How to Stop a Child from Unbuckling the Seat Belt

Because car accident injuries are a leading cause of death in children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there's no question your child should wear a seat belt each and every time she gets in the car. That's easier said than done in many cases, especially once your child has discovered she can unbuckle her own belt. If this is a common scenario in your vehicle, take action now to keep your child as safe as possible while you're driving.

Things You'll Need

  • Books
  • Coloring books
  • Crayons
  • Small toys
  • Seat belt button cover
  • Plastic cup

Instructions

    • 1

      Teach your child the importance of wearing a seat belt. Many children unbuckle because they are proud they can do it themselves, and many other children don't understand the purpose of a seat belt to begin with. Tell your child a seat belt is essential because it helps keep her safe in the event of an accident. Remind her that, without her seat belt properly latched, she's more likely to get hurt.

    • 2

      Take your child to the police station and let the police officers teach him about the importance of wearing a seat belt. Many children respond to police officers more seriously than they do to their parents.

    • 3

      Pull the car over every single time your child takes her seat belt off. Make sure you pull over in a safe area. Tell your child you won't continue on your way until she has her seat belt on properly. Remind her she'll have certain consequences for the wasted time, such as being late for school or missing the beginning of a friend's birthday party. Be consistent and don't keep asking. Just settle in for the wait and, eventually, your child will buckle up.

    • 4

      Give your child something else to do. If he tends to unbuckle his seat belt because he's bored, keep a stash of entertaining activities in the car. Perhaps your child would be distracted with a few books, a coloring book and a box of crayons or a special toy he's only allowed to play with in the car.

    • 5

      Flip the seat belt buckle around. This works particularly well for small children. When you buckle your child's seat belt, turn the part with the button around backward so your child isn't able to push on the button.

    • 6

      Install a seat belt cover. These are placed over the button part of the seat belt so your child isn't able to see or push on the release button. A plastic cup with a slit up the side that's taped around the release part of the seat belt is another option, according to the Car Seat Lady website.

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