Thursday, June 25, 2009

Ideas for a Long Car Ride With Babies


The folks at Parent Map wrote a great article on road trips so we thought we’d follow their lead with our own advice for helping a baby who is crying in her car seat.
  • Entertain. Keep a special box of soft, safe car toys that you’ll use only in the car. Tape or hang toys for viewing just at arm’s reach so that your baby can bat at them from her seat.
  • Soothe. Try lullaby CDs, white noise, nature sounds, a teething toy,
    or sing. here are a few CDs that we like:
  1. Rockabye Baby Music: http://www.rockabyebabymusic.com/ecom2/index.php/music
  2. Putumayo Dreamland: https://www.urbankidsplay.com/dreamland_cd_by_putumayo_p806.html
  3. Nicky’s Jazz Lullabies: http://www.nickythejazzcat.com/cdbook/index.html
  • Hang a mirror. Your baby can see you (and you can see your baby) while you are driving. When in her seat, she may think that you’re not there, and just seeing your face will help her feel better.
  • Install a sunshade. Sunshine in your baby’s face may be causing discomfort.
  • Double-check your carseat for comfort. If your baby's legs are confined, or her belts are too tight, she might find her seat to be uncomfortable.
  • Practice! Bring the car seat in the house and let your baby sit and play in it. Once it becomes more familiar in the house, she may be happier to sit there in the car. Also, practice with short, pleasant trips when your baby is in a good mood.
  • Try to consolidate trips, avoiding being in the car for a long time.
    A few good experiences may help set a new pattern.

If all else fails, remember that they will eventually outgrow this phase.

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