School bus question update + new question

tl01

New member
I posted last week about a friend whose just turned 3 year old will be taking the school. I believe she weighs about 30 lbs. I was posting to find out what she should make sure her daughter has harness/seat-wise to keep her daughter safe. I sent her all the great info I got here and am dismayed to hear her daughter is now riding on the bus in just a lap belt. I just want to make sure one last time that this is not an acceptable form of restraint for her. I would like to put together one last e mail b/c I would a least like to make sure her mother truly understands the risks of a lap belt. Thanks!
 
ADS

Pixels

New member
School busses work on compartmentalization. Basically, the high seatback in front is supposed to help keep the occupant contained and protected. Compartmentalization only works from about 40-50 pounds and up. And a lap-only belt is worse than no belt at all in busses.
 

tl01

New member
But I assume that for at 30 lb child that compartmentalization is almost as bad as a lap belt.
 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob
Staff member
If it has a lap belt and she is less than 40 lbs., she should fit in a standard car seat, which can be installed with a lap belt on a bus (as long as a tight fit can be obtained.)
 

Pixels

New member
I don't know which would be the lesser of two evils, the compartmentalization at that weight, coupled with the child likely being out of position due to immaturity (age), or a lap only belt. Really, the lap belt needs to be used to secure a harnessed seat, just like in a car.
 

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