3 Year Old Getting Out of Car Seat.

My 3 year old does the same with her Graco Nautilus, I was furious and wrote to the company, telling them that they should make a better clasp that toddlers can't open. They blew me off and said that it meets federal standards. I explained to my daughter (in the least graphic way possible) about what could happen if we crash and she's not buckled in...it worked. I let her undo it when we get home.

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J., Funny story but true. I first tried reasoning with my toddler by explaining that not being seat belted in...by anyone... was illegal and if a policeman found out that mommy would be in trouble. That worked for a little while but then the problem of him unbuckling the car seat continued. Then one day I heard the seatbelt unbuckle and (when there was no traffic around) I put the car in Neutral, revved the engine and made a fuss about the car not working correctly and asked if he had unbuckled the seat belt again (knowing that he had) I pulled the car to the curb (still in Neutral) and then stopped and (calmly) implied that not having the seat belt on effected the mechanics of the car. Never had another problem.

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At 3 she's able to understand actions and consequences when they're described and then followed up promptly. So let her know that if she gets out of her seat, the car has to pull over and stop and it won't go as long as she's out of her seat. It's the law and the policeman would stop the car if he saw her and then Momma or Daddy would be in trouble, big trouble. So, when she gets out of her car seat, you'll need to follow-up and pull off the side of the road, where it's safe, and stop the care until she gets back in her seat. You can leave her at home with a sitter or with Dad while you and the baby go out to the store, etc. or maybe while you drive to the park for a fun time she'll be left at home because she can't mind you and stay in the seat.

It's very important that the consequence follow her getting out of her seat right away. Don't waffle or make excuses if you want to be successful. Also you didn't mention what prompts her to get out of her seat? Boredom? Wants a book or toy? Wants to sit by a window? You're stopped and she wants out first? You could find a way to keep books and a toy near her seat. If it's a window seat, move her seat to that window. Getting out to get out of the car first... sticker chart for every time she waits, so many successful trips, a treat.

Wish you lots of luck and patience!!!

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how about starting a sticker chart for keeping it on, after 10 stickers then she can have a treat/toy/show.

Hi J., I am not really sure what the name goes under but i have a nephew whos disabled mentally by a malpractice suit any ways he used to ride the bus to and from school years ago and they used a special harness that buckled behind it sliped over like wearing a jacket backwards but no sleeves just straps you slip it on the child and push the straps on the bottom through the seats and the other two on top go over the seat and secure locking together in the back of the seat. you can ask your neighborhood school district bus barn office if they have any if they do special education children, I really miss using one bit he grown now an will not fit any of them so we have all the car seat belts pulled out of place by him.may check with your state transportation its a suggestion good luck S. washington State city Vancouver,

You can always use the old back in the day favorite - I am pulling over this car until you sit in your seat with the straps on. I have to do it with my niece whenever I have her and it works. Or I tell her we are going home.
:-)
Other than that, I have no clue...I am not looking forward to that day with my daughter.

I had this same problem, and it was driving me absolutely crazy.
So I tried many things before finding somethign that worked. I got a black piece of Material (same straps carseat straps made out of) and Stiched it right where the chest clip was and after he was buckeled in I would put it around the clip so it covered the clip (velcro on back of clip) So then it was out of sight out of mind and he didnt try again.

Not know exactly how he is getting out, but make sure that the chest clip is high across the chest adn the harness straps are tight. Put him in the seat with a single layer of clothes (no bulky jacket) and then tighten the straps until you can only get a finger behind it.

If the problem is that he can push the button to release the harness even with it tight then I'd contact the manufacturer and see if they can replace the buckle, maybe it engages too easily.

Other than stressing the importance of keeping it on, maybe you can give him a reward for using the seat properly? (sickers for everyday he keeps it buckled, 1 week with stickers = small toy (matchbox car or something)

HTH

E.

a creative out of the box method is to go down to your local police station and ask one of the officers to talk w/your dtr. They LOVE to do this...a great positive interaction w/kids. they make it fun, hand out coloring books etc, all while telling the kids (in uniform) the importance of staying buckled up in the car.
I have a friend who is a local officer and asked him about this same issue. The above is the advice I received...just sharing that w/my son was enough to persuade him to stay buckled. He didn't want to break the law!! Now if I start moving before he's buckled (6 yo and dawdling, in the garage/driveway) he starts to panic and buckles quickly!!
good luck.

My daughter has just started doing this and I know how crazy it can make you! She has a Britax, and her model does not do this, but our infant seats were graco and I was able to twist the button buckle around so that the button is facing towards the kid. If yours will still engage it might make it harder for her to get it undone.
Otherwise, I concur with all other posts on pulling over until she is buckled back in etc.
Good luck!

I had a friend that had that problem!
Recently a mother was ticketed for pulling over several times to re-buckle her child in. Stupid ticket in my book since it's the law the child is buckled in.
I like the idea of going to the local Police Precinct. It might be a positive thing, to reinforce staying buckled.
My kids knew that if they didn't stay buckled then they didn't go anywhere. They didn't like staying home all the time.
Good luck!