For parents of little ones, car rides can be the most detested daily task there is. Nothing is more upsetting than feeling as though you cannot help your crying baby, especially while you’re trying to focus on the road. Parenting is quite the balancing act, and driving with a baby is a perfect example. Hang in there, chief – here’s a guide on managing those road trip rampages.
Car Safety – For You and Your Baby
First and foremost, let’s review the basic car safety when it comes to your baby. Though it can be incredibly frustrating and upsetting to have a crying baby while you try to drive, it’s important that you put yours and your baby’s safety first and foremost at all times.
Never, under any circumstances, take your baby out of their car seat while the car is still moving. Some parents tend to do this in an attempt to calm their child’s cries, but this is very dangerous and can be detrimental in the event of an accident, no matter how minor. Not to mention – constantly pulling your baby out of the car seat will delay their ability to adjust to the seat itself.
Also, it’s important to remain calm in the event of a crying baby in a moving car. A frustrated driver makes poor decisions, and oftentimes is not putting safety first. Distracted driving puts everyone in the car at risk – so be sure to stay calm and focused.
The best rule of thumb is to either pull over and calm your baby, or focus on the road. Parents are not superheroes, and you can’t do both at the same time. Stay focused, mom or dad.
Planning Your Road Trip
Whether you are going away for the week or simply running out on errands, it’s important to plan your road trip ahead with a checklist and know what to expect. If you are feeling stressed or frustrated as is, perhaps errands with your baby would be better run on a different day.
If your baby’s nap time is approaching and they are showing signs of tiredness, it just may be the perfect time for a car ride. Evaluate yourself and your baby beforehand, and make the executive decision whether or not you hit the road.
It will also help to pay attention to your baby’s daily habits. If they are typically hungry around a certain time, avoid planning to drive until they are well-fed. If your baby has a consistent nap time and is able to sleep anywhere, then a car ride may do just the trick. However, if your baby has no set sleep schedule and/or is adjusted to their typical sleeping surface, a car ride may upset them further. It helps to know your baby, and work with them and their habits when it comes to getting these things done.
Lastly, make sure you have ample time to safely secure your baby in the car and run your errands accordingly. A rushed parent could lead to short-cuts in car safety, stress-induced distracted driving, and more. Take a moment to care for yourself too, and see where you’re at. Do you feel up for the car ride and what follows? Do you have the time? If you are stressed or frustrated, your baby can often feel that too. Take a breather if you need it.
The Inevitable Car Cries: Here’s Where to Start
So, you’ve planned your trip, you’re in the car, and your baby is still upset. Remain calm, because this is normal. Heck – even toddlers throw tantrums in car seats! So, start at the basics.
Are their straps too tight?
You don’t want the car seat straps to be so tight that they cause any pain or digging into your child, but you don’t want them to be loose enough that they can move around freely. It’s not too far off that your child may be upset simply at the idea of having restraints, but it’s a good idea to make sure their straps are tightened just right.
Are their clothes too loose, too tight, or bunched up?
A loose-fitting, comfortable onesie is a great car-riding outfit for your baby, as it is gentle on the skin, and allows their belly to have some breathing room. Shirts and pants can be restricting on their little bodies, and can often lead to more discomfort than necessary. If you pay more attention to your baby’s clothing, it just may make a huge difference.
Does your baby have enough support in their car seat?
Sometimes little babies dislike a lack of support or security, especially if there is extra room in their car seat. Rolling up a few small blankets and packing them into the seat on either side of your little one will help make your baby’s car seat more comfortable. This provides them with extra cushion and helps to mimic a swaddling effect.
Is your baby at a comfortable temperature?
It’s important to keep your baby cool in the car seat and understand that, in general, babies struggle to regulate their body temperature on their own. This can play a massive role in their crankiness. If the car is too hot, your child is bound to be upset at the discomfort. Make sure their clothing and the climate in the car is supportive of the weather and their needs.
Has your baby been in the car seat for a long time?
When it comes to how long your baby can be in a car seat, it is highly is recommended that you follow the “2 hour rule”. This rule suggests that your baby should be in a car seat for a maximum of 2 hours. This is because a baby’s body is very much underdeveloped. Being in a seated position for that long is not good for it. This is why they might be crying.
Is your baby lonely?
Remember, babies strongly dislike being alone. An infant cannot understand why mom or dad is suddenly out of eyesight, or why they must sit in a restrained seat all alone. Try to keep that in mind – this would be frustrating for anyone!
