How do you get your 2 year old to stop resisting and get into the car seat?

laruasue

Had this problem with my older child, and now I'm having trouble again with my 2 year old. I physically can't get him buckled in. He's crying, screaming, kicking, arching, turning. I just can't figure out what I can do to get him to cooperate. He behaves fairly well otherwise.
Any tips, pointers or suggestions?

shannyn0

snacks.  

i keep snacks she likes in the car to help me on days she doesn't want to sit in the car seat.  it works most of the time.

wilabeth

It's a phase and it's torture! We started letting DS climb into the seat on his own and making a HUGE deal out of it. "Wow! Look at Parker! You're so big climbing into your seat by yourself!" It works like a charm for us.

lorist202

This just happened to me for the first time today!  It was definitely frustrating.  What worked for me, was to tell him that I'm just going to wait until he's ready.  I locked him inside the car, turned my back, and casually leaned against the door.  It was only a matter of seconds before his mood changed.  I hope this works every time.

Of course, I realize it's not so easy when you have two LOs.... 

yankeefans

DS had this problem for 4 months. I hated fighting g with him every single car trip. I tried snacks and toys but it didn't always work. What worked for us was to put him into the drivers seat with the car off for a few minutes each and every car trip. It got him acclimated to being in the car and he was more willing to sit in his car seat. He loved pushing buttons.
Unfortunately each trip took 5-10 minutes but he wasnt kicking and screaming for 5 minutes while I forced him into his seat. But he did eventually grow out of the phase.
Good luck!!!!

BloomingMomma

Have you tried to Let the toddler climb into the car into seat? It takes longer, but she does better. Crawls through and I keep doors shut so she doesn't fall out, then I walk around and she settles.

Becid24

I just tell my kids then we can't leave! If you won't get in your seat so I can buckle you we will sit outside til your ready. But I make them get out of the vehicle. It's not play time, car seat safety is very importnt. I'm out with them so they are safe but really just the thought of getting out is enough for my kids to stop fighting & settle in.