National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training ProgramNational Child Passenger Safety Certification Training ProgramNational Child Passenger Safety Certification Training ProgramNational Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program

Module 6Module 6

Lower Anchors & Tethers for CHidrenLower Anchors & Tethers for CHidren

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Module 6 ObjectivesModule 6 Objectives

• Describe lower anchors and tether anchors.

• Recognize lower anchor and tether anchor symbols and locations.

• Explain lower anchor and tether anchor best practices to caregivers.

Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildrenLower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren

• LATCH is an alternative system to install car seats in vehicles using 2 lower anchors and 1 tether (only lower anchors usually required for rear-facing)

• When used together, lower anchors and tether = LATCH

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LATCH System LATCH System (continued)(continued)

• Car seat must have a set of lower anchor connectors that attach to vehicle’s set of lower and tether anchors

• Each LATCH set in vehicle is made up of2 lower anchor bars and 1 tether anchor

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TetherTether

• Holds back of car seat (some booster seats) against vehicle back to reduce amount of forward/side movement

• Reduces distance child’s head moves forward in a crash by4 to 6 inches

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Universal LATCH SymbolUniversal LATCH Symbol

If a lower anchor or tether anchor is hidden behind fabric or a cover in the vehicle, a symbol near the anchor location will identify its position.

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Tether Anchor LocationsTether Anchor Locations

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Visible & HiddenVisible & HiddenLower Anchor PositionsLower Anchor Positions

• Labels, buttons, ortags identify lower anchor locations when hidden.

• Most vehicles cannot be retrofitted with lower anchors.

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Common Lower Anchor & Tether Common Lower Anchor & Tether Anchor ErrorsAnchor Errors

Key Questions Related to LATCHKey Questions Related to LATCH

• Does the caregiver’s vehicle have LATCH?

• Which seating positions allow the use of LATCH?

• What is the importance of tethers?

• Where can you find lower anchors in a vehicle?

• What might indicate lower anchors in the vehicle?

• Which is safe and preferable to use for a car seat – lower anchor connectors or the seat belt?

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