Bus question

LuckyFins3Lil'Fish

LuckyFins3Lil'Fish

New member
I need advice & tips here.

When DS started preschool in Jan the district we were in had a harness for him. Our new district does not. I was told they had lap belts. They never use it. The only time the belt gets put on him is on his way to school if I'm the one dropping him off for the bus ask them to do it & stand & watch. I called the transportation company today & asked about the harness/seatbelts & was told "if he sits fine he doesn't need either". I told her I'd prefer he be in a harness & she said I have to call the preschool & tell them & they submit the request (lame).

Basically my question is, am I being to uptight? Is he fine w/ nothing, fine w/ just the seatbelt or do I need to request the harness? He's 3.5 & 42lbs. His drivers tell me he behaves on the bus for them (meaning he stays seated).

I just worry because it's a LONG ride, 5 miles through busy city streets, 15-20 min.
 
Last edited: 
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ketchupqueen

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob
Staff member
A lap belt is actually less safe than no belt. If he needs restraint, he should be in a harnessed car seat installed with the lap belt.

IIRC, we were taught that compartmentalization working really has more to do with height than age or weight (well, height and ability to sit correctly.) He sounds pretty big for his age, is he tall too? If he's the height of, say, the average 5-6 year old, and sits perfectly, I probably wouldn't worry too much. Of course, sitting perfectly is hard for a 3 1/2 year old. But, it's a short ride, so not out of the realm of possibility.

Also remember that the school bus is, statistically, MUCH less likely to get in an accident than a car.

If you're worried, though, you should request the harness, for sure, or provide a harnessed seat that can be used for him (though that comes with its own slew of problems if it is ever uninstalled, etc.)
 

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