A system for detecting an empty vehicle seat includes an emitter mounted in the vehicle seat and a sensor for detecting changes in radiation produced by the emitter, wherein the changes in radiation may indicate whether an object is in the vehicle seat. A heater may be mounted in the vehicle seat. A sensor, positioned above the vehicle seat, may detect changes in the surface temperature of the vehicle seat. The changes in surface temperature may indicate whether an object is in the vehicle seat. A light source may be mounted in the vehicle seat. A sensor, positioned above the vehicle seat, detects changes in the light produced by the light source. The changes in the produced light indicate whether an object is in the vehicle seat.