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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.
Hearing your baby cry while you are trying to drive is
challenging. Even though 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. (Don’t use hard toys that could hurt your baby if they come loose in a
quick stop.)
Make a car mobile.
Link a long row of plastic baby chains from one side of the
backseat to the other. Clip soft, lightweight 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. Just make
sure it doesn’t present a choking hazard, and keep to small, soft oys.
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. Use the window-stick-on types, and avoid any with hard
pieces that could become dislodged in a quick stop.
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.
Try
opening a window.
Fresh air and a nice breeze can be soothing.
If
all else fails . . .
take
the bus!
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