Moving your child into a forward-facing car seat comes with a few new installation steps, and one of the most important is learning how the top tether works. This guide explains the purpose of the top tether, where to find it, how it interacts with the rest of your installation, and what parents can expect across different car seat and vehicle types. You will also find a complete installation walkthrough and answers to common questions, so traveling with your little one feels easier to manage. What is a Top Tether on a Car Seat? The top tether is a fabric strap attached to the upper rear portion of a car seat that is used in forward-facing installation. It includes a metal hook designed to connect to a tether anchor point in your vehicle. Once tightened, the tether helps limit forward motion in a crash and stabilizes the top of the car seat. It is part of the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system. All forward-facing car seats should use the top tether whenever possible, regardless of whether you install it using the seat belt or LATCH system. Rear-facing car seats do not typically use a top tether. However, some models, including the Chicco Fit360 Rotating Convertible Car Seat, use a two-part rear-facing installation that secures the car seat base with a top tether. Car Seats that Commonly Have Top Tethers All forward-facing car seats, including convertible, combination, and all-in-one car seats, manufactured after September 1999 include a top tether. Keep in mind that convertible and all-in-one seats usually should not use a tether in rear-facing mode, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer. Booster seats do not have top tethers, although harnessed boosters with a five-point system do. Each car seat design may use the tether a bit differently, so be sure to read your product manual for installation instructions. The Difference Between a Top Tether and Lower Anchor Lower anchors connect the base of the car seat to the vehicle seat. The top tether focuses on supporting the upper portion of the car seat. These systems work together, and using both creates a secure forward-facing installation. Many vehicles provide several sets of lower anchors across the back seat, but only one tether anchor per seating position. Automakers began including tether anchors as standard equipment in September 2000, so most modern vehicles have clearly designated anchor points. What is the Purpose of a Tether Strap, and Do I Need to Use it? The tether strap reduces the amount of forward head movement in the event of a crash. This reduction can help lower the chance of head and neck injuries. Even when lower anchors or a seat belt are providing a strong foundation for the car seat, the tether adds stability to the top portion that those attachments cannot provide on their own. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends using the top tether every time a forward-facing car seat is installed. This guidance applies across harnessed forward-facing car seat types, installation methods, and vehicle models. Where to Install a Car Seat With a Top Tether Although all vehicles manufactured after September 2000 and weighing over 8,500 pounds are required to have tether anchors, their locations look different from one vehicle to another. Sedans commonly place the anchor on the rear shelf behind the back seat. SUVs and vans often position the anchor on the seatback, floor, or ceiling. Your vehicle’s model year can also affect where the tether anchor is located. Always read your vehicle’s manual to locate the anchor points and ensure you don’t install your child’s car seat using luggage tie-downs or other hardware that is not designed for tether use. How to Install a Car Seat With a Top Tether Now that you understand what a top tether is, let’s walk through how to install a forward-facing car seat using one. Most car seats follow the same general installation steps, but you should read your car seat and vehicle manuals for specific instructions. Place the car seat in a rear vehicle seat with access to a top tether anchor. Connect the lower anchors or thread the seatbelt through the forward-facing belt path. Tighten to remove slack. Attach the top tether hook to the designated anchor point. Pull the tether strap tight. Double-check tightness—ensure the seat moves less than an inch front-to-back or side-to-side at the belt path. Find the Right Car Seat With Chicco Understanding how the top tether works gives parents more confidence when installing a forward-facing seat. Chicco offers a full range of models, including rotating, convertible, all-in-one, and combination car seats, each designed to support families through multiple stages. Shop Chicco car seats today to find the right fit for your family. FAQs Where is the tether anchor in my car? Tether anchors are located in different places depending on the car. You may find them on the rear shelf in sedans or on the floor, seatback, or ceiling in SUVs and vans. Your vehicle manual provides the exact location for your model. What if my car doesn’t have a top tether anchor? All vehicles manufactured after September 2000 and under 8,500 pounds include tether anchors. Families driving older vehicles without a top tether anchor can speak with a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) for installation guidance. Do I need to use the top tether? Yes, the NHTSA recommends using the top tether for forward-facing car seats whenever possible. Where is the top tether located on my car seat? In most car seats, the top tether is located on the upper back of the car seat. It looks like a fabric strap with a metal hook attached. Certain Chicco models include a small compartment that stores the tether when it is not in use.