Need some honest opinions!

egb+jaf

Dd screams bloody murder the entire time she is in the car to the point she makes herself pass out. I was honestly questioning how long I would be able to rear face her because I am genuinely terrified I'll get stressed from the screaming and become distracted on the road. She has a big mirror, toys, the works back there. Her straps are at the perfect height, she's strapped in tight enough but not too tight. I'm at a loss

I've traded my car for a mid size suv and I think having more space has helped her because she isn't quite so hysterical but it's not much better. Dh and I were considering installing a DVD player in the car for road trips when we really can't afford to be distracted. I'm concerned however about the potential for any installed DVD player to become a projectile in the event of a crash..but a little more concerned for how much more likely a crash may be if we can't find a way to calm her down in the car.

Thoughts? Ideas? Opinions? I'll take anything!

lars1226

Is the car seat in the middle or on a side? I read that if a child does have motion sickness that putting the seat in the middle can help, they have an better view out the back window rather then the side windows. Otherwise, the only tip I have seen is talking/singing to your child or playing games if your child is older. If she has a lovey or special toy you could bring that in the car, maybe it would help. I sing Baby Beluga to my LO and it's calms him down in any situation, even the car. He also quiets down when I play some kids music CDs in the car.

It's so hard to listen to your LO cry in the car, DS screamed every day on my 45min drive home from work for the first 2 months after I went back. It's awful! Hang in there mama, hopefully someone on here knows a magic trick that will help!

Jbunny100

DS went through this around 5 months.  It can be so distracting and with you constantly reaching behind and giving your LO a toy it can be dangerous.  As in PP I would see if it is motion sickness.  Maybe the Pediatrician can give you something to help your DD out if that is the case.  A couple things we tried was playing calm music - like spa music, or playing toddler tunes.  For the toddler tunes we have CDs we've gotten from Kindermusik which he enjoys.  Have you changed her to a convertible carseat?  DS rode in a nice Britax one when we visited my brother.  He didn't complain at all when he was in it.  I think it was much more comfortable than his infant car seat.

I feel for you.  It seriously makes you feel crazy and helpless when they are hysterical like that.

MrsG071809

I was going to also ask if you've switched to a convertible...DD has done better since we switched. She is really hit or miss with the car, but when she doesn't like it, she DOESN'T LIKE IT and lets you know.  My latest tricks are singing Wheels on the Bus, and keeping a stash of entertaining items in my front seat to hand her over the course of the drive - mostly not toys.  Water bottles are a hit, a couple of her toys that make noise seem to distract her, oh and a mini lint roller is her favorite.

egb+jaf

((( she started hating the car when we switched to a convertible! At the time I think she liked being snugly and scrunched up still but he was gettin huge, she was already getting close to maxing out the height limit of the bucket seat at 5 months! Now she will try and get her hands under the chest clip and move it/hulk rip through it. She's in the middle where as she wasn't able to be in the middle with the last car so maybe that's it! I had never thought motion sickness but that doesn't sound too crazy actually.

flummadiddle85

egb+jaf said:

((( she started hating the car when we switched to a convertible! At the time I think she liked being snugly and scrunched up still but he was gettin huge, she was already getting close to maxing out the height limit of the bucket seat at 5 months! Now she will try and get her hands under the chest clip and move it/hulk rip through it. She's in the middle where as she wasn't able to be in the middle with the last car so maybe that's it! I had never thought motion sickness but that doesn't sound too crazy actually.

Roll up towels/receiving blankets next to her so she feels all snug and cozy again?

SarahRae85

This may be a completely useless comment depending on the layout of your car, but it might be worthwhile going to a place like Best Buy and getting one installed. It would be a little more $$$, but worth it to avoid the potential projectile issue.

PhieryBFly

I got this light up mirror and it helped a lot. It's also helped a couple other people I've recommended it to with the same problem. 

https://www.target.com/p/brica-baby-in-sight-magical-firefly-mirror/-/A-14558265#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=firefly+mirror

egb+jaf

Yeah i would def get the DVD player before turning her, I guess I just almost felt guilty siting her in front of the tv. But really I'll try anything at this point!

sgoodsel

Or try a different convertible car seat? It would suck to have to buy another one but might be worth it if it makes her happy. 

egb+jaf

sgoodsel said:

Or try a different convertible car seat? It would suck to have to buy another one but might be worth it if it makes her happy. 

LOL! This is a very valid point but this diono radian cost too pretty of a penny! How cruel would it be if this was the solution.

mrsapril2010

3 years. Their necks aren't strong enough for a crash

egb+jaf

mrsapril2010 said:

3 years. Their necks aren't strong enough for a crash

I didn't ask how long to rf her, dont worry though never said I was about to turn her, thanks anyways. I was just concerned how long I would be able to rf considering with the car seat I have she should be able to rf until four