Crossing legs safe or no?

triscuitsmom · Dec 25, 2009

I've been wondering about this. I know rearfacing it's fine and Im assuming forward facing in a five point is too. But what about crossing legs in a booster or in just the regular seatbelt. Is it safe? What are the risks if it's not safe? Does the age or size of the passenger matter? I should clarify that I obviously mean legs crossed with the belt still on the pelvis as I understand the very real risks to the seatbelt riding up on the abdomin.

TIA!

Wiggles · Dec 25, 2009

*blinks* I never even thought about this! I sit in the car with my legs crossed all the time (low tone and for some reason, sitting up is easier with my legs crossed, don't understand the biomechanics behind it). I keep my lapbelt as low as I can and my shoulderbelt stays as in place as it ever does. Now I'll be waiting on tenterhooks to see if I need to stop sitting crosslegged in the car!

Calleiah · Dec 25, 2009

I would think that as long as sitting that way doesnt put your body out of place for proper fit of the seat belt that it's ok. If you cross your legs and slouch then the belt wont fit well (may cause it to ride up on the tummy, or shoulder belt to be on the neck. But if you are crossing you legs without displacement of the belt, I see no reason why that wouldnt be ok. There may be more experienced/knowledgeable techs who know something I dont though!

jess71903 · Dec 26, 2009

Wiggles said:
*blinks* I never even thought about this! I sit in the car with my legs crossed all the time (low tone and for some reason, sitting up is easier with my legs crossed, don't understand the biomechanics behind it). I keep my lapbelt as low as I can and my shoulderbelt stays as in place as it ever does. Now I'll be waiting on tenterhooks to see if I need to stop sitting crosslegged in the car!

It's easier because it makes your base of support bigger. I'm the same way. As long as the seatbelt stays where it should, I think it's fine.

triscuitsmom · Dec 27, 2009

OK so the general consensus is that it's fine as long as belt fit is good? That is very good to know because it suddenly occurred to me as we were driving home from Toronto on Christmas Day and I caught myself doing it that I didn't know if it was OK or not.

I do it especially if I am going to fall asleep in the car. I stay in place if my legs are crossed, if they are down I find myself leaning if I sleep which displaces the shoulder portion of the belt.

Crossing legs safe or no?

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