Some babies fall asleep almost
before you're out of the driveway, but others won't
spend five happy minutes in their car seats.
Usually, this is because your baby is used to more
freedom of movement and more physical attention than
you can provide when she's belted into her seat.
Even if it's difficult to deal with, remember that you and your baby's
safety are most important. Parents sometimes take a
crying baby out of the car seat, which is extremely
dangerous and makes it even more difficult for the
baby to get used to riding in the car seat. Some
parents make poor driving decisions when their
babies are crying, which puts everyone in the car at
risk. Either pull over and calm your baby down, or
focus on your driving. Don't try to do both.
The good news is that a few new ideas and a little
time and maturity will help your baby become a happy
traveler. (I know, because three of my babies were
car-seat-haters!)
The trip to car seat happiness
Any one (or more) of the following strategies may
help solve your car seat dilemma. If the first one
you try fails, choose another one, then another;
eventually, you'll hit upon the right solution for
your baby.
Make sure that your baby is healthy.
If car seat crying is something new, and your baby
has been particularly fussy at home, too, your baby
may have an ear infection or other illness. A visit
to the doctor is in order.
Bring the car seat in the house and let your
baby sit and play in it.
Once it becomes more familiar in the house, she may
be happier to sit there in the car.
Keep a special box of car toys that you'll use
only in the car.
If these are interesting enough, they may hold her
attention.
Tape or hang toys for viewing.
You can do this on the back of the seat that your
baby is facing or string an array of lightweight
toys from the ceiling using heavy tape and yarn.
Place them just at arm's reach so that your baby can
bat at them from her seat.
Make a car mobile.
Link a long row of plastic baby chains from one side
of the backseat to the other. Clip new toys onto the
chain for each trip.
Hang a made-for-baby poster on the back of the
seat that faces your baby.
These are usually black, white, red and bold primary
colors; some even have pockets so you can change the
pictures. (Remember to do this, since changing the
scenery is very helpful.)
Experiment with different types of music in
the car.
Some babies enjoy lullabies or music tapes made
especially for young children; others surprise you
by calming down as soon as you play one of your
favorites. Some babies enjoy hearing Mom or Dad
sing, more than anything else! (For some reason, a
rousing chorus of "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer"
has always been a good choice for us, even out of
season!)
Try "white noise" in the car.
You can purchase CDs of soothing nature sounds or
you can make a recording of your vacuum cleaner!
Practice with short, pleasant trips when your
baby is in a good mood.
It helps if someone can sit near her and keep her
entertained. A few good experiences may help set a
new pattern.
Try a pacifier or teething toy.
When your baby has something to suck or chew on he
may be happier.
Hang a mirror.
That way your baby can see you (and you can see your
baby) while you are driving. Baby stores offer
specialty mirrors made especially for this purpose.
When in her seat, she may think that you're not
there, and just seeing your face will help her feel
better.
Put up a sunshade in the window.
This can be helpful if you suspect that sunshine in
your baby's face may be a problem.
Try to consolidate trips.
Trip-chaining is effective, especially if you avoid
being in the car for long periods of time, and you
don't have many ins-and-outs.
Make sure your baby hasn't outgrown her car
seat.
If her legs are confined, or her belts are too
tight, she my find her seat to be uncomfortable.
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