The best way to keep your children safe is to use an approved, correctly fitted child restraint. These suggestions will help make seatbelt wearing a positive experience.
Children should use a recommended child restraint for as long as possible, and then use a full size booster seat with full back and sides.
Have your child restraint correctly fitted and checked at a restraint fitting station near you.
Talk together about the need for all passengers to buckle up before leaving.
Agree on simple rules for all children and all adults in the car, for example:
- children should sit in the back passenger seats
- if anyone's seatbelt is unbuckled the car stops
- the seatbelt stays on until an adult unbuckles the belt.
Check the child's restraint is correctly done up, i.e.:
- the straps are straight, not twisted and are clear of the child's
face
- the fit is snug, not loose.
Ensure that children are not seated in a restraint in the front passenger seat if an airbag is fitted and designed to deploy in this position.
Enjoying car travel:
Give lots of positive comments and encouragement about wearing seatbelts. If you choose to offer rewards, sultanas make a useful snack. Encourage your child to buckle up a teddy or doll in the spare seat.
Keep children occupied to help prevent unbuckling and restlessness due to boredom. Try singing, or playing simple games, for example 'I-Spy' using colours. Talk about your journey and where you are going.
Buy or make song and story audio tapes, felt board stories and small books, including photo albums that show your child and family buckled up. Make books, toys and games attachable and easier for young children to reach and hold by using Velcro spots, suction caps with small hooks or key rings with retractable cords.
Give children a 'lucky-dip' bag - fill a cloth bag with books, crayons, notepad, small toys etc.
If possible, plan long car trips to fit with your child's sleep patterns.
Copyright 2005 Macquarie University