Do you ever dread taking your little one in the car? You’re not alone. It can be challenging to keep them calm and content at any time while inside the vehicle. But don’t despair. There is hope! With the right strategies and tools, you’ll discover how to get baby to stop crying in car with ease.
Babies often cry in the car for various reasons, including hunger, tiredness, or boredom.
However, other factors may contribute to their distress, such as motion sickness and discomfort from car seats. It’s essential to identify the root cause before trying any solutions.
In this blog post, we will dive deep into tried-and-true tips on getting your baby to stop crying in the car — all without having to resort to screaming matches or excessive bribing!
Why Does My Baby Cry Uncontrollably in the Car?
There can be various reasons why your baby may cry uncontrollably in the car. Common reasons include hunger, discomfort, fatigue, or unfamiliarity with their surroundings. It’s essential to try and identify the cause so you can address it accordingly.
Hunger: Babies have small stomachs and tend to get hungry quickly. If your baby cries shortly after feeding, they may still be hungry or require a diaper change. Try to feed and change your baby before getting in the car.
Discomfort: A poorly adjusted car seat or uncomfortable clothing can cause discomfort for your baby, leading to crying. Ensure their car seat is secure and comfortable, and dress them in loose-fitting clothes.
Fatigue: Just like adults, babies can get tired and irritable from long journeys. Consider taking short breaks to give your baby some rest.
Unfamiliarity: Being in a car may be a new experience for your baby, and they may not understand what’s happening. Over time, they will become more accustomed to the sensation of being in a moving vehicle.
It’s also essential to note that some babies may have a more sensitive temperament, making them more prone to crying in the car.
What Will Need
Before we get started, here are some helpful items to have on hand that can make your car rides much smoother and more comfortable for both you and your baby:
- Snacks or a bottle of milk/formula
- Favorite toys or pacifiers
- Music or white noise machine
- Sunshade for the windows to block out bright light
- Comfortable clothing — avoid bulky coats that might make them too warm
- A mirror to keep an eye on the baby from the front seat
Once you have these essentials, let’s dive into the strategies on how to get the baby to stop crying in car.
10 Easy Steps on How to Get Baby to Stop Crying in Car
Step 1. Plan Ahead
One of the most effective ways to prevent a crying episode in the car is to plan. This means getting your little one ready for the trip beforehand rather than trying to do it in a hurry. This will help avoid any unnecessary stress or frustration which could impact the baby’s mood.
Step 2. Ensure Comfort
Make sure your baby is comfortable before setting off. Check their diaper, as a wet or dirty diaper can cause discomfort, leading to crying. Adjust their clothing according to the weather, and ensure the car seat straps are not too tight. Use a car seat liner or head support for added comfort if necessary. Remember, a comfortable baby is likelier to stay calm during the ride.
Step 3. Create a Familiar Environment
Infusing the car with familiar scents, sounds, and sights can help soothe an upset baby. Consider using a car-friendly white noise machine or playing soft, familiar music your baby enjoys. Hang a favorite toy or soft book within their sight to provide distraction. Use a car seat cover or blanket that smells like home – the familiar scent can be calming for your baby.
Step 4. Keep Baby Entertained
Nothing distracts a baby better than a fascinating, colorful toy or a captivating story. Bring your baby’s favorite toys to keep them entertained during the ride. However, be mindful of safety and avoid toys with small parts that could be a choking hazard. If you have a passenger, they can read a picture book aloud to the baby. Interactive toys or those that make gentle sounds are particularly effective in capturing the baby’s attention.
Step 5. Keep a Calm Atmosphere
A calm environment can have a significant impact on your baby’s mood. Try to keep your voice soothing and your movements gentle. If you’re feeling stressed, your baby can pick up on this, which could make them feel uneasy. If needed, pull over to calm yourself down before continuing the journey. Remember, your baby looks to you for reassurance and security. They’re more likely to be calm if you’re calm.
Step 6. Schedule Breaks for Long Trips
For long journeys, it’s important to schedule regular breaks. Babies can get restless and uncomfortable sitting in one position for extended periods. Stop every couple of hours to give them time outside the car seat. During these breaks, you can feed your baby, change their diaper, let them stretch and move around, or simply cuddle with them. This can help reset their mood and make the remainder of the car ride more bearable.
