By Elizabeth Pantley, Author of Gentle Baby Care
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 soft, safe car
toys that you’ll use only in the car. If these are interesting enough, they may hold her attention. (Avoid hard
toys because they could cause injury in a quick stop.)
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. Make sure they are secure and keep on eye on these so that they
don’t become loose while you are driving.
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!
This article is an excerpt from Gentle Baby Care by
Elizabeth Pantley. (McGraw-Hill, 2003)