Toddler’s arms escaping from car seat

[Meredithgrey1]

DD (20 months) has now wriggled her arms loose from the car seat a few times. She’s done it after being done up tightly by me and DH, and did it today in MIL’s car who has a different car seat.
I’ve seen some belt clip/collector things online, are these recommended? Are they safe to use?
If not, does anyone have any suggestions?

The In Car Safety Centre do a chest clip that works really well.

incarsafetycentre.co.uk/chest-clip

We used a clip. Then that was worked out. We also used one that was a big thing that velcroed and worked well.
We had also tried stopping the car & roaring & neither of them cared.
I worked on the basis that they were safer than a loose toddler in the car on the motorway.

I bought a clip in the end. I tried stopping the car every time, getting VERY angry, consequences etc. DS was a little houdini. Turns out he has very hypermobile joints, his shoulders in particular and could escape in the most eye watering, contortionist ways.

We bought clips but then read everywhere you shouldn't use them incase of emergency and a speedy exit is required. It is a phase and it will pass. Lasted a couple of months for us. We distracted with toys to keep hands busy and had a firm voice and stopped every time it happened. Ipad for motorway in that phase for safety. It really doesn't last long.

Houdini Stops work well and are cheap Houdini Stop

I got a strip of velcro from ebay for about 6 quid. Works a treat and no dismantling the whole car seat just to fit it!

Once they discover they can get their arms out the little buggers keep doing it don't they?

I got quite thick velcro and there was enough for two car seats for my 6 pounds - including delivery.

I second the Houdini Stop. I tried everything to avoid using a clip but DD just kept escaping and it wasn't safe. I know it's an extra clip in an emergency but I'd much rather that than her catapulting through the windscreen.

We use a chest clip when DC goes through a phase of doing it. In a week he’s lost the habit and then we stop using the clip as it isn’t ideal for safety (I think it’s better than DC exiting seat on the motorway though, so I’m comfortable with our decision to use it during the escape artist phases)

Two things to check before you contemplate chest clips and similar:
*Has she had a growth spurt recently, so the shoulder straps come out of the seat back too low? Raising those stopped my Houdini immediately.
*Are you dressing her for the cold weather with lots of clothes? If so, wear less on her body, and put a blanket over her. However tight you pull the straps, if there are lots of layers, or a thick coat on, there is enough movement to wriggle free.

I would definitely check the harness height if this is a new issue.

My DD went through a phase of doing this; what fixed it was putting her in her seat wearing a hoodie, doing the straps up, then zipping the hoodie up over the straps. After a few trips she gave up trying!