It’s very common for children to go through a difficult phase of not wanting to wear their child seat harness or safety belt. Children can try to slip out of the child harness or release the buckle during car trips which is a source of concern and frustration for parents.
So how do you stop your child from releasing the belt buckle once they have learned how to?
The following may help keep problem behaviour under control:
- Make sure that your child understands the importance of wearing a seat belt, explain that it keeps them safe and they have to wear it at all times.
- Show your child that you have to wear your seat belt too. Children are more likely to follow by example so it’s important that they see you doing it too.
- Do not start the engine until your child is buckled in securely. If your child refuses to fasten their harness then you should wait until they do so. If they remove their belt or harness during the journey, come to a safe stop and explain that the car won’t move until they put their belt back on.
- Children often unfasten seat belts or harnesses if they are restless or bored, provide them with books or toys to keep their little hands busy or have a sing-song together. It’s important however that the driver never be distracted by these activities.
Whatever you find works for you, the most important thing is to be consistent.
Never give into your child and allow your child to travel without a safety belt securely fastened around them. It is a legal requirement and to do so would put your child at serious risk should an accident occur. It will also be harder to get your child to wear the restraint the next time you sit into the car.
