First solo drive w/LO

Crinita · November 2013

Now that DH has returned to work, I am going to have to bite the bullet and take LO out in the car with just me driving... but I am pretty apprehensive about it because (1) the nearest store is a 15 minute drive one way and (2) it is a flip of the coin whether she sleeps or cries in the car even when I feed her right before we go. Any tips or encouragement from those who have already been out?

HFrizzle · November 2013

You'll both be fine. Most babies like the car....most...and you will enjoy getting out of the house & getting some fresh air.

[Deleted User] · November 2013

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BlessUrHeart29 · November 2013

I think you've just got to go for it. I took LO to an appt with the LC at the hospital, and I think that was the first time I had even driven since having him, haha! It was a little nerve wracking, but it was fine. If she's fussing really bad you could always pull off at a gas station or parking lot to see what's up.

hartsl01 · November 2013

DS always falls asleep in the car and even if he's awake, he doesn't fuss... so I don't have any advice there. But eventually, you're going to have to go somewhere. I think you should just go for it. I did put a mirror in the back window so I can look in my rear view mirror and see him, maybe something like that would help if LO starts to fuss?

Welshgirl12 · November 2013

I think you need to prepare yourself that if she does cry just take a deep breath and find somewhere safe to pull off and short her out,get in a flap. Ultimately she is safe strapped in there... she may be a little uncomfortable or sad but she will be ok, even if it is 15 mins drive. You will both be fine!!

I had a conversation with my husband before the first time I drove again, where I asked him which pedal was which. I was over thinking it and sure enough the first time I drive I was half way to my destination before I thought about the pedals!

Lesley0228 · November 2013

My LO cries everytime I put him in the carseat. 90% of the time he stops once the car stars moving and he usually falls asleep. If he does cry, I know it's just because he doesn't like the carseat and we'll be there soon. If you really have to, you just pull over. At this age, babies can sleep through about anything, so I try to make sure DS is fed, clean and ready for a nap and that's when I run my errands. It gets harder when they get older and can't sleep as easily.

chelseyestelle · November 2013

I drove to my parents house an hour away this weekend by myself and he slept the entire way. He really likes the car. I say go for it.

blondolphn · November 2013

Pretty much all of this. I took my lo for a car ride last week because she was fussy and wouldn't sleep.

elllaf · November 2013

yup my LO always falls asleep in the car. But if not I play some music and it totally knocks him out too. my LO loves music! Give it a try and good luck!
I was nervous my first time out with him too but once we were out it was not a big deal at all!

KerCo51 · November 2013

DD always slept in the car until today. She screamed like crazy, but I think she is having an off day.

muffyvonmuff · November 2013

I leave the house everyday and the car has him sleeping in 5 minutes then he stays asleep anywhere I am for an hour. Leave the house it's freeing

tashad18 · November 2013

I have been out alone several times. LO usually does sleep, but if he gets fussy I play music. That usually calms him right down. I just use the regular radio stations I listen to, but maybe a cd of baby songs would work too.

germanpickle · November 2013

My son never slept in the car. He screamed every time, the entire time. It was so stressful and it took me time to be able to drive safely. However I still needed to get out. Balance your needs and lo's needs, it does get so much better with time.
Once pj could see long distance and face forward, the shrieking ended.

SweetCFly · November 2013

Just go! The more you get out and do, the better you will feel and the more comfortable you'll be with taking baby out alone.

Ditto pp's, not much you can do about crying in the car... If they're gonna cry there's not much you can do about it. Most like the car though and will relax as long as the car is moving.

calibr8te · November 2013

Yep just do it. My boy loves the car and will generally fall asleep right away. Make sure to have music on too.

ap2000 · November 2013

ntrick said:
My son never slept in the car. He screamed every time, the entire time. It was so stressful and it took me time to be able to drive safely. However I still needed to get out. Balance your needs and lo's needs, it does get so much better with time.
Once pj could see long distance and face forward, the shrieking ended.

DS also hated the car for a while. We just kind of had to do our best to soothe him by singing and talking to him from the front seat. I never would've gotten anywhere if I pulled over every time he cried.

That said, one day we tried playing a Fisher Price kids cd in the car. The music was obnoxious, but DS calmed down instantly. Totally worth listening to it for relative peace. (And we eventually transitioned DS to better music.)

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