My kids detested riding in a car seat when they were small. I’d try to place their little bodies in the seat while they held their arms and legs straight out at their sides, screaming at the top of their lungs. People passing by would stop and stare for a minute, possibly afraid I was torturing the kids, before smiling sympathetically and scurrying away. Through lots of trial and error I finally found three strategies that helped save my sanity and lured the kids into the car seat.
1. Keep a special basket of toys in the car.
These were our “car seat” toys. We could only play with them while we were in the car seat. A particular favorite was a tiny car dashboard that had a steering wheel, gear shift and incredibly annoying horn. The kids could “drive” just like mom or dad and the horn could “accidentally” be taped over when it got on my nerves.
2. Buy a Car Seat Designed to Resemble their favorite character.
The nine year old was a spider man fanatic. He begged for everything Spiderman and had a cape he could wear in the car to pretend to be a superhero while driving. If your child is fascinated with Superheroes or cartoon characters, consider purchasing a car seat designed to resemble their hero. What kid won’t be content riding in a Batman or Dora car seat?
3. Keep Special Snacks in the Car.
Kids get cranky, tired and hungry by the end of the day or when running multiple errands. I kept a “special” container of the kids favorite graham crackers in a toddler bowl. The kids could help themselves to a snack and it reduced the whining for fast food treats. How do they learn what a drive through is so early in life?
What tips help(ed) you survive the toddler car seat years? Share them with us.
these are great tips i need to remember with my 4 year old on our trips!
My oldest son never called out for fast food places, I took him once a week from his daycare to Applebees, every time he saw their sign he would ask to go, still does and he is 16, lol. I always keep snacks in the car, did not think about the toys though, my son usually plays on my phone or we play other games. I will have to think about adding toys.
We don’t have a basket of toys in our car, but I’m going to do that! What a great idea!
Great tips.. always tricky to keep a toddler entertained… Love the snack idea.. always have to have snack and that will keep them happy for a while. Thanks for sharing, enjoyed reading it
Great tips! I would have never thought to buy a seat that looks like one of his fav characters 🙂
The Car Seat Designed to Resemble their favorite character is brilliant and never would have thought of that one.