https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 27 Apr 2026 02:46:13 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2768818 Sun, 20 Aug 2017 10:12:20 +0000 sunnyday 2768818@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: actually ok!!!</p> <p>We are on our way home now. Driving home over three days.</p> <p>Went out over two days (11 hours driving and stops day one, 9 hours day two). </p> <p>I've sat in the back with her the entire time. It's been exhausting, except when she sleeps. We've introduced foods back here, read some books she loves 8 zillion time, put the dog squeaky toy app on iPad at her feet, new toys, peek a boo with a blanket a lot. </p> <p>Only times she's cried is when she's had trouble settling and just needs to make some noise for a few mins and get herself asleep.</p> <p>Survivable, that's for sure. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2768077 Wed, 16 Aug 2017 10:02:11 +0000 MrsADS 2768077@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would totally not do a 20 hour car trip with a hysterical screaming baby. Maybe have 1 parent drive with the other kids and fly with the baby. I just would not do it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2768072 Wed, 16 Aug 2017 09:27:19 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2768072@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sunnyday: Any update?! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760706 Fri, 21 Jul 2017 17:12:01 +0000 sunnyday 2760706@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Portboston: in Canada, but have a friend who takes her little guy to one so we'd be set for a recco! So many great thoughts/tips have come from this thread! Worth a try! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760694 Fri, 21 Jul 2017 15:48:02 +0000 Portboston 2760694@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Have you tried taking her to a chiropractor? Sounds crazy but my guy was the same way. Screamed every car ride. We finally took him to a chiropractor and within 2 visits he was like a new baby!!!! If there's any chance you're in the pnw let me know and I'll refer you to her. She changed our life!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760616 Fri, 21 Jul 2017 12:51:12 +0000 sunnyday 2760616@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: I rode back there recently (first time ever, lol) trying to keep her happy (she was in middle row with older two on either side) and I can totally see how it could be worse for motion sickness!! I noticed it! She's going in the car this aft, so let's see if yesterday was just a fluke! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760536 Fri, 21 Jul 2017 08:42:25 +0000 snowjewelz 2760536@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sunnyday: Wow, amazing! But everything I read said that back row is worse for car sickness?! I hope this set up is what will get you through this trip!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760472 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 19:24:18 +0000 MenagerieMama 2760472@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sunnyday: DH is a child psychologist and is very behavioral when he approaches problems. And I have to say it works very well! Not always time effective but worth a try! Also throw a huge party anytime she tolerates the car seat in a non-screaming matter for any length of time. Lots of positive reinforcement! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760469 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 19:20:53 +0000 sunnyday 2760469@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MenagerieMama: Fair!!! Could be a good call to work toward a positive association with it!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760465 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 19:03:50 +0000 MenagerieMama 2760465@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you have enough time to do a really slow conditioning? Like play near the car seat, sit in the car seat for 30 sec, sit in it without straps, etc etc. it would be super slow and painful but then maybe it would help her get over it? Or just always pair a really good association with it? Like keep a car seat inside for a week and she only eats her puffs when she's in it. Or plays with a certain toy. Just trying to think behaviorally :) Sometimes babies are just crazy though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760450 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 17:44:54 +0000 sunnyday 2760450@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NorthStar: probably not technically legal? If it was my middle windows or rear I would never consider doing it. Between mirrors and cameras, from drivers spot, these covers don't take away any driver views. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760431 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 15:59:27 +0000 NorthStar 2760431@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sunnyday: dumb question, but can you legally drive with the windows covered up? I don't want you to get a ticket! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760429 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 15:58:50 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2760429@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sunnyday: WOW! Ive been there and know that a 20 minute drive with a happy baby is a huge win! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760424 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 15:54:56 +0000 sunnyday 2760424@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Quick update, my husband said he doesn't believe me. I just went to pick up DD1 from camp (20 mins each way) and in the new set up (older two were in middle row) she was happy the entire time. Too early to tell yet, but what a huge positive. Paper on windows and back row baby! