Question Buckling Recaro Performance Sport in Booster Mode

[Unregistered]

My DD6, who is relatively tall, can't buckle (or really even unbuckle) himself in his Recaro PS in booster mode. He has outgrown it harnessed, so going back to that isn't an option. I thought moving to a booster would be easier, but making sure the seat belt is positioned correctly and buckling and unbuckling him is harder than the harness (which he could do himself and I would just check for twisting and tighten). Is this typical, or does anyone have any tips for training him on this and helping him be more self sufficient? I have 2 others in car seats so any advice to make loading and unloading easier would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[jess71903]

My DD6, who is relatively tall, can't buckle (or really even unbuckle) himself in his Recaro PS in booster mode. He has outgrown it harnessed, so going back to that isn't an option. I thought moving to a booster would be easier, but making sure the seat belt is positioned correctly and buckling and unbuckling him is harder than the harness (which he could do himself and I would just check for twisting and tighten). Is this typical, or does anyone have any tips for training him on this and helping him be more self sufficient? I have 2 others in car seats so any advice to make loading and unloading easier would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Hi! Welcome to car-seat.org.

We also have a Performance Sport. My DD (also 6) had a really hard time learning to buckle the PS in booster mode, but she was able to do it. Really, any booster requires some practice to learn to buckle for a new booster rider. I do think the PS is harder than most dedicated boosters, though. It's so wide at the bottom, and the belt routing is weird. I think the torso wings impede a kiddo leaning over to see the buckle, too. If you wan to stick with it, I think it's possible to learn. It'll just take some patience. If not, let us know what you drive, and your DD's stats and we can help you find a dedicated booster.

 

[ketchupqueen]

I agree that dedicated boosters are often easier, and that the skill takes time.

If you have floppy buckles you may find that propping it in place may help.

 

[AllieK]

I've heard of just leaving the seat belt buckled all the time and having the child climb into the seat, then positioning the belt.

 

[aeormsby]

I think it took my DS almost a year to get the hang of buckling his Performance Booster (different than yours, booster only). It is wide and just having to twist to the side and find the buckle was not easy for him.

I really don't know if anything else would be easier, I think DD needed help at first also. They had a much easier time in their Harmony NBB's (I think without the back/sides it was easier to reach and see the buckle). We just dealt with it and eventually they figured it out.

But I completely agree that there is nothing easier about boosters vs a 5-pt harness!