Tips for babies who hate the car?

Cara1024 · April 2014

Please tell me someone here has a suggestion for LO's who have a meltdown when put in the car. At first Holland only fussed/cried/screamed if no one was in the back with her, but yesterday (and a few other times) DH and I were both in the car so I sat in the back. Despite every trick I had up my sleeve she lost it and screamed the whole way home. If she gets tired in the car she can't calm herself down to just go to sleep! She looks at me with these super sad eyes like "why won't you just pick me up!" By the time we made it home I'm sure her throat was completely raw from screaming.

We've tried car seat toys, music, driving fast (lol), talking to her, playing games with her........ Once she decides she wants out she screams until we get out of the car.

ETA: She has a mirror that helps some, and she screams whether I'm driving or in the back with her.

xanadu94 · April 2014

Have you tried the mirror? My LO likes to stare at herself. Also, would it be better if you didn't sit in the back seat with her? More of a "out of sight, out of mind" thing. Maybe if she sees you she doesn't understand why you won't hold her.

RedSaffron · April 2014

I'm sorry you're having a tough time. I remember there was a thread some time ago about LOs freaking out in their car seat. Someone mentioned turning up the music/bass for them and that worked. When I'm driving her alone, I will purposely go over bumps slowly and it knocks her out.

angiek1 · April 2014

I would try a mirror. Honestly some kids (mine included) just hate the car. I think DD#1 was 6 months old before she would tolerate a car ride. It was miserable. Hopefully the mirror will solve the issue for you.

Hmvbaby14 · April 2014

L is pretty good in the car but we have a mirror for him to stare at and if if ever gets really bad I play the white noise tracks on my phone for him. This usually works. Good luck!

BEAUNAL · April 2014

I know it sounds awful but sometimes it's worse to sit with them and try things because I think they wonder why you aren't picking them up when "clearly you are right there Mom!" lol if they are comfortable and the sun isn't hitting them or they aren't too hot, they are ok. my kids hate the car until about 4-6 mos. It does get better.

Cara1024 · April 2014

Thanks everyone!! She does have a mirror and she likes that sometimes. And honestly she cries if I'm in the back or if I'm driving.

I will try turning up the base.......haha, neat idea! And I haven't try using white noise in the car so that's two new things we can try out.

I think that main problem is her being in the car when tired. I'll have to better plan my day to try and avoid this for her if I can. Today we went somewhere right when she woke from a nap and she only mildly fussed. Nothing like the screaming fits when she is sleepy.

Keep the suggestions coming!

cnctf · April 2014

I think my DD hates being strapped in her car seat. It's very difficult to go anywhere because I'm always worried she's gonna have a bitchfit while getting there. She's been doing better though, but I try to plan around her sleeping.

SJSLA · April 2014

I agree a mirror might help. I also try to feed her before I go out, that way she's nice and docile and will maybe take a nap.
What's also helped is taking her on walks everyday in the car seat/stroller so she's used to the movement and being in the seat.

Shannahbee · April 2014

I read a tip somewhere in regards to the white noise (if it works for you) - just tune the car radio to be in between stations, so that static plays. Easier/faster than fumbling with apps when the baby is screaming!

versed · April 2014

With DS2, learning to take the paci and making sure he can't lose the Wubbanub helped greatly. With DS1, nothing worked until we lost the bucket seat at 4m.

ChuggingWater · April 2014

Wine.

For yourself.

jcwinsto · April 2014

Have you tried completely reversing what you've been doing? Put a blanket over the seat to make it dark, make it nice and cool, white noise/radio static, not talking at all? Maybe she is just tired and over stimulated and then the screaming just makes it worse and all the singing/talking/music just over stimulates even more.

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Tips for babies who hate the car?

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