3.5 year old autistic unlatching chest clip

llamatron

New member
I have a 3.5-year-old 35-pounder who is in a Britax Roundabout that is unlatching the chest clip. I cannot find any product that will combat this: only seat belt covers. I believe he'll eventually figure out the button that brings together the three belts at the crotch too.

Have any of you had this issue? All I read about is issues with the seat belt itself, not the 5-point harness system.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Victoria
 
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carseatcoach

Carseat Crankypants
First, does he still fit in the Roundabout with his shoulders UNDER the top strap slots?

Try putting him in a button-down shirt over his regular clothes. Leave the shirt unbuttoned. Open it up and spread it to the sides, buckle the harness, and then button the shirt over his harness.
 

lorismurph

Senior Community Member
One other thing to try that works a lot, especially if there are sensory issues. Put a piece of velcro on the button(s) he's pushing. Use the sticky-backed, pokey side of the velcro. Most kids don't like the feeling and will stop trying.
The shirt or jacket trick works well (as long as he cannot unbotton or unzip). If he can unzip/unbutton, you can use a zippered jacket and put a safety pin under the zipper so it cannot be undone.
 

llamatron

New member
1st of all, he does still fit into the roundabout under the shoulder strap. 2nd, he can't unbutton a shirt yet, so maybe that would work best for him.
 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob
Staff member
If he figures out the shirt and this becomes a long-term issue, or later when he no longer fits in a standard car seat, if he doesn't grow out of the behavior, you may want to look into a back-fastening floor-mounted EZ-On Vest.
 

flipper68

Senior Community Member
What about distraction: fidgits, books, music, dvd's?


Many parents have found success with special toys that are ONLY for the car.

I'd also continue working with him on "No, don't touch." Depending on his intellect and communication skills, you could use pictures/symbols & social stories to reinforce safe riding. You could also reward him with small treats (stickers, crackers, or other tiny snack) for riding in his seat w/o unbuckling.

All of these would be safest/easiest if there is a backseat passenger to help keep him engaged with toys and/or provide the reward at regular intervals.
 

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