Re: 2 and 3 year olds on bus
Do you know if the buses have integrated child restraints? I believe there are models which accommodate a child up to 85lbs. This could be a solution if they are available.
That said, a vest could also be a good solution – particularly if convenience is an important factor.
...I see harnesses and vests that can be used on buses but they don't look very convenient. Anyone here who can recommend something that would be quick and easy for anyone to install on a daily basis?
First, while I have no experience of school bus transport, we use both the E-Z-On 103Z and 102 Vests in our family car. We find them very convenient to install and use; certainly no less convenient than a standard child seat.
Second, if the child is using a vest you can ensure it is correctly adjusted and fitted before the child boards the bus. To check the correct usage of a child seat you would likely need to board the bus each time (of course this is only possible for the journey
to school).
I don't know if the company could give us the same bus every day, and it might be used for other routes, so I'm guessing we couldn't leave seats on the bus.
Third (and this depends on the bus provider/school policy), you could keep the vest at home – you know it is adjusted correctly, that it has not been damaged or compromised due to misuse, and that there are no unexpected sanitary concerns.
Most importantly, whatever restraint is used, if it will be fitted by someone other than yourself, you will need to be sure it will be used correctly. From reading some of the threads on the forum, the correct usage of child restraints on buses – or lack thereof – can occasionally become an issue. Just be sure that any staff responsible for installing restraints and securing students are fully trained and are correctly using any seats, harnesses or vests.