How to Get an Uncooperative Child in a Car Seat

There is nothing more frustrating than trying to get an uncooperative child buckled into their car seat. But, for their safety it's something that has to be done.

Instructions

1. Be consistent. Always require your child to be restrained in the appropriate child safety seat. Kids do best with predictability and knowing what to expect. When they always must ride in a safety seat, they are less likely to be uncooperative about getting into one.

2. Stay calm. Keeping your emotions and frustrations in check is the key to getting your child to cooperate. Speak in a calm and firm voice as you instruct your child to enter his car seat.

3. Give your child the choice of getting into the seat on his own or with your help. Putting the child in a position where he feels that he has control can often defuse a frustrating situation and foster cooperation. Allowing the child to choose how he enters into his car seat makes him focus his attention on the choice at hand.

4. Present a consequence. Calmly let your child know that if he doesn't get into his seat by the count of 3 you are going to take away a privilege or put him in a time out. Be sure to follow through.

5. If all else fails, physically place the child in the car seat. There is no reason for a child not to be properly restrained in the car. If you are using a 5 point restraint, buckle the chest clip first to help secure your child in the seat.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid negotiating with your child about getting into their car seat. Since riding in a car seat is not optional, you don't want to give the impression that it is.

• Be sure your child is riding in the appropriate safety seat.

Resources

• AAP Car Seat Guide