Traveling with Baby: Avoiding Screaming Serenades

I never really worried about traveling in the car with baby. Everyone said things like, "Babies always sleep in the car. They love riding in the car. We always take our baby for a drive to put him to sleep."

They are some lucky ducks. My baby was only like that until about 4 weeks old. Then we were rudely thrust into a world where the baby screamed in the car seat. Oh, things would start out well. She would lay quietly. Then she would scream her head off until we reached our destination and took her out. So, aside from buying some earplugs, we came up with some solutions to content the baby.

1. Start with a full tummy and clean diaper. Whenever possible, change the baby's diaper and nurse her immediately before placing her in the car seat. If she doesn't fall asleep while nursing, being full will at least help her be more comfortable on the ride.

2. Give baby a comfort object. For Little K, we give her a lightweight or fluffy blanket, depending on the weather. It helps her relax when she has something to grasp. If your baby gets quiet, be sure to glance back and made sure she hasn't pulled the blanket over her face. Little K has never done this, but it's better to check just in case.

3. When the baby starts to show interest in toys, find a favorite one for car rides. Little K loves her turtle. It rattles, makes crinkly noises, and has a mirror on the bottom.

4. Give baby something interesting to look at.  We put one of those car mirrors at the base of Kaylee's seat so she can admire herself. Sometimes it also works well to have someone sitting back there to amuse her







5. Make sure baby is comfortable. Little K gets the sun in her eyes in the mornings and evenings, so we hang a light blanket over the bar of the seat to provide some shade.

6. Have a pacifier handy. We keep a pacifier clipped to the head support in the seat. Sometimes Little K needs a few minutes of sucking to tip her over into dreamland....








7. Sympathize with baby. Think of how you feel after riding in the car for hours on end. Your rear starts tingling and you just want to stretch out. Babies get the same way! Whenever possible, take your baby out for a stretch. Put her in the carrier or sling while you're in the grocery store. Let her nap in your arms over lunch. Giving your baby a break from the car seat will do wonders.

Good luck to fellow suffering parents...you have my deepest sympathies for your hearing. My final tip is to drive fast and don't take the scenic route! The sooner you reach your destination, the sooner your baby can be comforted.