Car ride woes


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By Dr Richard C. Woolfson

A screaming one-year-old in the back of your car is such a distraction when you’re behind the wheel. You need to stay focused and drive safely, but the strong cries of your precious one can easily pull your attention away from the road.

To avoid those outbursts, consider why your baby may be upset. For instance, he’s uncomfortable sitting in the same position for what he feels is a long time. Maybe he gets motion sicknessand starts to feel unwell very soon after the trip began. It could be that he yells at you simply because he is bored in the car seat and wants to have something to do.

Physical factors can also upset him, such as a dirty diaper or pangs of hunger. Any of these, or other factors, can turn the journey into a nightmare for both of you.

STOP THOSE TEARS

Before the journey starts, look at the trip from your little one’s perspective. Try to anticipate what may go wrong and what can make him distressed, and then take possible preventive measures.

For instance, you can plan lots of short rest stops, provide him with snacks and ensure that he can see out of the window. You should also put some of his favourite toys within easy reach, and stock up on lots of children’s music CDs.

No matter how well-prepared you are, however, there are likely to be times when your one-year-old howls dreadfully in the middle of a journey. He refuses to stop and his cries only get louder and louder.

When that happens, most important of all, use all your inner resources to stay calm and concentrate on driving. Never turn your head, even for a split second, to glance backwards at him. (It helps to have an extra “child-watching mirror fitted to the driver’s. This way, you can see your infant in his car seat without having to turn round, and he can see you.)

Of course, the easiest strategy is to stop the car, take him out his car seat and have a short break with a snack. But don’t do this the moment he starts to scream. Otherwise, he’ll quickly learn that crying mid-journey is a very effective way of getting what he wants, and he’ll only get into the habit of yelling.

WE’RE ALMOST THERE

Try to keep driving, while at the same time encouraging your baby to regain control and quieten down. Don’t get angry with him; just speak to him in a quiet, firm voice. You may find that a few soothing words, combined with the vibrations of the car engine, are enough to settle him quickly. Suggest that he plays with the toys beside him. If he does calm down without you having to pull over, give him lots of praise.

But should his screams persist till either of you are about to reach breaking point, stop the car gently in a safe parking place. Take your baby out the car seat, and establish what’s troubling him. Chances are, something to eat and drink will keep him happy till you arrive at your destination.

You can plan to have another car stop in, say, 20 minutes without having to wait for him to scream the place down. It’s far better for you to control when you have driving breaks than to leave it to your crying bub to make the decision for you.

From Young Parents issue

Car ride woes

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