How to Get an Infant to Stay in an Infant Seat Without Crying

Hey, I told you, I don't like this seat.

If you have a newborn baby, or if you have an older infant who does not like sitting in an infant seat, traveling can become difficult. The law requires infant seats, and they are necessary for your child's safety. If your child cries when placed in an infant seat, it is not okay to hold them in a vehicle or to use a seat belt alone. It can be frustrating to teach a child to sit in his or her seat, but it must be done if you plan to go anywhere outside of walking distance from your home.

Things You'll Need

• Infant safety seat
• Box of medium-sized toys
• 2 self-adhesive mirrors
• Blanket with a busy pattern
• Window shades
• Pacifier

Instructions

1. Fill a box with some medium-sized toys, and place it in the car. Don't use the toys for anything but travel. The "new" toys may cause enough interest to keep your child busy for the trip.

2. Put a self-adhesive mirror on the back of the seat that your infant is facing. Place the other mirror in the front of the car. Place the mirror in a place where you can see the baby's face in the reflection of the backseat mirror, and the baby can see your face in the reflection of the mirror in the front seat. Being able to see you may calm your child down. Seeing a parent can be very comforting to a child who is nervous about something.

3. Use a blanket with a busy pattern to stretch over the back seat. This can serve as an interesting focal point for your infant. The typical gray backseat might not be enough stimulation for his or her brain, so boredom takes over, and they might start to cry.

4. Install window shades to block sun from your baby's eyes. Window shades usually can be applied as a window cling or attached with a suction cup. Sun in your baby's eyes could most certainly cause enough stress to make them cry.

5. Offer a pacifier to your child. Pacifiers do exactly what the name suggests, they passify. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that non-nutritive sucking of pacifiers or thumbs is good for your baby's emotional development, comfort, relaxation and security.

6. Try asking another adult to drive, if possible, so that you can sit in the back seat with your baby. Talk softly and reassure them. You can play peek-a-boo or similar games to keep them company.

Tips & Warnings

• Infants should never be left unattended in infant seats. If your child is crying, first check to make sure they are not hurt, hungry, wet or sick before trying these suggestions.

References

• Pregnancy.Org
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• PACT Oral Health Initative

Resources

• Just The Facts Baby