What Can You Do about a Baby Who Just Cannot Adjust to Driving in a Car?

While many infants are comfortable traveling in a car, there are exceptions. A baby who just refuses to adjust to the car seat can be a major source of anxiety.

Here are some ways in which you can cope with the situation:

• At least for the time being, try to reduce the times when you need to take your child out by car.
  
  
• Try to divert your child’s attention while in the car. You can do this by attaching a toy bar to the car seat, singing, playing music, or talking to your child.
  
  
• Increase the comfort levels of your child with regard to the car seat. A way to do this is to let your child sit in the car seat for some time (about 15 minutes) daily. Be around to reassure and distract your child by showing toys, talking, or playing games. The idea is to get your child to believe that being in the car seat is a great lot of fun.
  
  
• Once your child gets used to the idea, transfer the car seat to the car. Of course, you will require a partner to help you with this, so that one of you can drive while the other entertains the baby. Restrict the duration of the drives to begin with, gradually increasing them.