So, you’ve decided to run errands and you’re bringing your child along in the backseat. Maybe you’re really brave and you’re doing a road trip with your youngster. No matter the length of the car ride, car seats can be the bane of yours and your little one’s existence.
It’s one of the most important essentials for your child – from their first ever car ride and for years after. Yet, car seats can cause so much struggle for both you and your kid.
Here’s an essential guide on how to make your child’s car seat more comfortable, and hopefully making your entire car ride much easier.
Why Does My Child Loathe the Car Seat?
First and foremost, it may be helpful to remove the frustration around your child’s hatred for their car seat to begin with. Don’t be surprised when your baby starts to cry in their car seat.
It’s important to recognize that each and every day, your child is developing new skills that they are extremely excited to test out. Whether it’s grabbing, picking things up, crawling, walking, or any other learned skill – your child is not going to be too amused when they are restrained from testing out their new skills.
Imagine having just learned to crawl – you’re excited, and it’s all you want to do for the next two weeks! Yet, you’re being stuffed into this car seat where movement is very limited. Pretty frustrating, right?
Have patience for your child and their car seat crankiness. Nobody likes to have anything forced on them, and they are not yet of age to understand the vital safety factor of the car seat. Just be careful not to keep your baby in the car for too long, and to always follow the 2-hour car seat rule.
There are no perfect parents, but having the patience and compassion for your child’s level of understanding is the best way to eliminate your own personal frustration with their attitude when it comes to car safety. Your key here is to stay calm, and stay firm. Refrain from becoming angry, but understand the process of car safety is absolutely vital for your child, and do not settle until they are completely secured.
Assuring Comfort for Your Child
While you can’t sacrifice the car seat when it comes to your youngster’s safety, there are plenty of options out there for making the seat more comfortable for them to ride in. These tips may vary based on your child’s age and their stage in motor development.
Newborns are often more flexible when it comes to car travel because they have not yet developed the physical skills (such as grabbing, crawling, or walking) that are so tempting to test out. Older infants may start to develop discomfort in their car seat, while toddlers can oftentimes be the most upset when it comes to the car.
With that said, the methods of comfort you try may vary on the age of your child.
Newborns in the Car (Zero to Six Months)
When it comes to an infant in the car, the best method of safety is a five-point harness that is tightened snug against their chest. This type of harness, when tightened, often mimics the effects of swaddling. When your baby feels snug and secured, they will often find it easy to sleep in a moving car.
In addition to securing your baby and fostering their comfort, it’s important to note the environmental factors within your car. Newborns can not yet regulate their body temperature, so it’s important that the car is not too hot or too cold. Even if your baby is bundled up and placed in a warm car, they may still struggle to regulate a healthy body temperature. Stay on top of this and make sure their bodies are both comfortable and healthy.
Older Infants in the Car (Six to Twelve Months)
As the months pass, your baby may become more unhappy in their car seat. This development often occurs around six to eight months, as they are now becoming more cognizant of their environment and surroundings. If your baby is beginning to move about and develop physically, they are more prone to be upset at the idea of restraint.
A rear-facing convertible car seat may be a good option if your infant is upset with their car seat. Oftentimes these seats sit higher, and allow for your child to look out the window as your drive.
This model by Graco is a great universal car seat that can be assembled both front- and rear-facing. It sits higher up, allowing your child to look out the window as you drive. It includes a five-point harness as mentioned earlier, and offers plenty of options for head positive and recline.
A few other things to note is whether or not the sun is shining in your baby’s eyes as you drive. Any sort of environmental discomfort will make the car ride more difficult for the both of you.
Also, your child is now at an age where they can recognize your voice even if they cannot see you. Talking or singing to your child as you drive may help to comfort them and calm them down if they are feeling frustrated.
Toddlers in the Car Seat
You’ve probably guessed already that most toddlers hate car seats. Toddlers crave freedom and movement, so a car seat with restraints just may be the ultimate day-ruiner.
First and foremost, offering a safe recline on your toddler’s car seat can help them to ride more comfortably. There are specific regulations by state on this, so be sure to do your research ahead of time to see what level of recline is best for your tot.
At this age, you may also introduce chest clips, which clip together level with your toddler’s armpits. They are generally more comfortable for your kiddo, and allow them to grab and play with toys.
Next, never underestimate the art of distraction. Having your toddler’s favorite toys available, a few healthy snacks and some music they enjoy could be a migraine-saver in the car. Singing along with them, or chatting with them about what they can see out the window as your drive will help to keep them entertained.
If you are not driving, it is best not to sit in the backseat next to your toddler, as it is often difficult for them to understand why they cannot just sit in mom or dad’s lap. Staying out of direct view while still being able to speak to and comfort them is likely best.
Car Seat Accessories
There are a variety of accessories out there that can help to improve your kiddo’s travel experience as well. Depending on your child’s needs and their fussiness, certain add-ons can greatly improve their crankiness when in the car.
Children under the age of three have more sensitive skin, and are often prone to rashes and redness. Car seat covers can help to protect your child’s skin from aggressive fabrics used in their car seat, while also keeping them more comfortable. A gentle cotton seat cover will reduce the unknown materials making contact with your kiddo’s skin, plus create a soft barrier between them and their car seat.
This model is crash-tested, waterproof and made of a soft jersey cotton material. It can be easily applied and removed for machine washes.
Car seat strap covers are also a great idea for more comfortable riding. It’s frustrating enough to be restrained, but uncomfortable straps that dig into your child’s chest are likely to upset them even more. Comfortable padding on these straps will make for a much cushier ride. Many models are made of nylon fabric for easy cleaning, and are widely available at most department stores.
Depending on the time of year, sun in your child’s eyes can be upsetting and take a toll on their vision and eye health overall. Sun shades are a great add-on to your child’s car seat to help protect their eyes and skin from harsh rays. They are simple to install, and often can be attached directly to the window your child sits closest to.
Check out this affordable model!
Keeping Your Child Comfortable In Their Car Seat
When it comes to having a young child, car rides can be one of the most dreaded daily tasks. It’s important to make your child’s safety the number one priority, but their comfort is a short second. Finding a fair balance between safety and comfort is certainly doable, and there are plenty of resources available in helping you do so.
And hey, some days – your child may just be completely peeved about the car seat and nothing will make it better. That happens too.
Keep your head up, mom or dad. You’ve got this.