Buckle Boss for Airplane?

[fitzpa]

We use something called a Buckle Boss for my DS with ASD so he can't undo his seatbelt in the car. Does anyone know of one that would fit over the airplane seatbelt buckle? He is an escape artist and doesn't understand that he can't get out of is seat whenever he wants on the plane.

 

[Singledad]

not sure the answer to your question, but I would be concerned that even if it does fit, that the airline wouldn't allow it to be used for 'safety' reasons.

 

[Minniemouse07]

I would assume, since any child restraint (car seat or CARES harness) needs to be FAA approved, that unless the Buckle Buddy is specifically approved by them, that you cannot use it.

 

[peemagg]

Have you tried using a Cares harness for him for the plane? They are able to be rented and are approved by the airlines. They are a sort of vest that hooks to the back of the seat.

 

[Minniemouse07]

Have you tried using a Cares harness for him for the plane? They are able to be rented and are approved by the airlines. They are a sort of vest that hooks to the back of the seat.

Keep in mind that the CARES harness can only be used with children up to 44lbs.

 

[fitzpa]

He's more than 44 lbs. Looks like it will be a long flight.

 

[SueM in MN]

Besides what was already posted, I’m sure the Buckle Boss won’t work on airplane seatbelts because they are very different size, shape and mechanism than car seatbelts.

 

[bookwormde]

If is it just that he "fiddles" with it then a simple piece of duct tape that in an emergency would easily be torn away would work (and should be allowed). If it is that he uses full force and is insistent on unbuckling and getting up then that is much harder. If you have companions on both sides you may be able to get a seatbelt extender and pull the primary buckle to one side near where it comes out of the seat and balance the other close to the seat on the other side and "jamb" pillows over them, that way he would not have easy access the latching mechanism(s) but can be unlatched in an emergency.

bookwormde

 

[fitzpa]

If they allow the duct tape that would work! Thanks

 

[brat]

I have a velco cover that we use.It is a wide velcro sewn to fabric that wraps around the buckle and has some jingle bells sewn to it.The bells help you notice if he is fidgeting with it.We have used a chair band before but some of the airlines have said no to the chair band.A chair band looks like two cotton tube tops sewn to each other one goes on the airline seat and the other goes around kids chest(it is not tight enough to hold just to remind).The other issue with the band is you have to preboard so you can lower the laptray on back of his seat before you put it on the seat, then put it back in place once it is on before the person behind you boards.

 

[Bete]

you should just give him more attention on the flight . Have games ready that can be done on a plane with him. Bring his favorite book. Bring his favorite snacks and candy. Make it so much fun for him to stay put that he won't want to leave his seat.

Find a way to hold on to him like with him wearing a belt and you grabbing it at all times. You can always have it a little lose; so, you can have your hand around it.

There may be a child's version of some kind of anti anxiety medicine or a tranquilizer for the flight.

Make sure you go to the restroom with him just before the flight; so, hopefully, you won't have to get up and go on the airplane. Wear a diaper on him, too. Avoid any drinks at least an hour before the flight. Try to avoid drinking on the plane, too. This may mean you can't have a drink, either (show by example).

I would get him very tired before the flight. Walk around the airport a lot before your flight. You may get lucky and he will sleep on the flight. It may be good to tire him out the night before, too.

 

[buffettgirl]

perhaps I'm missing something and forgive me if I am, but why on earth would anyone stick a diaper on an older child? How utterly humiliating for a child who is already toilet trained. I don't think the OP said anything about that. So in your logic, "show by example", the OP should put a diaper on herself too?

 

[buffettgirl]

Keep in mind that the CARES harness can only be used with children up to 44lbs.

I just found this
http://www.kidsflysafe.com/assets/files/news_items/CARES_OlderApproval-29.pdf
you can partition the FAA to allow an older child to use it.

 

[Bete]

perhaps I'm missing something and forgive me if I am, but why on earth would anyone stick a diaper on an older child? How utterly humiliating for a child who is already toilet trained. I don't think the OP said anything about that. So in your logic, "show by example", the OP should put a diaper on herself too?

I'm just throwing some thoughts out there that may or may not be good for the OP. I'm looking at it as the worse of two evils. If the number one goal and high priority is to keep the child contained in the seat this may be necessary. All kids catch on fast and it may get to the point where the child is wanting to go to the restroom every 10 minutes of the flight; because, he wants out of his seat. We don't know the exact particulars; so, I suggested this as a fail safe. If the OP doesn't want to do it, it's their choice. I'm trying to cover multiple choices; that's all. I'm not trying to have any setbacks to the child, either. I just think sometimes we need to cover all the angles. Maybe, a pad would be better. We really don't know the details of the son in this regard. I'm somewhat playing devil's advocate and I don't mean any harm.

The OP is not trying to get out of her seat and she has specifically said this is a problem for her child; so, I just think looking at it from all sides this might help. No one has to do what they don't feel is necessary. I'm honestly just trying to help, here. Sorry, if you took offense.

 

[crashbb]

Bookwormde had a good suggestion with the duct tape. I was going to suggest a thick elastic band or twisting the sea tbelt strap so that clip faces in, rather than out. Both would make it more difficult for your soon to undo the seat belt.

Also, don't put in the aisle seat - that way, if he does get the seat belt undone, at least he cannot get anywhere.

 

[buffettgirl]

do you need to actually have something that will stop him or something that will just not make it obvious that a buckle is there? I was thinking, what about cutting the bottom off a long sock and then slipping the buckle through the sock and then you'd be able to cover up the buckle but still EASILY be able to get to it in an emergency?

 

[fitzpa]

do you need to actually have something that will stop him or something that will just not make it obvious that a buckle is there? I was thinking, what about cutting the bottom off a long sock and then slipping the buckle through the sock and then you'd be able to cover up the buckle but still EASILY be able to get to it in an emergency?

I like the sock idea too. Hoping that if it isn't as noticible, he won't keep lifting the buckle. We distract him in every way possible. 3 hours is a loooong time with ASD, even with meds. Praying that there aren't any eye rollers on the flight.