Attempting to use a shoulder belt on a small child can be unsafe. A belt that crosses the neck or face is dangerous. Using seatbelts makes good sense, but it s also required by law. Place lap belts across a child's thighs, not the abdomen. Booster seats can be helpful.
Retrofit kits are available for cars with only lap belts.
Since a child's safety and quality of life is invaluable, infant and child safety seats are worth any price to avoid permanent disability or death from a preventable injury. Treating a critical illness or life-threatening injury is costly in both financial and human terms. The best way to avoid the frustration, anxiety and pain associated with an injury, illness or even death is to avoid the accidents that cause them. With a little luck and continued safety awareness, accidents can be minimized.