Children Undoing Buckles

Some children go through a phase of constantly slipping out of the child seat harness or seat belt, or releasing the buckle, during journeys. This is extremely worrying for parents and very frustrating - once a child has learnt how to do this, it is very difficult to stop them. The good news is that it usually seems to be a phase which they grow out of.

Although it is possible to buy 'anti-tampering' devices to stop children undoing their seat belts, RoSPA does not recommend any device, which affects the working either of a seat belt, or of the fastening mechanism. It may reduce the effectiveness of the seat belt in an accident (causing more injuries to the child), and could also be difficult to undo in an emergency.

The following points may help to stop your child undoing their seat belt:

• Ensure the child knows WHY they are required to wear a seat belt, i.e. it keeps them safe from harm
• Depending on the age of the child, make 'doing up the belt' into a chant or song, which the child will enjoy participating in
• Show the child that you have to wear a seat belt also - perhaps you can both sing or chant as you are doing up your own belt too
• Do not start the engine until you are sure that the child is wearing a seat belt correctly AND that your belt is correctly fastened (perhaps this could form part of a game also - ask the child if everyone in the car is belted up and whether it's OK to drive off)
• If possible (e.g. on a leisure trip, or a trip to friends), tell the child that you cannot take them if their belt is not done up - as you don't want any harm to come to them
• If the child undoes the belt during the journey, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and repeat that the belt must be done up to save them from being hurt
• If the child repeatedly unfastens the seat belt because they are restless and bored, distract them by 'I-Spy' games through the windows, songs, which they are able to join in with, toys and games that they are able to play with in the car. Please remember though that it is most important for the driver NOT to be distracted by these activities

The most important thing to remember is to be CONSISTENT. ALWAYS insist that your child is wearing a seat belt. DO NOT give in by letting the child travel without a seat belt being fastened safely around them - not only are you legally required to do this (you can be prosecuted if you do not), but you will be placing your child at risk of serious injury or death if your vehicle is involved in an accident. It will also be more difficult to insist that the child wears their seatbelt next time they are in the car.

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Second-hand Child Seats

The best advice is do not buy a second-hand child seat.

You cannot be certain of its history. It may have been involved in an accident and the damage may not be visible. Very often the instructions are missing from second-hand seats which makes it more difficult to be sure that you are fitting and using it correctly.

Second-hand seats are also likely to be older, to have suffered more wear and tear and may not be designed to current safety standards.

It is far better to buy a new child seat. Prices range dramatically, and it is not necessary to buy the most expensive one. Ask your local Road Safety Department (part of your Council) whether they know of any child seat discount schemes.

If you must use a second-hand seat, only accept one from a family member or friend (don't buy one from a second-hand shop or through the classified ads) and then only if you are absolutely certain that you know its history, it comes with the original instructions and it is not too old.

Before you agree to accept the seat:

• Examine it carefully for damage (but remember, not all damage to child seats is visible to the naked eye).
• Make sure the manufacturer's instructions are available.
• Check the manufacturer's advice about how old the seat should be before it needs to be replaced.
• Make sure the seat is suitable for your child's weight and height.
• Try the seat in your car - if you cannot get it to fit securely, do not buy it.
• Check that the seat meets the United Nations standard Regulation 44.03 or 44.04 - look for the 'E' mark.

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Child Seat Instructions

To ensure that child car restraints are fitted and used properly, it is essential that the manufacturer's instructions are followed. 

Many people do not like reading instruction booklets, preferring to use 'trial and error', but you risk your child being injured if you do not follow the instructions when fitting the restraint.

It is best to keep the instruction booklet with the seat in the car. Many child seats have a pocket for this purpose.

If you have lost the instructions, contact the manufacturer and ask if it is possible to get a copy. Some manufacturer's publish their instructions on their website.

Be particularly careful if you obtain a second-hand seat and make sure it comes with the instructions.

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