Arching in the car seat

ladylisalt

This might be the worst possible thing that my DS does when he's upset. I go to put in his carseat and he arches back so hard that I can't get him buckled in. I literally have to try to talk him into a state of calm(which takes forever) and usually have to hold and walk around with him for a few before trying again. Its so stressful and it makes me anxious to take him places lately as I never know how he will react. He did it to DH today when I was with them. Not that its a good thing but it did make me feel better that it wasnt just me. I am hoping this is a phase.

kgs0505

Mine does this sometimes too. it sucks. i usually manage to get him wrangled in, or i distract him with a snack or toy that already in the car. probably not the best choice, but i also have two infants to wrangle, so i do what's expedient sometimes.

ladylisalt

kgs0505 said:

Mine does this sometimes too. it sucks. i usually manage to get him wrangled in, or i distract him with a snack or toy that already in the car. probably not the best choice, but i also have two infants to wrangle, so i do what's expedient sometimes.

Wow! I cant imagine dealing with this with 2 infants to manage. I feel like I would have to push him down so hard to get him in and often wonder if someone is watching me. lol Of course I try not to make it so hard on him but it really does suck.

anakah

My son does this all the time when I'm buckling him into his seat.  My daycare director was helping me strap his twin in one day when he did this and she said to him, "look!  did you see the bird?  he might come back if you sit quietly." or something to that extent.  Surprisingly, it was enough of a distraction to get him to calm down and sit in his seat.  To keep it from getting too routine, I switch up the animals/item he missed seeing.  Good luck!

kgs0505

ladylisalt said:

kgs0505 said:

Mine does this sometimes too. it sucks. i usually manage to get him wrangled in, or i distract him with a snack or toy that already in the car. probably not the best choice, but i also have two infants to wrangle, so i do what's expedient sometimes.

Wow! I cant imagine dealing with this with 2 infants to manage. I feel like I would have to push him down so hard to get him in and often wonder if someone is watching me. lol Of course I try not to make it so hard on him but it really does suck.

I don't force him in unless it's safe. Obviously if I would hiurt him, it's a no-go. If he's really fighting me, distraction will get him to sit properly.  Usually he's throwing a fit because he wants to "drive" the car. And the girls are already locked into their seats and it's his turn

sschwege

Does he like to help?  What about asking him, "Do you want to buckle the top strap or do you want mama to?"

ladylisalt

kgs0505 said:

ladylisalt said:

kgs0505 said:

Mine does this sometimes too. it sucks. i usually manage to get him wrangled in, or i distract him with a snack or toy that already in the car. probably not the best choice, but i also have two infants to wrangle, so i do what's expedient sometimes.

Wow! I cant imagine dealing with this with 2 infants to manage. I feel like I would have to push him down so hard to get him in and often wonder if someone is watching me. lol Of course I try not to make it so hard on him but it really does suck.

I don't force him in unless it's safe. Obviously if I would hiurt him, it's a no-go. If he's really fighting me, distraction will get him to sit properly.  Usually he's throwing a fit because he wants to "drive" the car. And the girls are already locked into their seats and it's his turn

OMG your son wants to drive too? That's what my son is usually flipping out about. 

lotsofbustles

I just totally ignore it, loosen the straps and buckle dd in.  Then I tighten straps a bit at a time until she is in.  IMO trying to calm him down is a mistake.  He'll see it as a reward. ' If I freak out when mom tries to put me in the car seat she will hold me and I don't have to go in the seat.'  I say you just assume he is going to freak out in public sometimes and just do your thing.  No need to be anxious about it.  Kids throw tantrums every parent on the planet knows that.  

HTH

ladylisalt

lotsofbustles said:

I just totally ignore it, loosen the straps and buckle dd in.  Then I tighten straps a bit at a time until she is in.  IMO trying to calm him down is a mistake.  He'll see it as a reward. ' If I freak out when mom tries to put me in the car seat she will hold me and I don't have to go in the seat.'  I say you just assume he is going to freak out in public sometimes and just do your thing.  No need to be anxious about it.  Kids throw tantrums every parent on the planet knows that.  

HTH

I totally understand what your saying except what happens is as I go to get him in the seat and pull the first straps around he either arches or slides his body down fast and even though I am as quick as I can be its very difficult to push him in as he is forcing himself out.I feel like his arms get caught and he could get hurt. I know it sounds crazy but anyone who has experienced this will know what I mean. Its like you need octopus arms.