Ortma...
Car issues
Lachlan is 8 weeks old and i still have to sit in the back seat with him and my partner drives. Lachlan just gets into hysterics and has gone blue a few times when i have driven and my partner sits in the back. Therefore i am very nervous about going out by myself with him in the car, we walk everywhere at the moment.
I need some help. Will this pass? I dont know what to do?
Kylie
Jane ...
Answer:
Hi Kylie,
This must be very stressful for you all, but in my experience this issue does pass. It’s helped by the baby being exposed to the car regularly and parents trying to stay calm and in control of their own emotions. Difficult I know. Some babies genuinely seem to experience motion sickness but how we prove this is impossible. Others seem to protest to the restriction of the restraints, but this is obviously non-negotiable.
Have you tried sitting and strapping him in the car seat when it’s not in the car, on the floor of the lounge room for example? Daily exposure this way and reassuring him face to face may help.
Make sure he’s not just fed or hungry when you go out and that all his comfort needs have been met. He may be crying not so much because of the car seat and movement as other factors.
A brightly coloured toy to catch his attention may also help.Make sure you have the straps in his car seat adjusted for his age and size, if they’re uncomfortable he’ll protest even more.
Try short drives around the block. Both to build your own confidence and his exposure. Playing a CD, singing to him, having the radio on may also help. You could also try going out with him when he’s very tired and about to go to sleep, or otherwise, lift him gently out of his cot when he’s just fallen asleep and transfer him to the car seat and go for a short drive.
He may be picking up on your anxiety as well which is why it’s important to try and stay calm.
Some babies really don’t seem to like facing the back, but again, this is non-negotiable. For now, if it’s working for you to wait to go out until your partner is home then continue doing this.
With time, and exposure there is generally an improvement. It’s important you don’t isolate yourself during this time. If you do find he’s crying when you’re driving on your own then pull over somewhere safely and calm him. If he has a dummy make sure you take spares with you.
Cheers
Jane
This must be very stressful for you all, but in my experience this issue does pass. It’s helped by the baby being exposed to the car regularly and parents trying to stay calm and in control of their own emotions. Difficult I know. Some babies genuinely seem to experience motion sickness but how we prove this is impossible. Others seem to protest to the restriction of the restraints, but this is obviously non-negotiable.
Have you tried sitting and strapping him in the car seat when it’s not in the car, on the floor of the lounge room for example? Daily exposure this way and reassuring him face to face may help.
Make sure he’s not just fed or hungry when you go out and that all his comfort needs have been met. He may be crying not so much because of the car seat and movement as other factors.
A brightly coloured toy to catch his attention may also help.Make sure you have the straps in his car seat adjusted for his age and size, if they’re uncomfortable he’ll protest even more.
Try short drives around the block. Both to build your own confidence and his exposure. Playing a CD, singing to him, having the radio on may also help. You could also try going out with him when he’s very tired and about to go to sleep, or otherwise, lift him gently out of his cot when he’s just fallen asleep and transfer him to the car seat and go for a short drive.
He may be picking up on your anxiety as well which is why it’s important to try and stay calm.
Some babies really don’t seem to like facing the back, but again, this is non-negotiable. For now, if it’s working for you to wait to go out until your partner is home then continue doing this.
With time, and exposure there is generally an improvement. It’s important you don’t isolate yourself during this time. If you do find he’s crying when you’re driving on your own then pull over somewhere safely and calm him. If he has a dummy make sure you take spares with you.
Cheers
Jane
Hi Kylie,
I am sorry that your little boy is becoming so distressed in the car and has sometimes gone blue. Have you considered taking him to the doctor to make
sure there is no medical reason for this? If not, then it may be worth getting him checked just to make sure all is okay.
Glenda
Answered:
11 Feb 2012