Help! Why does my infant hate her car seat?

[Anonymous]

We have a Uppababy Mesa car seat. My two month old DD cries every single time she’s in her car seat. Even after she’s fed, burped/farted, and with a clean diaper. Only time she doesn’t cry is when she happens to fall asleep (rare). Car rides are miserable and I’m at a loss on what to do. I spent quite a bit of money on this seat and I don’t want to have to replace it, especially because it’s compatible with her stroller. Any advice on what to do to make her more comfortable?

[Anonymous]

Pacifier?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pacifier?

Op here- she never took to a pacifier unfortunately

[Anonymous]

It might not be the actual seat, just that she doesn’t like the car. My oldest screamed when we were in the car, it fried my nerves.

Our pediatrician recommended giving her milk using these in the car, it helped a bit: https://a.co/d/f1WqR6L

[Anonymous]

She likely just really doesn't like being away from you. Two months is still an infant -- it's really early. I would continue to experiment with items and routines that might help soothe her and in the meantime try to keep car trips shorter or if you are with someone else in the car have someone ride sitting next to her. It will get better.

Stuff I'd try: stuffies and special blankets especially ones that are likely to smell like you. Distracting objects like mirrors and mobiles and other car toys. Talking to her the whole time so she hears your voice and maybe starts to understand that while she cannot see you you are still nearby and caring for her. Alternatively playing music she likes (or singing to her).

I know this seems like torture now but you are really not that far away from issues like this kind of resolving themselves (and being replaced by other issues). As she gets older she will start to gain object permanence which will make her less sensitive to this kind of separation anxiety. She'll also just get used to the car and likely even come to like aspects of car travel (most kids do).

[Anonymous]

This is pretty normal, unfortunately. I doubt changjng car seats would make a difference. You could try a fan or white noise in the car or practice in the stroller when you're not stressed about driving. She also simply might change as she gets older she's still very little.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pacifier?

Op here- she never took to a pacifier unfortunately

Keep trying. Its definitely not too late. Try different brands and shapes. Pacifiers are lifesavers and I don't get why they are so maligned. It was easy to take it away later on and so worth it.

[Anonymous]

A few drops of formula on the paci can help too. Or a bottle in the car

[Anonymous]

I would try switching to a convertible seat but agree to get a mirror so she can see you and a lovey with your scent (I stuffed my kids lovies in my bra overnight).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A few drops of formula on the paci can help too. Or a bottle in the car

A bottle for a 2 month old in the car is very unsafe.

[Anonymous]

I had a sedan when baby was born. She HATED the car seat. I would hold her little foot while I drove. Awkward, sure, but it worked.

[Anonymous]

My kid hated her car seat and never took to a pacifier - drives were very stressful listening to her scream the whole time. It was 80% unsolveable - she just didn't like her car seat!

BUT! I also realized at about 4 months that there was a "newborn insert" in the car seat that I never took out and she was not comfortable because she was not newborn sized anymore. At 2 months that is probably not your problem (and like I said, DD never really liked the car seat even when it was sized appropriately), but it's something to watch out for.

[Anonymous]

The cost of the carseat is kind of irrelevant at this point since the money is gone and there is nothing you can do about it. I'd be very tempted to purchase a convertible rear facing carseat and see if she likes it any better. If she doesn't, you can always return it and if she does, it is well worth buying it early (since you would have to buy it eventually anyway.)

[Anonymous]

My baby was like that. It was horrible. He would SCREAM the entire car ride. He finally grew out of it but it wasn’t fun.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a Uppababy Mesa car seat. My two month old DD cries every single time she’s in her car seat. Even after she’s fed, burped/farted, and with a clean diaper. Only time she doesn’t cry is when she happens to fall asleep (rare). Car rides are miserable and I’m at a loss on what to do. I spent quite a bit of money on this seat and I don’t want to have to replace it, especially because it’s compatible with her stroller. Any advice on what to do to make her more comfortable?

This is a tale as old as time. The majority of babies hate the car seat. Mainly because they are away from you and strapped down. It will pass but, you have to live through it.

Sorry!