safety Technician. We always say the best car seat is the one that fits your vehicle, your baby, and that you can install correctly every time–but these are generally easy to install and work well for a lot of families.Subscribe to my blog and follow me on Facebook/Instagram/Pinterest/Twitter/YouTube for the latest information to keep your kids safe and to make car seats easier!
This is a great tip for moms!!! Car seat safety is extremely important for our little ones.
Awesome tip! I am so paranoid about getting the car seat straps just right! I hope this gets around so everyone is informed. Thanks!
Thank you!
These are great tips! It’s always good to know better ways to keep kids safe
Another reason I’m happy I don’t have kids. I would be so nervous about the car seats!
A great tip for moms!
This would have come in handy! Can’t believe we are out of this stage and one uses a booster and the other no car seat at all! It seems like just yesterday I was strapping them in. But trips to stores are so much easier now!
I can’t wait until I’m in that stage! It takes so much time to load everyone in.
This is so great! I am always worried that the straps will not be just right. This is a very good tip! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! I hope it’s helpful for you.
Nothing more important than keeping our babies safe so thank you for your tip.
Car seats are tough to install in a vehicle. I usually let my husband do that part. Then I have the easier job of just putting them in their seats.
Yes, it can be difficult sometimes! That’s why I love helping parents, to make their job easier.
Great tip because it is a pain when it won’t tighten. We have different brand car seats in our cars, but they have similar mechanisms.
Agree, hope it’s helpful for you!
This is a great tip, thanks for sharing!
Excellent tip! Many parents would be grateful for this info!
What a helpful tip for young parents!
woo hoo, this is fabulous!! thank you.