Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Shopping

From everyday essentials to big purchases, swap tips and recommendations. For the best deals without the hassle, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

car seat advice for 4 yo

11 replies

pawre · 13/08/2010 13:42

Hi,

We are using a backless booster seat/cushion at the moment for my 4 yo. When she is being difficult, having a tantrum (etc...another story!) she wriggles around and slides down to the floor. So basically the car seat belt over her and the booster isn't holding her in place!

We can't really go back to the baby car seat with the five point harness if you know what I mean.

Would a high back booster seat be any better I'm wondering? But you would use the car seat belt over the cushion and kid as well so it would be the same problem for us, wouldn't it?

Anyone with the same experience when travelling in a car with an uncooperative kid?

Cheers! you all are most helpful.

OP posts:
StrikeUpTheBand · 13/08/2010 13:47

I know that they advise using a 5-point harness for as long as possible for that reason (as well as safety obviously) -some children tend to slide out of the normal seatbelts or not wear them properly- so you're not alone!

I am really unsure as to what you would do about this so sorry I can't be more constructive.

mamaloco · 13/08/2010 13:49

I have a maxi cosi Rodi for DD1 and there is no way she can wiggle out with the back rest. If she try to loosen the belt she is told of (off? sp. Hmm).
the belt goes into determined holes and can't slip and when fitted properly it is tight.
She also tried to unbuckled it but can't (yet!)

www.maxi-cosi.com/ot-en/carseats/kid/rodi-xr

mamaloco · 13/08/2010 13:50

BUt she is big so a smaller kid might be able to go underneath the belt Confused.
Sorry to be babbling and no help.

cece · 13/08/2010 13:52

A 4 year old is old enough to understand that this behaviour is dangerous. I think you need to stop the car as soon as possible everytime she does it and get very cross with her.

My DS1 used to do this with a 5 point harness (get his arms out all the time). I tried the stopping car and telling him off everytime. It worked for a while.

But what really did it, was using a large leather belt to hold the straps in place one day. It was pretty uncomfortable for him. I did this for two very short school runs. He then promised me he wouldn't do it again. And he hasn't.

Bert2e · 13/08/2010 14:01

IMO a backless booster isn't safe for any child to use. My 4 year old is in a high back booster with a 5 point harness and the 6 year old in a high back booster (also a Rodi) which he only went into 6m ago. She's not safe as she is - get a high back booster.

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 13/08/2010 14:04

We have a Rodi and my DD can wriggle out..she has hypermobile joints though and can bend her shoulders backwards.. Hmm

castleonthehill · 13/08/2010 14:21

Get a high back booster and then when you start using it be very strict if she is not sat in it properly you a stop the car and don't go again until she is back in it. You are the parent here you know what is best not her. You may need to leave earlier for things but what she is doing is distracting and not safe.

Maybe take her shopping to chose one high backs are more comfortable for them and safer. If you look at the cost divided by the number of journey you will do before she is eleven it is pence per journey.

inabigpickle · 13/08/2010 17:26

I have read on mumsnet before that for a four year old a five point harness actually offers worse protection in a crash that a 'proper seatbelt' (in conjunction with car seat obviously).

I know it seems odd but was based on the give provided by the seatbelt protecting the neck and upper spine better.

I know its frustrating when someone mentions something a bit controversial without proper links to back it up but am at work so dont have much time. I thought it was worth a mention anyway.

inabigpickle · 13/08/2010 17:41

I have read on mumsnet before that for a four year old a five point harness actually offers worse protection in a crash that a 'proper seatbelt' (in conjunction with car seat obviously).

I know it seems odd but was based on the give provided by the seatbelt protecting the neck and upper spine better.

I know its frustrating when someone mentions something a bit controversial without proper links to back it up but am at work so dont have much time. I thought it was worth a mention anyway.

greentriangle · 13/08/2010 17:54

I would get a highback booster and use that as a starting point to discuss safety with her. My kids can be uncooperative in many areas but I do not tolerate it re car seat issues.

I would stop the car every time she gets out of the car seat and use severe incentives/punishments. eg for my 4yo DS, if I really wanted him to listen, I'd take his ben10 aliens away and I would go as far as smacking him to enforce carseat safety.

Original poster
pawre · 14/08/2010 07:59

thank you everyone for your comments helps a lot. sigh...4 yo not an easy age! cheers! :)

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page