Quoc Hung from TP HCM, who frequently rents or borrows a car for trips to Dak Lak with his family, purchased a car seat at a good price from an acquaintance. However, in almost a year, he has only used the seat twice because his child, nearly 3 years old, refuses to sit in it, being accustomed to being held by his mother during car rides. In preparation for an upcoming trip to his hometown, Hung and his wife installed the car seat and tried to familiarize their child with it several times, but the boy remained uncooperative. "My child still refuses to sit," Hung stated. "If we force him, he cries, demands to get out, and no amount of coaxing works." Hung tried offering cookies, candy, and toys as rewards for cooperation, but after a few minutes, the child wanted to get out, feeling uncomfortable and confined. Hung mentioned that the child's crying, struggling, and screaming made it difficult for him to concentrate on driving.

Nhat Minh from Can Tho, owner of a Toyota Altis, also tried encouraging his nearly 2-year-old child with gifts to sit in the car seat, but it has not been effective in recent days. He even "threatened" not to take his child out if he didn't sit in the seat, but the child only cooperated initially before demanding to get out. "Perhaps we need more time to train him, as he's used to being free," Minh said. "Not introducing the car seat early enough was a mistake, as it's an essential safety device for children."

Children use specialized car seats. *Photo: Vy Lan*

This struggle to get children to sit in car seats, despite various persuasive methods, is a common situation for many parents in Vietnam. This is largely because young children often lack awareness, were not introduced to car seats early, or do not use them regularly. With new laws mandating car seats and appropriate safety devices, many parents are at a loss when their children refuse to cooperate.

According to the Road Traffic Safety Law, effective from 1/7, drivers transporting children under 10 years old and under 1,35 meters tall in a car must not allow them to sit in the same row as the driver, unless the vehicle has only one row of seats. Additionally, vehicle owners must use and instruct on the use of appropriate safety devices for children (excluding passenger transport vehicles) in accordance with QCVN 123:2024/BGTVT. During the period from 1/7 to 14/8, traffic police will not issue penalties for car seat violations. Starting from 15/8, drivers will be fined 800,000-1,000,000 VND for allowing children to sit in the same row as the driver (unless the vehicle has only one row of seats), according to Decree 238/2024. For the offense of not having an appropriate safety device, the penalty will be a written warning.

Tips for children to happily use their own car seats

Huynh Hai from TP HCM, a Kia Carnival owner, emphasized the need for parents to gradually familiarize their children with car seats, starting with short trips and extending to longer ones. Parents should be patient, offer praise and encouragement when their child sits in the seat, and gently explain the benefits before bedtime. He noted that his two sons also initially resisted but eventually became accustomed to using their car seats voluntarily.

Child psychologists, doctors, and preschool teachers advise parents to implement various strategies tailored to their child's personality and preferences. The goal is to establish a comfortable and consistent car seat habit over time. Initial non-cooperation when first using a car seat is considered normal. For very young children, aged one to two years and below, parents can introduce car seats early. This helps the child view the car seat as a normal part of every trip, fostering a natural habit. If introduced early, children tend to perceive sitting in their own car seat as a given whenever they get into a vehicle, similar to using a stroller or high chair at home. Some children also find comfort with a stuffed animal, a light blanket, or a favorite toy placed beside them.

Parents should create a sense of familiarity and safety for their child, rather than making car seat use a stressful experience. Additionally, parents need to select a car seat that is appropriate for the child's size, age, height, and weight. A seat that is too tight, too loose, or improperly adjusted can cause discomfort from the very first uses. Instead of constantly reminding or scolding a crying child, parents can engage in conversation, sing, or redirect the child's attention to other activities in the car. Consistency is crucial: if a child is allowed to be held one day after crying but uses the seat the next, it will be difficult to form a habit. For young children, car seat use should be maintained on all trips, whether a long journey or just a few minutes of urban travel.

For children aged 3 to 4 years and older, who have greater awareness, parents should take time to explain and educate rather than force them to use a car seat. For example, explain that adult seat belts are designed for adult bodies, while car seats or booster cushions help position the seat belt correctly across the child's shoulder and hips, providing better protection in a collision. Beyond explanations, parents can involve their child in the process of choosing a car seat or booster cushion, allowing them to select colors, patterns, or their preferred seating position. Children often cooperate more when they feel they have contributed to the decision, rather than perceiving it as a rule imposed by adults.

"Parents need to be patient, explore various methods, and work alongside their children to find the most suitable solution," stated Vy Lan, director of Vinaquick, a system specializing in distributing car seats.

Thanh Nhan