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Car
Seat Crying
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.
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.
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)
You
are welcome to reprint this article on your website or in
your newsletter, provided that you reprint the entire
article, including the complete byline with author's name
and book title. Please also send a link or copy to
elizabeth@pantley.com. Thank you.
Website:
http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth
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