If you have a Graco car seat and don’t know how to loosen the straps, this guide will walk you through the steps on how to do just that.
I have listed different Graco car seat models and their step-by-step guide on how to loosen and tighten the straps.
Hope this helps!
How to loosen Graco Harness straps (step-by-step guide)
Having the right harness strap fit on the Graco car seat is really important as it can save your child in the event of an accident.
Before you hit the road make sure your child is buckled up properly and has the correct harness strap fit.
The quick way to do that on a Graco car seat is to loosen the straps by tugging both straps toward you while pushing the release lever (button).
Once the straps are long enough place them on the side, then place your child in the car seat and tighten the straps until you have the right fit for your baby.
The next step is to do the pinch test on the straps to make sure that the straps are snug on your baby’s shoulders and that’s the right fit.
But as your child grows you will have to adjust the fit of the seat belt. To do that simply follow the same steps to loosen the straps.
Below is the step-by-step guide on how to loosen Graco car seat straps:
- Step 1: Pull the straps toward you while at the same time pushing on the strap release lever
- Step 2: Buckle your child into the car seat.
- Step 3: Tighten the harness strap by slowly pulling the front adjustment strap
- Step 2: Do the pinch test or the reverse pinch test to ensure that the strap is not too loose.
Here is a guide on how to do the pinch test & the reverse pinch test.
- Step 3: Congratulations, the straps are tight and your child is safe.
How to loosen Graco car seat straps from the rear end of the seat
The previously mentioned method applies to most Graco car seat straps. However, some Graco car seats have a different way of adjusting or loosening the straps.
The straps of this type of car seat can only be loosened from the rear end of the seat.
They are not equipped with an adjustment strap and a button in the front that you can use to loosen or tighten the straps.
To make sure you loosen the straps the right way for all Graco car seats, I listed different Graco car seat models and their step-by-step methods of loosening the harness strap.
How to loosen Graco car seat straps on different models
1. How to loosen Harness Straps on Graco Extend2Fit
Graco Extend2fit is one of the best car convertible car seats. If you have one and want to loosen the straps follow these two steps:
Step 1: Lift up on the harness release lever while pulling out on the harness straps at the chest clip.
Step2: The straps are now loosened up. All you have to do is unbuckle the chest clip and the crotch buckle and place harness straps off to the sides.
Step 3: Place your little one in the seat and buckle up.
Don’t forget to do the pinch test. A snug harness should not allow any slack.
If your Graco’s harness straps are loose, tighten them by pulling the Harness Adjustment Strap.
This is a great video demonstration on how to loosen and tighten the Graco Extend2fit car seat. Check it out.
2. How to loosen Graco SnugRide 30 Harness Straps
While the Extend2fit and Nautilus have similar ways of loosening the straps, the Graco SnugRide model has a different way.
The SnugRide 30 strap is rear-adjusted. But don’t worry, it’s as straightforward as the previous Graco car seats.
To loosen the straps on the Graco SnugRide car seat, from the back of the seat, lift up on the harness lock while pulling the strap from the front of the seat. The strap will then start to loosen right away.
Keep pulling until it’s loose enough for you.
While the SnugRide 30 strap is rear-adjusted, the Graco SnugRide Click Connet 35 harness strap can be adjusted (loosened and tightened) from the front adjustment button and strap as shown in the picture below.
Here is a video on how to loosen the car seat straps of a Graco SnugRide 35
3. How to Loosen Graco Slimfit Car Seat Straps
It’s also super easy to loosen the car seat traps on the Graco Slimfit model.
All you have to do is lift up on the harness release lever while pulling out on the harness straps at the chest clip as shown in the picture below.
4. How to loosen Graco Nautilus 65 Harness Straps
To loosen the harness straps on the Graco Nautilus 65, push down on the harness release lever while pulling out the harness straps at the chest clip.
The Bottom Line
I hope this guide was helpful and you can now loosen and adjust the Graco car seat straps.
To stay up to date on car seat safety matters, check out my guides and tips section where you can find lots of car seat installation and safety tips.
And if you are looking for advice on buying a new car seat, check out our car seat guide
