How to Get a Baby Used to the Car Seat

Although a car seat keeps your little one safe and secure while you travel, your baby may just see it as an unpleasant time that she is forced to be away from you. If your little one seems anxious or scared in the car seat, you can help ease her distress by making the experience as enjoyable as possible. With time, she will get used to riding in the car this way, which will be easier on both of you.

Instructions

    • 1

      Sing or talk to your baby while you̵7;re placing and securing him in the car seat. This is comforting and distracting for your little one. Making silly faces or noises also helps. If he tends to fuss while traveling, continue to sing or talk to him. This lets him know that you̵7;re nearby and everything is fine. When he̵7;s in a rear-facing seat and can̵7;t see you, he may get scared.

    • 2

      Offer some distractions. Colorful toys and unbreakable mirrors that are attached to the car work well for this. Get some toys that hang from the car seat handle so your baby has something to look at and reach for.

    • 3

      Make the car seat as comfortable as possible. If your baby slouches to one side, as most newborns do, use blanket rolls on both sides of her body to prop her up and hold her into position. You can also find soft or fuzzy harness strap covers that can make it cozier.

    • 4

      Ensure that your baby is properly positioned in the car seat. Improper positioning can be uncomfortable, as well as unsafe. Read the car seat owner̵7;s manual for exact installation and use instructions. The straps should lie snug and straight against your baby̵7;s body -- not twisted, loose or cutting into the skin. The chest clip should be at your baby̵7;s armpit level, not on neck or belly.

    • 5

      Limit the amount of nontraveling car seat time. Car seats are meant for use while traveling, not as a replacement crib. Mayo Clinic reports that long periods of sitting in a car seat can compress a newborn̵7;s chest, lead to low oxygen levels, contribute to the development of a flat spot on the back of the skull or make gastroesophageal reflux disease worse.

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