Tahli now 11 weeks wont go in the car without screaming, and I mean screaming... she'll start within a few minutes of being put in the seat, and wont stop for at least an hour unless the trip is short and she gets out. she tends to settle once out within 10 mins, but mostly ends up unsettled for the rest of the day.
I have tried trips on a full tummy, ready for a sleep, happy and playng... I have toys, I've hed no toys, I try glyceron on her dummy and NOTHING has worked. I feel like I can't go out as its too stressful... I need to get out with my kids, i feel like I am going insane...
My first DS was a shocker in his car seat too, I feel your pain! He was only happy if DH was driving and I could sit in the back with him. Not very helpful when DH isn't there! He really only stopped complaining when he was old enough to face forward in his seat.
Have you been to the chiro in Boronia with her recently? Maybe it's that something is out and she is uncomfortable in the seat?
Mel, have you tried music? Perhaps play some cd with songs that she likes or even static sounds from the radio. I used to sing songs as loud as I can, doesnt really matter if it's out of tone
The mirror idea is great too. I am sure you already know this, but it does get better. Especially when they're older and can be distracted with toys. GL
That's what i did too, hehe
I used to play the sounds for silence cd really loudly and the sound seemed to mesmerised him that he forgot his crying. It worked well when he was a newborn but he doesnt really like it when he is a bit older that's why i didnt suggest that to you given your DD is 11weeks
Sounds like you already have a nice comfy car seat. I reckon it's because she can't see you.
I used to say "mum, mum, mum" to my DS over and over again while I was driving and I think the sound of my voice calmed him because he would stop crying. The bonus was that his first word was "Mum" LOL! DH said I brainwashed him!
Oh I hate it when they scream in the car! It's soooo stressful to try and drive at the same time. Oskar "grew" out of it I think. Once he could see a bit better is when he seemed to calm down a bit more, so probably around 5/6 months he got really good. I used to wind the opposite rear window down to distract him if I wasn't on the highway. The mirror works a treat too. There's several you can try, they go at bub's feet and some of them have a "toy" thing they can kick too. I hope that she gets better with the car for you asap!
Without wanting to worry you, my DS now 13mths and forward facing in the car STILL cries/whinges/screams if driven longer than 10-15 minutes. He has been like this since a tiny baby, doesn't matter which car seat or car although is better with someone sitting beside him in the back. Just wanted you to know that you are not alone and for some children this is normal. Also, he never sleeps in the car unless ill!!!
I have tried many different above mentioned (and other) techniques to improve the situation but TBH he really only calms down when we stop and he gets out. While I don't like him to cry I still go out in the car all the time as I would be driven mad if stuck at home. We won't be taking any road trip holidays in the near future though!
DS doesn't like the car for more than about 10 mins either (and we've got a mobile, a playgro tie-on toy, 2 lamaze toys & a mirror on the headrest! - each of which work for a short space of time). But if I'm going to be driving for a while, I try to go when he is REALLY tired. Then I put him in the seat & pat him to sleep before we leave (sometimes I tuck in a muslin wrap over him & the harness to make him feel more secure). Although it can take 5-10min for him to go to sleep before we leave, at least I know I can drive in peace for 40 mins.
I am going to admit something and please don't pass judgement!
I turned the car seat around when Caden was only 7.5 kilos. It was just a trial, as he too screamed in the car constantly no matter what I did (music, toys, mirror, etc). I find that if I am turned around in my seat to play with him I get terribly car sick, so maybe that affected him also?
My justification was that driving with a screaming baby was enough to CAUSE and accident, even though rear-facing was safer IN an accident. DH drives like a bat out of hell if Caden is driving and I worry about this causing accidents also.
So I turned it around as a one-of trial, thinking if it didn't work I could always turn it back around and at least he is a safer screaming baby.
Well, it worked like a switch! Now he is so content and often falls asleep in the car where nothing else works. Mind you, now he is over 9 kilos so weight is no longer an issue. He is in the middle so he can see us and the front windscreen, and is so much happier.
Your choice though, maybe just wait until he is old enough to turn.
Reply With Quote
Registered User
Wont Go In The Car... Help
Bookmarks