DD 23mo Escapes from Car Seat straps!!

[CDMforever]

Help I can't seem to find a solution to this problem. DD has a maxi cosi car seat, quite a good one I think. And however tight I put on her seat belt (the one inside the car seat) she still manages to remove her arms from it and so isn't safe at all if we were to have a bump or worse. I often stop the car and put her back in but she still does it! Does anyone know of a contraption to prevent this from happening??

They use them as standard in the US but in the UK nothing (that I know of) is regulated for use on cars seats. Jojo Maman Bebe do something that's designed for use with buggies and highchairs that I think would do the job. It's basically a type of clip that fastens the two shoulder restraints together thus eliminating the problem of a child being able to release their arms. Although it's not tested for use on car seats surely it's the safer option?
Hope that helps a little. Sorry I couldn't offer a solution, if it helps I think all toddlers do it!

Thanks Mummy, will take a look at Jojo Maman.

my charge went through this phase...

i really shouted at him right in his face... he had never before (or since) herd me shout like that.

I made it clear i was very very cross and he was not to do it...

he never did it again... and for weeks got into the car every time saying "I keep my arms in"

when the alternative is potentially death, i think its ok to really shout

Another idea would be to sew something yourself. As long as it just 'sits' aroung the shoulder straps mid chest height then it shouldn't interfere with safety. Get a piece of material (approx width of a 'fat' belt) attach Velcro to rear overlaps and put around straps just before tightening fully. This way it keeps the straps together so little arms can't go up and under to get out of restraint. The Velcro needs to be next to chest as if it's away from chest then little fingers can undo it easily. The type of thing I'm picturing is a little like seat belt shoulder protectors (to stop them rubbing on your neck) only to go over 2 shoulder straps at once.

Does that make sense or am I just rambling on?

Hope you get a solution that works for you and most importantly keeps DD safe.

PS There was nothing at all on the Market when my sister's DC went through this stage 15 years ago. Our solution was to put them in the next stage car seat ie a booster with a backrest. As DC were using the adult seat belt they felt grown up and we never had a problem with them taking the 3point seat belt off. However, a new problem ensued whereby my sister's DS would reach over and undo the seatbelt holding her DD's car seat in place. Incase your DD goes through this stage later there are tried and tested buckle covers (again available at Jojo Maman Bebe - think I should get commission!).

Good luck. I hope she stays safe.

crelling harnesses.

I bought one of these recently. Cost about a tenner, took a week to arrive and works great with my demon 2.6yo.

Shouting, even smacking cut no ice with her at all

Rockbird that's exactly what I was thinking of but couldn't find one anywhere for official use with car seats. The Jojo Maman Bebe one is the same but sold for buggies/highchairs only not recommended for car seat use (probably not tested?).

Think I'll buy one so I have it ready for when DS starts doing it (like nearly all toddlers do).

Thanks very much for the link Rockbird.

Just got my houdini stop in the post, very quick. Can't see any instructions though so hope its straight forward.

Have fitted and used Houdini Stop. It is brilliant and DD is an arm wriggler no more! Thanx so much to MN who posted link.

Houdini stop fantastic!!! bucklesafe on the seatbelt great!!! now to find something to stop them opening the buckle

Thanks for the recommendation Rockbird: I've just ordered the Houdini buckle myself and am hoping to have my 18 month old contained again by the end of the month.

I will feedback on whether it works... if so, they should consider advertising on Mumsnet!

The houdini stop is a chest strap that can be put on and removed with one hand.

Its a strap that clips on to each car seat strap and stops the child getting their arms out

www.houdinistop.co.uk

Its been crash tested and approved by an australian board who review car safety accessories.

they sell them in the UK at Houdini Stop - Car seat chest strap

The law states its not illegal to attach these to car seats, its simply not legal for a company in the EU to sell one with such a device attached