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Parents are always concerned about their babies disliking car rides, and rightly so, because getting a child to be calm and happy during car rides can be a flustering experience. A child crying or screaming loudly is certainly anguishing for all, especially first-time parents.
So, how does one cope with this, while also maintaining their cool? Below are a few tips that act as a guide to ensuring a happy baby in your car, and a happy journey overall!
- Make sure a pacifier is in reach, this will keep your little one distracted and entertained.
- Keep your baby’s favourite toys handy. It could be anything from a stuffed toy to a teething ring, just hand it over to them and your child will be occupied for quite some time.
- Try to find ways to play with your baby. If it’s a long journey, then spending a little time to play with them can lighten the mood very quickly. Of course, siblings or friends are a great help in such situations as well.
- We all love listening to music in the car, and babies are no different. Have some music playing in the background, or provide your child with a musical toy that can hold their attention. You could also get a personalized CD rhyme with nursery songs that your baby will absolutely love.
- Hanging a mirror by the baby’s side will help them see your face from time to time, which is reassuring to them.
- Use sunshades on your car window. Sometimes, the sunlight could be too harsh on your baby’s face, which could be a reason for the tears.
- Hanging a child- friendly poster by your baby in the car could brighten up their mood too. Change the poster occasionally, to keep them engaged.
But above all, safety is of the utmost importance.Here are just a few things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and merry car ride for your child and you.
- Proper installation:
Check the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure that the car seat has been installed correctly, and according to weight recommendations. Your child must be comfortable, but still restrained well to prevent them from wriggling out of the seat.
- Keep the straps snug:
During colder weather, make sure your baby’s coat isn’t keeping you from buckling them into the seat properly. Seat them comfortably, make sure the straps are sturdy and snug, and then place a blanket over them to make sure they stay warm and cozy.
- Keep them rear-facing:
You might want to switch your convertible seat to a forward-facing position, but experts recommend that children should ride facing behind as much as possible. It is suggested that babies should be rear-facing until they turn 1 and weigh approximately 18 kgs.
- Get new instead of used:
Experts say that when in doubt, always go for a brand-new car seat. If you don’t know a used car seat’s history or if its more than 6 years old, or it has visible cracks, it’s always safer to purchase a new one to ensure that safety is not be compromised.
