5 Yr Old Won't Go in Booster Seat

[luvkadcla]

My 5 year old daughter won't go on her booster seat. She will sit sideways or lay in her seat. When we try to put her seat belt on she will fuss and fight, kicking the seat in front of her. When we get it on she will undo it. It is so stressful for everyone plus it takes so long to leave. We have tried letting her put it on herself. My son sitting behind her will reach it over to her and she can finish putting it  on herself. However, 8 out of 10 times she will give us a hard time.

I would love any and all advice :)

Thanks

Cindy 

[babymommy2]

What if you told her it was the booster seat or back to the car seat if she can't sit in it properly, and then next time she puts up a fuss, actually put your car seat back in the car and put her in it. My 5 year old is heavy enough for a booster now, and i am considering switching, but not sure if he will sit still yet. I have neen thinking of trying it, but will swich back if he acts up.

[pianojazzgirl]

No matter what the height/age/whatever guidelines for booster seats, a child is only truly ready to be in one when they are able (and willing) to sit up properly in one.  If a child isn't ready (for whatever reason) to be in a booster she should be in a 5-point harness.  IMO this is a black and white safety issue that you cannot budge on.

[blessedwithboys]

Put her back in the harness, she isn't developmentally ready for a booster.

[KCMichigan]

Ditto the other posters.

If she will not sit in a booster properly and puts up a fuss- put her in a 5 point harness.

 At 5, she should be able to understand why a booster is needed and comply with the requirements to use it (sit up, leave buckled, etc). If not, use the 5 point until she can follow the rules for safety reasons. Do not comply with her demands on not using it. It would be illegal not to use it in most (if not all ) states.

[One_Girl]

What are your state laws about booster seats?  Many people think their state law is three years lower than it really is in my state and yours may be similar.  I suggest checking into it then letting her know what the law is, if it backs up you getting her in the safest seat, and what the police will do if you aren't keeping your kids safe.  If that doesn't work then I think she needs to be back in five point harness.  I taught my dd from a young age why a booster seat was necessary in very blunt terms, I am not usually so open about the dangers life can have so it had a very deep effect on her.

[pbjmama]

My almost 5 yo is has been fighting his seat too and he is in a 5 point harness. He can unbuckle that thing in a jiffy. This is a battle I will not loose. I try to start with positive reinforcement but sometimes it means pulling the car over, yelling, or negative consequences. I follow through every single time. Sometimes it means we don't get to do things I want to do. Sometimes it means we don't get to do things he wants to do. Anyway, I'm right there with you.

[4evermom]

My ds was very safety conscious so I didn't go through much of a seat belt struggle...  But I imagine that sitting in a non moving car with no toys or other distractions and a parent that won't engage in conversation would get boring pretty fast for most kids...  Of course, you'll have allow for extra time until she gets it but then again you already have to do that.  Bring a book for yourself and a book, snack, or something fun for your son while he waits for his sister.  She can have a snack, too, after she is buckled.  Stay calm.  Pull over every single time she unbuckles and give her brother something fun while he waits.  It might help if you can avoid taking her anywhere optional by car.  Let her know you won't drive her to the park or store or fun activity because you don't want to wait for her to buckle up.

[2moms3kids]

My daughter is almost 6, 48 inches and 55lbs, so plenty big enough for a booster, but she isn't reliable about sitting up straight. Therefore, she still rides in a Britax Frontier which harnesses up to 53 inches and I am hopeful by then, she will be able to move into the booster. I think she is already the only Kindergartener still in a harness at school and I am sure she will be the ONLY first grader, but OH WELL!

-Sarah