Step 7. Use Soothing Sounds
Babies find certain sounds very soothing, such as white noise or lullabies. These sounds can mimic the comforting noises heard in the womb, providing your baby a sense of security and familiarity. You can use a mobile white noise machine, a baby-friendly music playlist, or even a lullaby app on your smartphone. Try different sounds to find out what works best for your baby. Always keep the volume safe to protect your baby’s delicate hearing.
Step 8. Incorporate Motion
The gentle motion of the car can help soothe a fussy baby. Some babies find the vibration and movement of the car soothing, much like a rocking cradle. If your baby is crying and nothing else seems to work, try driving around for a little while (safety permitting) to see if the movement helps them settle down. This won’t work for all babies, especially those prone to motion sickness, but it can be a helpful trick for some.
Step 9. Have a Familiar Face in Sight
Babies often feel comforted by seeing a familiar face. Consider arranging the car seat so your baby can see you or another caregiver during the ride. You can also use a backseat mirror to help your baby see you from the driver’s seat. A little eye contact and a reassuring smile can go a long way in calming a distressed baby.
Step 10. Remain Patient and Consistent
Patience is vital when dealing with a crying baby in the car. Crying is the only way your baby can communicate discomfort, fear, or need. It can be highly stressful to hear your baby cry, especially when trying to focus on driving, but keep your cool. Consistently respond to your child’s needs in a calm, reassuring manner. Over time, your baby will become more accustomed to car rides, and the crying will decrease.
By following these tips, you can help make car rides a more pleasant experience for both you and your baby. With some planning and patience, you’ll be able to get your little one to stop crying in the car and enjoy peaceful trips together.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Familiar Toys or Blankets: Having a familiar object can comfort your baby. Always keep their favorite toy or blanket in the car to help them feel secure and calm.
- Proper Car Seat Adjustment: Ensure your baby’s car seat is correctly installed and adjusted. Uncomfortable seating may cause your baby to cry. Periodically check the car seat for discomforts like tight straps or an awkward sitting position.
- Feeding Before Travel: Try to feed your baby before you get in the car. Hunger can be a common reason for your baby’s discomfort and crying.
- Short Breaks: If the journey is long, consider taking short breaks. This can change your baby’s scenery and mood, potentially calming their crying.
- Soothing Music or Sounds: Soft and relaxing music or sound can calm your baby. Consider playing some of their favorite lullabies or white noise to help them relax during the car ride.
As a parent, handling a crying baby while driving can be challenging. But with these additional tips and tricks, you can soothe your little one and have a peaceful car ride.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Ignoring the Crying: While it may be tempting to focus on the road and ignore the crying, it can cause undue stress for your baby. Always try to address the issue when it’s safe to do so.
- Yelling or Getting Frustrated: It’s natural to feel frustrated with persistent crying but remember, your baby can pick up on your emotions. Maintaining a calm and comforting demeanor can help soothe your baby.
- Overfeeding Before the Ride: While feeding before the ride is essential, overfeeding can lead to discomfort or even car sickness. Moderation is key.
- Relying Solely on Driving to Soothe the Baby: Some babies fall asleep during car rides, but using this as the only method to calm them can create a dependency, making it difficult to soothe the baby in other situations.
- Neglecting Regular Car Seat Checks: Pay attention to regularly checking your baby’s car seat. It’s not just a one-time task; comfort levels and safety can change as your baby grows. Ensure the car seat is always secure and comfortable for your baby.
With these tips and tricks, you can confidently handle a crying baby in the car. Remember to stay calm, address any discomfort or hunger, and use soothing techniques like familiar items and music.
Conclusion
All in all, the key to soothing a crying baby in the car is patience and practice. With time and consistency, you can soothe your little one into silence whenever they are uncomfortable during a car ride.
Remember to create a calming environment, distract them with fun activities or singing, and take a break from the road if all else fails. After learning these methods for getting your baby to stop crying in the car, you should feel confident using any of them whenever needed.
Hopefully, the article on how to get baby to stop crying in car has given you valuable insights and practical tips to make your car rides with your baby more enjoyable for both of you. So, put these parenting tips into action – let’s get driving!
