The typical car seat is made up of several different parts, all designed to work together to keep you and your passengers safe. Here's a look at some of the most important parts of a car seat:
The shell is the hard outer layer of the seat that protects against impact in a crash. The shell also provides support for the back and headrests.
The padding is the soft material that lines the inside of the seat and provides comfort for occupants. The amount and type of padding can vary between seats, but it's an important part of keeping everyone comfortable on long trips.
The harness is what keeps you or your child securely fastened into the seat. Harnesses typically have adjustable straps that go over the shoulders and around the waist, and they're tightened with a clasp or buckle. In some seats, there may also be crotch straps to help keep smaller occupants in place.
The headrest is designed to protect occupants' heads and necks in a crash by providing support for them. Headrests are often adjustable so that they can be moved up or down to provide custom fit for different users.
There are also a few other less common parts that may be included on some seats, such as side-impact airbags or lumbar supports. But these are just a few of the most essential components that make up a car seat.