What to do if your baby or toddler doesn’t like to be in the car seat

Did you dread traveling in the car with your infant or toddler? Did you try to keep the trip as short as possible? Few parents enjoy spending hours in the car with their children. It’s tedious, frustrating, and sometimes stressful. However, traveling can be enjoyable if you know how to manage it. As challenging as it may seem, there are ways to improve the experience. In this article, we will share different things you can do when leaving home with your baby or toddler seems like an ordeal instead of a pleasant pastime.

Find the most comfortable spot in the car.

When you have a fussy baby or toddler in the car, it’s easy to get frustrated. You might feel like you aren’t getting anywhere, and your child doesn’t seem to enjoy the ride. You may be tempted to do anything to make the trip go more smoothly, from driving extra slowly to putting your child in the front seat (which is never a good idea). Instead, focus on finding the most comfortable spot for your child in the car. For some babies, this means sitting in the back seat with a car seat and child restraint; for others, it means riding in a car seat or stroller in the front seat with plenty of leg room. You may need to try different seating arrangements before finding one your child likes. Be patient; it might take a few tries to find the right spot.

Try a stroller and a car seat at the same time.

If you’re trying to get your child used to the car seat while they are still very young, you might want to try out a combination stroller and car seat. These unique car seats have a stroller built-in, so you don’t have to worry about taking the car seat out and putting it back in every time you stop. With this type of car seat, your child will be in the car seat and stroller at the same time. This will help your child get used to sitting in the car seat without fighting it, which can be helpful for longer trips later on. If your child is too young for this type of car seat, you could try using a stroller seat. These are car seats that you can snap into a stroller frame. Stroller seats make it easier to get your child used to the car seat without fighting against them.

Switch up your routine.

If your infant or toddler naps typically during the day, you may want to skip naps while on the road. Or, If your child is used to sleeping at certain times, you may want to stay at hotels or change your schedule so your child can keep sleeping at the same time.

Make a game out of it

You’re probably wondering why your child is crying and what you can do about it. If your child is crying because they are bored, you can try making a game out of the trip. You can make up silly songs, sing, or talk to your child about what you see out of the window. If your child is too young for conversation, you can also try playing music for them. If your child is crying because they are scared or uncomfortable, you can try talking to them, soothing them, and reassuring them that everything will be okay.

Try a different car seat

Some car seats are better than others, and certain seats work better for some children than others. If your child is crying and squirming in their seat, it could be because their car seat isn’t comfortable. If you recently bought a new car seat, you may want to give it some time before you decide it doesn’t work for your child. Car seats come with recommendations for how long a child can sit in the seat before they outgrow it, but these times can vary. If your child is older, a different car seat may help. You can try adjusting the car seat’s position or reclining the seat. You can also try adding a cushion to the car seat or a car seat canopy to make the seat more comfortable.

Bring along something that smells good.

If your child is crying, it can be hard to comfort them. If your child is crying because they are uncomfortable, you can try bringing along something that smells good to keep them calm. You could bring a scent diffuser or scented oils, or you could bring along a stuffed animal or blanket that smells like home. Bringing along a smell your child loves can help keep your child calm.

The Bottom Line

When traveling with a baby or toddler, you want to keep in mind that every child is different, so the best way to make the trip is different for each family. You have to find the best way for you and your little one. Traveling with an infant or a toddler can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With the advice from this article, you can make your car rides more enjoyable for everyone.