Everyone told me the car is where they bring their little one to calm down and fall asleep. Well sadly this is where my 8-week old gets into hysterics. When he first experienced the carseat he would cry only at stops or towards the end of an excursion. And he would allow our family walks to be twenty minutes before he'd cry. Now he cries right away. We had a family trip to Tahoe and I was SO anxious we'd be spending four hours listening to him cry but with me back there with him he was only crying for five minutes before he'd fall off to sleep.
Any suggestions on what I can do to make him more peaceful so that I can leave my house? Any help is appreciated.
My name is S. and my daughter was the same way when she was first born. I told my grandmother and she advised me to put her in her seat during the time for a certain amount of time. Each day I would increase the amount of time until she was comfortable. Hope this helps.
Maybe the car seat is uncomfortable or the baby wants to see you. Install a mirror in the back so he can see you in the front.
Check the car seat or diaper waistband for something that could be causing him to feel pinched. If his diaper is too tight and he bends a bit it could hurt.
My daughter HATEs the wind. She's been this way from birth. If the window was open, she would cry and scream. Even today, she does not like the car windows open.
I'm not sure this is much help, but it's what I would check.
Stephanie
I don't have any advice for in the car, but for walks, you could try taking the baby out of the stroller and wearing him. My generally easy going baby fussed if put in a stroller for the first months but was mostly happy to be worn in a sling, wrap, or other carrier. I know there are babies that are content to just snooze away in a stroller, but mine certainly weren't.
Also you could try getting him out of the carseat in the stroller (assuming that is what you are using) as soon as possible. Strollers with at least a little recline in the seat should be OK for a three month old to ride in sitting up. You just might need to prop him a bit.
-J.
Hi
I had the same problem it got to the point where we wouldn't put the baby in the car. It was something with the car because she was fine with the carseat in the trailer (I ride my bike everywhere and strap the car seat into the trailer). Then we got the idea to swaddle her and this worked everytime. On long trips she had enough after a few hours but I don't blame her. You can get a blanket and put it under the shoulder straps put the baby in and then do up all the buckles and then wrap the blanket around the baby.
My baby needed to be swaddled most of the time and we swaddled her up until she was about 7 or 8 months old.
Good luck.
P.
