Baby Car Travel Tips

Some babies love nothing more than a mini road trip, but for other’s their car seat is akin to a mini torture device. Here’s how to make road trips more pleasant for even the most resistant traveller.

Baby Car Travel

• Place your child in the car seat while you’re at home so she can become comfortable with it.
• Place a mirror or other interesting object on the back of the seat that your baby is facing.
• Many babies are soothed by adult music–especially softer hits such as the Beatles.
• Practice with short, pleasant trips when your baby is in a good mood. A few good experiences may help set a new travel pattern.

istening to your baby cry while you are trying to drive is challenging. But a few new ideas and a little time and maturity can help your baby become a happy traveler. Pick and choose from our list of car travel tips until you find one that works for your child.

1. Make sure your baby is healthy.

If car seat crying is something new your baby may not be feeling well. If your child is also fussy at home, a visit to the doctor is in order.

2. Bring the car seat in the house and let your baby sit and play in it.

Once your child becomes more familiar with the seat, she may be happier to sit there in the car.

3. Keep a special box of soft, safe car toys for use only in the car.

New, interesting toys may help hold your child’s attention. (Avoid hard toys because they could cause injury in a quick stop.)

4. Tape or hang toys for viewing.

Place a mirror or other interesting object on the back of the seat that your baby is facing. Or, string an array of lightweight toys from the ceiling using heavy tape and yarn. Place toys at arm’s reach so your baby can bat at them from her seat.

5. Make a car mobile.

Link a long row of plastic baby chains from one side of the backseat to the other. Clip new soft, lightweight toys onto the chain for each trip. Make sure toys are secure and keep on eye on them to ensure they don’t come loose while driving.

6. Hang a made-for-baby poster on the back of the seat that faces your baby.

Black, white, red and bold primary colors are a great way to catch baby’s attention. You can even buy baby car posters that have pockets so you can interchange the pictures.

7. Experiment with different types of music in the car.

Some babies enjoy lullabies or music tapes made especially for young children, while others surprise you by calming down as soon as you play one of your personal favorites. (Beatles hits tend to be a child favorite.) If all else fails, some babies think mom or dad sound even better than Beyonce so try singing along.

8.Try “white noise” in the car.

Purchase a CD of soothing nature sounds or make a recording of a vacuum cleaner or other background noise.

9. Practice with short, pleasant trips when your baby is in a good mood.

A few good experiences may help set a new pattern.

10. Try a pacifier or teething toy.

When your baby has something to suck or chew on she may be happier.

11. Place a sunshade in the window.

Some babies are bothered by the sunshine in their face and a sunshade can help. Opt for stick-on varieties, avoiding any hard pieces that could become dislodged in a quick stop.

12. Try opening a window.

Fresh air and a nice breeze can be soothing.