trouble getting ex husband to safely buckle

Hello, I need help convincing my ex husband that a backless booster seat is not a safe option at all for our 4yrs old who is just under 40 pounds. I keep sending her 5pt harness seat when he picks up, but he keeps trying his way. I believe it to be unfair for him to put our toddler at injury risk, just because he knows it bothers me. THis is her life here! and he isn't the safest of drivers. He drives a Grand Am, and sometimes a pickup truck ( with a backseat) but tries to put her in the front.

Thanks for any help and advise I can get here!I just want our baby safe.

If she's under 40 lbs it is illegal for her to use a backless booster in any state that requires "proper use" because there are no backless boosters rated below that weight.

How about a good high back booster with side impact protection features? If your 4 year old is mature enough to sit properly for a trip, that might be a good compromise.

THanks for all the advise.

I have a Compass B500 booster for her, and she is good about sitting still in it,it says from 30 pounds. I liked how safe it rated in research. I checked the shoulder and lap belt all seem to be falling in the right places. But my Ex isn't even willing to get her one of those for his car.

Also, although it is frustrating & difficult to accept, a properly boostered kiddo who fits the manufacturer's seat requirements is safer than an incorrectly harnessed child So, instead of worrying about whether or not dad installs the carseat you give him correctly & is tightening the straps correctly, too, I'd actually support his decision to use the booster correctly!

I would urge you to be as kind as possible in saying that you'd like to replace the booster with a highback version that has head support (Parkway is very easy & comfy & safe or dad might actually like the Recaro Young line of "racing" seats for kids?) ... also schedule an appointment with a CPST together with the idea being that car crashes are the leading cause of death & you're still parents together even if you don't live together

I would request to trade the highback so that you could use the backless booster at home to encourage kiddo to use it correctly -- by having him sit in it for progressively longer periods of time on the living room floor while he eats, watches shows/movies, plays board or card games with you, etc. allthewhile getting lots of positive attention for sitting still in it correctly

GOOD LUCK