2year old DGS escaping from car seat

General warning for posters: safety is a huge issue for parents

A caregiver who puts their child in danger (nevermind how much how much this person claims not to do anything to hurt the child and to want the best for the child) - may see the access restricted

If he's clever enough to work out how to undo the buckle, then he's clever enough to understand that it's not allowed. Everybody has to wear their seatbelt, it's not up for discussion.
If you have a wilful child then sometimes, for their own safety and everyone else's, you just have to be firm.
I'd suggest a new special little toy that he's only allowed if he wears his seatbelt properly. If he doesn't, he forfeits it. Every time.
Same with reins when they're required to safeguard him.

You have to be the adult in this situation and let him know it. We all had to teach children about safety issues that they need to obey. Perhaps he is allowed to get away with other things or even smiled at. An adult has to think for the child which you are obviously trying to do but do his parents?

I still wonder if the straps are too loose - this can happen too easily if the child is wearing something like a puffy coat for example.

You're quite right and it's not recommended for a child to wear a coat in the car seat now, precisely because of this.
If it's really cold you can slip their arms into the sleeves so they're wearing the coat backwards and on top of the straps, otherwise tuck a blanket round them on top of the straps.

If some posters read the thread properly they would see that it's the poster's daughter who has the problem, particularly on school run. And the child has learnt how to undo buckle- not wriggling out of not tight enough straps.
One of my GCs did this once but a stern talking to and threats seems to have sorted it for now.

dotpocka

maybe for those not handy
www.madeformums.com/reviews/3-ways-to-stop-your-child-getting-out-of-a-car-seat/

Thank you will pass on to DD

V3ra

If he's clever enough to work out how to undo the buckle, then he's clever enough to understand that it's not allowed. Everybody has to wear their seatbelt, it's not up for discussion.
If you have a wilful child then sometimes, for their own safety and everyone else's, you just have to be firm.
I'd suggest a new special little toy that he's only allowed if he wears his seatbelt properly. If he doesn't, he forfeits it. Every time.
Same with reins when they're required to safeguard him.

Thanks. - the special toy is a good idea.

Farmor15

If some posters read the thread properly they would see that it's the poster's daughter who has the problem, particularly on school run. And the child has learnt how to undo buckle- not wriggling out of not tight enough straps.
One of my GCs did this once but a stern talking to and threats seems to have sorted it for now.

Thank you

Hithere

General warning for posters: safety is a huge issue for parents

A caregiver who puts their child in danger (nevermind how much how much this person claims not to do anything to hurt the child and to want the best for the child) - may see the access restricted

I will not take him out in the car until this issue is sorted.

V3ra

^I still wonder if the straps are too loose - this can happen too easily if the child is wearing something like a puffy coat for example.^

You're quite right and it's not recommended for a child to wear a coat in the car seat now, precisely because of this.
If it's really cold you can slip their arms into the sleeves so they're wearing the coat backwards and on top of the straps, otherwise tuck a blanket round them on top of the straps.

Ironically DGS won’t wear his coat either. But I know DD and DSIL are looking at things that tighten the straps.

Bella23

You have to be the adult in this situation and let him know it. We all had to teach children about safety issues that they need to obey. Perhaps he is allowed to get away with other things or even smiled at. An adult has to think for the child which you are obviously trying to do but do his parents?

They are trying, but TBH they are inclined to be less than consistent

Put him in thick fleece mittens without thumbs.
Compromise his dexterity.

They are trying, but TBH they are inclined to be less than consistent

He will see right through this, little monkey!
Parents do underestimate what hard work children can be.
I always say to my minded children's parents in similar cases,
"Get a grip now, because in ten years time when they're taller than you you've got no chance!"
They usually go quite pale... 😟

ixion

Put him in thick fleece mittens without thumbs.
Compromise his dexterity.

This is a good idea if he is hard to deal with in a hurry and you can get them on quickly

I would not compromise the buckle in case of emergency. There are things out there with velcro etc but the emergency services don't recommend.

? straitjacket ?

www.childcarseats.org.uk/choosing-using/children-undoing-their-harness/

Thank you Lyndylou. His parents are looking in to what is available that might help - there are various options but as you say it’s finding something that still offers safe quick release.

Oh yes, he definitely thinks he’s in charge. I’m afraid his parents definitely underestimated what hard work having a second child would be…..

ixion

Put him in thick fleece mittens without thumbs.
Compromise his dexterity.

Ah yes, one of the other challenges they have is to get him to wear a coat - they don’t even try mittens…..

Either the child stays in the car seat and does not undo the buckle or the car does not move. It doesn't matter whether it is the school run or going anywhere else.

I once stopped my car made my children get out and affected to drive away (Idrove about 1 metre) when they started to do something dangerous and would not stop. They were, of course, a lot older than 2, but when they got back into the car, the dangerous behaviour stopped and they learnt and remembered the lesson.

usually a game on a tablet keeps them occupied in the car.

Yes, as suggested, I'd go to Halfrds and ask for advice.

One of my DC used to be able to tak her arms out and lean forward in her car seat ("Look at me!!") but I'm sure they've improved a lot since those days.

CoolCoco

usually a game on a tablet keeps them occupied in the car.

Screens at TWO???

Halfords

Thank you - will pass it on.