How do I get my son to stay in his car seat?  He is almost 4 and will
scream and cry in the seat while I am driving and will escape.  What
can I do?

As you may know, carseats are mainly designed to restrain a child in a
crash.  The seats aren't really designed to be escape-proof.  From
your question I'm not fully certain if you were looking for more of a
equipment solution or a behavior solution -- this answer mainly deals
with behavior solutions.

For example, here's a discipline solution posted on a parenting
message board:

"...Explain to him that climbing out of his carseat is not allowed,
then check on him in the mirror as you drive. If he begins to try to
move the clip, immediately pull the car over and stop, telling him you
can't drive if he isn't safe. You may have to plan a little for a
time, leaving earlier than necessary for appointments to allow extra
time for these stops. Practice with short trips to somewhere he likes-
the park, for instance. Praise him when you arrive, and point out how
much time he has to play now that you didn't have to stop and wait for
him to be safe. If the problem continues, you may have to tell him he
can't come on certain trips when possible..."

The above is from:
"Houdini's in the car can be very difficult..."
http://boards2.parentsplace.com/messages/get/ppcarseats154/43/3.html

The following article recommends the pull-over technique and also
encourages parents to:

- "Communicate the car seat rules with children on a regular basis"
- "If they get out of the seat, don't get angry! Act bored." 
- "Keep children entertained while driving."

"Children And Car Seat Safety Getting Buckled Up And Staying That Way"
http://www.womanmotorist.com/sfty/tm-children-and-car-seat-safety-2k1-01.shtml

Another site suggests bringing the seat indoors and letting the child
play with the seat.  "This dramatic play begins the process of
identification with the best way to behave."
from "Which car seat is escape-proof?":
http://www.elyriahealth.com/child_safety.htm

Equipment-wise:

- if you're getting a new seat, see if you can get one with a buckle
that's hard (for the child) to reach.
- constantly check/adjust the harness system for a snug fit
- use the shoulder strap retainer clip over the child's chest
These suggestions are from "Car Seat Safety":
http://www.babyneeds.com/safety/carseat.html

Another interesting read is:
"How to Keep A Child from Escaping the Seat"
http://babyparenting.about.com/library/howto/htcarseat.htm

I hope this information is helpful.  If you would like for me to
clarify any of it, please let me know.  Additionally, if you were
looking for a more equipment-oriented solution, please indicate the
current make and model car seat you are currently using so that some
additional research can be done.


leep-ga

search strategy;
"car seat" "4-year old" escape
"car seat" escape

My daughter had several months of freedom from the carseat when she
was legally allowed to be out at 4 years and 40 pounds, but then
California mandated last January that the new requirements were 6
years and 60 pounds. She wasn't too happy about getting in her old
'baby' carseat, so we bought a bigger, roomier one. I then told her
that when Buzz Lightyear (her hero) is traveling through space, he
needs to ride in a similar seat so he can see out the window and use
the controls.

Find out what it is about the seat that your child doesn't like.
Often, the old seats they had to be in until 4/40 are much too small
when used until 6/60. The lumbar support might be too low, the neck
support is out of alignment, etc.

It would help if you liken the car seat to a race car seat or rocket
seat or some such cool vehicle.

Ironically, I find that kids who grew out of carseats at 6, are eager
to test drive them at 7 or 8 because of the novelty.

Good luck.