5. Bring fun things for your child to do in the car. Include some favorite
music, books, or a few toys that your child can only play with while
riding in the car.
When My Child Won’t Stay in the Car
Seat!
“Just the thought of buckling my child in her car seat
makes me tense,” said one young mother. “Now that
her little brother has arrived, she never wants to sit in
her car seat. She’s figured out how to wiggle her arms
out of the straps and climb out of her seat. What can I
do to keep her in her seat?”
Sometimes getting children to be happy in their car seats seems
impossible. As a parent, however, no amount of crying and screaming
should keep you from using a safety seat. Besides being the law, you are
buckling your children up for their own safety should an accident
happen. Consider these tips:
1. “Buckle up" from the beginning. Children who ride in safety seats
from the time they are born are more likely to accept them as a natural
part of riding in a vehicle. Set an example and point out to your child
that you buckle up every time also.
2. Appeal to a young child’s desire to please you. “Let’s buckle up, I
love you and need you safe.” Ask each person by name if they are
buckled up before starting the car.
3. Secure your child into the safety seat correctly. Shoulder straps must
be snug and the chest clip must be at the level of the child's armpits for
the safety seat to provide protection to children under forty pounds.
6. For larger or older children, Parents magazine suggests getting a
booster seat with a cool design or fabric that will appeal to your child.
Point out how booster seats are designed just for children and include no
seat belts rubbing across their neck, support for legs, and being able to
see out the window.
7. Prepare surprise packages ahead with items to be given out every 25,
50, or 75 miles. Include stickers, a small toy, a drink, or a snack. Car
seats can be pretty hard to sit in for several hours so give your child a
stretch break every few hours.
8. Pull over to the side of the road and stop if your child tries to get out
of the car seat while you are driving. Explain he must buckle up to go
with you. Calmly buckle your child back in their safety seat. Do this
consistently so that your child learns neither of you will travel
unbuckled. Make other arrangements next time, if needed. Most
children love to go places and will cooperate if they know they will not
get to go if unbuckled.
9. For a stubborn child, try different car seats on display at the store
until you find one that is ‘childproof’. Have a policeman or teacher talk
about car safety to an older child.
Author: Angela Reinhart, Family Life Educator, Fall, 2005
Editor: Patti Faughn, Family Life Educator, University of Illinois, 2005
For additional information contact:
Angela Reinhart, Family Life Educator
University of Illinois Extension, Champaign County Unit
801 N Country Fair Drive, Suite D
Champaign, IL 61821 - 2492
Phone: 217-333-7672
Email: areinhrt@uiuc.edu
4. Point out interesting things to each other as you pass them. Play
games, looking for special objects, sights, and colors.
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in programs and employment.