[AAK]

OK, my 3 year old is driving me crazy. She is currently in an Alpha-Omega forward facing 5 pt harness. She hates it and it is difficult to get her in it. I recently moved it to the center, hoping that having her able to see me would help. Today, I turn around and saw that she unclipped the top part. Furthermore, she was trying to wiggle out of it. I do keep the straps snug, so she wasn't having any luck. But, I can't see how this is helpful. We have been having on going problems with this anti-restraint behavior. I have tried EVERYTHING I can think of. She is not willing to listen to reason. Is there a special clip I can buy that makes it more difficult to undo. I have thought of adding duct tape, but that isn't really a solution.

: She is a tall kid, but still 3.

Going nuts,

Amy

 

[libranbutterfly]

I would take her to BRU and see if there are any chest clips she can't undo. Also at her age you should be able to explain why its important to be safe in the car. Since you said she is tall, she may be getting too big for the alpha omega. Where are the shoulder straps in relation to her shoulders? Also, unless it is the newest models, which go to 50 lbs harnessed, the top slot is not usable harnessed, it is just to raise the headrest for booster mode. You can not put a different brand chest clip on the alpha omega though.

 

[an_aurora]

She's probably too tall for it, or getting really close.

Can you show her seats online and have her pick out one she likes? The Nautilus has several girly prints that she might like.

 

[Labyrinth]

in the old model (40 lb) versions of the AOE you cannot use the top headrest position in harness mode- it's only for booster mode and not believed to be reinforced for a harness. Most kids outgrow it rather young- if you're using the top slots OR her shoulders are above the second from top position OR she is over the weight limit it is outgrown and needs replaced, preferably by another harness seat like the graco nautilus or safety 1st apex. If you need a new seat post your budget and we can give recommendations

.

One thing that works very well for chest clips is zipping, snapping, or buckling a thin shirt over the harness. So basically you would put the child in the seat with the shirt unfastened, secure the harness, and then fasten the shirt over the chest clip. This can create an "out of sight, out of mind" situation.

Another option is to call the company which makes the seat (in this case, Dorel Juvenile Products) and ask if it is OK to use the seat without the chest clip. Some manufactures have tested seats without the chest clip and allow it to be used this way.

Good luck!

 

[AAK]

Thanks, I will check her fit. I know that she isn't at the top spot (I didn't know it was a no good spot though! Thanks for telling me.) I have it set at the spot below that. I thought her shoulders were still good there, but she has been growing a lot lately. . . I will check today. I like the idea of the shirt closing around the harness. That is a new trick for me, I will have to try it. Our model is not new, but not too old either. I will check the manual for all the limits. I just remember it being good to 80 lbs (but that was booster mode) so I will take a look at my manual.

This behavior is new. And, I think she understands WHY I make her ride in it, but lately she is VERY stubborn about everything. This morning she didn't want to get dressed, it wasn't an option as we had to go somewhere, and she is so strong she pinned her arms across her chest and was able to make it physically impossible for me. I was losing my cool, so I finally put her in the carseat half dressed and finished up when we got where we needed to go. UGH! she is strongwilled!

Amy

 

[an_aurora]

It's only the 2009 models that have the 50 lb harness limit and the tall slots.

Zipping a sweater over the harness works great. I have also put DD in overalls and buckled those over the straps.

 

[ashleyhaugh]

ive also read the tip on here to put the rough side of stick on velcro on the clip in hopes that she wont like the way it feels and leave it alone

 

[AAK]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashleyhaugh ive also read the tip on here to put the rough side of stick on velcro on the clip in hopes that she wont like the way it feels and leave it alone

Good Idea! I will try that too. She is fairly skilled with fine motor. She can unzip, and unbutton so maybe if I do both the velcro and the buttons, it will at least take so much time that I will be home already (most our trips in the car are VERY short!)

Amy

 

[MacKinnon]

Would taking her to a seat check event or showing crash test videos help? My DD was very bright and challenging at 3, and as a CPS Instructor, she often saw me working on Power Points, watching videos, etc. We talked about what we were seeing, and how the dummy moved in the seat, and how THAT is why she had to stay harnessed properly, for the whole ride. We weren't trying to scare her, just to explain that you can't always know that you won't get into a crash, so we do our best to be safe for every ride, every time. In our case, my sister was 7 when she was seriously injured in a crash, so my kids are familiar with the story of Grandma and Aunt's car crash, and now that it's a possibility.

I've also had parents bring kids in to have a different authority figure explain to them why harnessing/remaining buckled up is important. I would definitly call ahead though, and find the right person who is kid friendly and can approach it correctly.

Although I don't bribe for anything else, I would be willing to bribe to stop this behavior! Something special at the end of a safe ride? In our house it would be a popsicle, hands down! Either that or a trip to McDonald's after a safe week

. Or something smaller and more immediate, like jelly beans for each direction, each stop sign, etc.