Abstract: Problems encountered in adapting child restraint devices of the kind used to retain a child in the seat of a shopping cart, "stroller", dining chair, or like device, for use in different circumstances and with children of different sizes, are overcome by a restraining device which comprises a pair of straps, each having a releasable fastener at each end portion. The cooperating parts of the fastener are spaced apart lengthways so that when they are fastened the end portion will form a loop. In use, the straps are placed over a child's shoulders and crossed over each other both front and rear. The ends of the straps are attached to a belt secured around the child by looping the end portions around the belt and fastening the releasable fasteners. The restraining device conveniently restrains the child in the seat, the shoulder straps preventing it from wriggling upwards out of the waist belt. Because the straps are releasably attached to the belt, they can be used independently.