If you have older kids who can ride in the car along with you, it may be a good idea to bring them along. Older kids can keep the baby company by playing with them, making funny faces or singing, and thus allowing you to better focus on the road.
If you don’t have other people available to ride along in the car, you can try adjusting the rear view mirror ever so slightly so that your baby can see your reflection. A view of mom or dad can greatly help to calm them down and keep them from feeling alone.
Do you need to take a break?
As tempting as it is to get where you’re going as fast as possible, it may be necessary to take frequent breaks when traveling with your baby, especially if you’re driving long-distance. If your baby is awake, consider taking frequent breaks to pull over and play with your baby in their car seat. This will help you analyze your own personal needs, and remind your baby that you are present.
Past the Basics – What Else Can You Do About Your Crying Baby?
If none of the above help to calm your baby while driving, there are plenty of elements you can add to make their car trip more pleasant.
Music and White Noise
Never underestimate the power of sound when it comes to soothing your baby. Many babies are soothed by the sound of white noise because they are steady and consistent, so it may be helpful to purchase a portable white noise machine. You can also try playing a static radio channel and see if it soothes them.
Many babies also love music, so play with different types to see what your baby responds to. Playing soft lullabies in the car is a good place to start, but if you find your baby is not responding to them, you could try more upbeat children’s’ music as well.
It’s also helpful to sing along with the music and talk to them throughout. Your baby just wants to know that you are still around, and most often you are capable of providing them with the best comfort. Let them know you’re there – and trust me, your baby won’t judge your singing voice!
Keeping Them Entertained
There are a million different toys and tricks out there to help keep your baby distracted while in the car. Consider installing a car-mobile that hangs over their car seat to give them something to look at, and they’ll enjoy watching the little toys move as the car drives along the road. There are plenty of toys made specially to clip onto your baby’s car seat, so even if they lose a loose toy in the car, you still have a back-up available.
You may consider having a small batch of toys designated specifically for the car. Babies are prone to getting tired of certain toys, so having a nice selection to rotate through is a good idea in keeping them entertained.
You can also consider hanging bold colored posters or pictures in the car to keep your baby distracted, or installing a headrest mirror so your baby can see you, and you can see them. If your car has a DVD player, it may be a good idea to play one of their favorite shows to help keep them calm, especially on longer car rides.
Pacifiers or teething toys are a great idea to keep your baby entertained, especially if they are teething or at their “stick everything in your mouth” phase.
Training Your Baby to the Car
Before you install the car seat, it’s a good idea to allow your baby to explore their seat, sit in it inside the house, and maybe even doze off in the seat. When they are familiar with the seat itself, it will make the process of being restrained and in the car a little less confusing.
Taking the time to familiarize your baby with the car and the seat can do wonders for future car trips. Taking short car rides, even if it is just around the block a few times, can train your baby to relax in their seat and familiarize them with the sensations of the car. The more your baby understands what is going on when in the car, the more comfortable they will be on trips going forward.
Motion Sickness
If your child is particularly sensitive to curvy or bumpy roads, they could be experiencing motion sickness. Finding alternative routes to drive, opening a window to allow a cool breeze in, and taking frequent breaks can help your baby. Make sure their clothing is not too restrictive. It may be a good idea to travel at a time of day when their tummy is not too full or too hungry.
Consider Talking to Your Pediatrician
If you’ve tried countless tips and tricks and still are coming up short with an upset baby, it’s definitely important to check in with your pediatrician. It could be possible that your child has an ear infection or other upsetting condition, or perhaps your pediatrician will have new suggestions for you to try.
If your baby is experiencing other unpleasant symptoms related to the car, such as vomiting, other issues such as reflux may be to blame. It’s important you have open, consistent communication with your child’s doctor to make sure there is nothing more serious going on.
Parenting is Hard!
As mentioned earlier, parenting is oftentimes one of the trickiest balancing acts, and it’s okay to use the process of trial and error while you find what works. Try your best to stay calm and collected, even in the worst of tantrums, and know you are doing your best. Remember that safety is always the top priority, and a crying baby in the car does not make you a monster.
It’s always a good idea to reach out to your pediatrician and review any symptoms or behaviors your baby is expressing. If you are introducing new materials or snacks to your baby in the car, check with your pediatrician beforehand and get the go-ahead.
Above anything, accept that fact that you will have to leave your house at some point, and the process of adjusting your baby to the car is inevitable. It is okay to run errands, or even take a road trip – just plan accordingly and put safety first. You’ve got this, mom or dad.