their independence (which they are trying so hard to establish) and their mobility (which is so new and exciting).
Still, toddlers who ride in vehicles (or strollers, feeding chairs, and grocery carts, for that matter) without being restrained can get hurt--or worse. Child safety seat use is required by law in all 50 states; it can make the difference between life and death in even a minor crash. So no if's, and's, or but's--even if you're just going around the comer, make sure you buckle up your child.
Clearly, in this battle of wills, you must come out the winner. But try to make it as easy as possible for your little one with these strategies:
Explain why. It's always a little easier to obey a rule if you know why the rule is necessary. As soon as a toddler is able to comprehend, explain that child safety seats and seat belts help keep everyone in the car safe and "boo-boo"-free.
Make your child comfortable. If the straps are too tight over a snowsuit, if the plastic is sticky or the metal buckle hot against bare skin on a summer's day, if the padding is inadequate or the seat is too cramped, discomfort may intensify protests. Correcting these problems may help change your child's tune.
Approach the issue indirectly. Instead of beginning each trip with, "Now we have to buckle you into your safety seat," which is likely to elicit an immediate protest, distract your toddler with casual chatter ("Look at the snow-see how pretty it is," "Let's go see Grandma and Grandpa this afternoon," "We're going to have such a yummy lunch when we get home"). Or challenge your child with questions ("What does the doggy say? The cow? Where's Mommy's nose?") as you quickly carry out the dastardly deed. Try a silly made-up song or rhyme that your toddler can begin to associate with being strapped in ("Let's buckle our belly and eat all our jelly!"). Or have a favorite toy or two ready to distract your child and occupy
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both head and hands. Whether these ploys actually make a child forget what's happening or simply allow you a graceful way out of having to make a fuss-it doesn't matter, as long as they work.
Buckle up together. The buckle-up rule should apply to everyone in your car, including the driver, in the interest not only of fairness but of safety (if the driver is unbuckled, everyone in the car is at greater risk).
Let your child buckle up a "baby:" If there are enough seat belts to go around, let your toddler buckle in a teddy bear, a doll, or a favorite toy before getting into the car seat. Explain that safety belts will keep toys from falling out or getting hurt; that's why people need to buckle up, too.
Put your child in charge. When old enough to understand the idea, appoint your child the safety-belt monitor, responsible for reminding everyone in the car to "buckle up." Once in a while, "forget" to buckle yourself in so the monitor can have the thrill of scolding you (but don't start driving until you're belted).
Allow no exceptions. This is so important, it bears repeating. Even one "Okay, no belt today" could be a fatal mistake. A simple trip down the street could be deadly for a small child who isn't safely buckled into a child safety seat. And surrendering once could undermine your authority on the issue, raising the hope in your child's mind that you can be persuaded to surrender again, and again. As every experienced parent knows, this is a tactical error.
RIDING WITH A LOW BIRTHWEIGHT BABY
It's not only unsafe, it's illegal for any baby (premature or full term) to ride in a parent's arms instead of in a child safety seat. But many parents of low birth weight babies worry about putting
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