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760421 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 15:52:38 +0000 sunnyday 2760421@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bees_knees: She will sleep the odd time, not reliable to sleep ever, and I posted earlier about where we are driving, pre-kids we agreed not to drive at night with single lane oncoming transports and wild life. We've run parallel with deer on this part of the highway numerous times at night and it's the last thing I want to deal with while kids in vehicle. Willing to consider tylenol....controversial or not!!</p> <p>@LCTBQE: the internet is so anti Dramamine/Gravol for babies. I talked to him about it last week and he didn't offer anything, so..... :/</p> <p>@peaches1038: Gripe water for suuuuure to try! I will have to get it on our next grocery list.</p> <p>@littlebug: Thanks for Benadryl tip!! Glad it has worked for you!</p> <p>@T.H.O.U.: re: headphones while driving, I don't think they're safe at all worn while driving! I don't even know how it's legal to be honest! Yes she screams, but other noises (horns, screeches, sirens) are not drowned out, whereas with headphones they would be. Second driver could be sleeping, and realistically for the drive, when not driving, they are on the kids and "off duty" for the roads.</p> <p>re: secret toys. Each kid gets an iPad (low/no screentime kids on the every day) so it's like crack (I am lucky to borrow two for the trip). I packed a bin each of new toys/crafts for them for this drive last year and iPad won. The bins paid off huge for the three weeks we were there camping, and I plan to do the same this year! One for B too, car toys esp to help (fingers crossed). I'm expecting pee breaks fo rthe older two to ruin her sleep stretches, lol. Windows down sometimes helps for a bit, but sometimes tough at highway speeds for long stretches. lol I love all your questions and suggestions. Re: emerg stops. We are pretty familiar with where our stops are, we keep a camping lantern easily accessible in our back hatch (use for dog pee breaks in dark, lol) so have that if needed, but again, we have zero plans to drive during dark. No swaddle, she's already a pulling up, crawling machine, and has been out of the swaddle for months. I have wondered though if she just doesn't feel stable leaned back and backwards, and thought about tucking her arms or positioning pillows on both sides to give her something to grab thats soft but supportive on her arms/hands. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760400 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 14:49:00 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2760400@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Last question, what is your plan for stops and emergency stops? We had to stop one time on a deserted exit to get baby out. She was really really worked up and started to almost hyperventilate. I wish we had brought a flashlight or something to help us and planned a little better knowing where good stopping points were. We basically were stopping every hour because I didn't like to have her cry longer than that. </p> <p>Another thought, do you swaddle? There are ways you can safely swaddle in the car. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760399 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 14:47:14 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2760399@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also, I would make sure to have extra secret back up toys/games/shows/snacks for your older kids. If by chance the baby does fall asleep, you cannot stop. Try to keep going as long as you can and rely on this secret stash. Lolipops are great for this! </p> <p>Have you tried windows down versus windows up? Sometimes when DD would scream, we would have to crack the windows a few inches. I figured the fresh air helped some if it was car sickness, it gave her some white noise, and gave us a tiny break from the level of crying. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760397 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 14:45:02 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2760397@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am so sorry. We canceled our 5 hour trip to see family for the holidays last year because of this. Its a real issue. DH also did not tolerate it well.</p> <p>Just curious, why are you so against ear plugs or head phones? I mean, if she's crying that loud, its not like he can hear much anyways. Plus you have a second drive that could alert him if an emergency vehicle was coming or something. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760374 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 13:55:30 +0000 littlebug 2760374@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our 17mo gets car sick and our ped recommended Benadryl. On our last trip (4 hours to the beach) we gave it to her about 20 minutes before we left and she slept almost the whole ride. Without it, it would have been a scream fest until she wore herself out (and girlfriend has some serious scream stamina and would easily cry/scream for over an hour). I asked about Dramamine and our ped didn't recommend for a baby so young, but was fine with Benadryl (5mL at 28lb).</p> <p>ETA: I've thought about covering up at least her window, because she will sit there and stare out the window and then scream until she pukes. But Benadryl worked, so I'm sticking with that until we can FF at 2. I'd prefer to keep her RF longer, but more strongly prefer not to clean puke out of a Clek Foonf. :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760368 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 13:37:47 +0000 peaches1038 2760368@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We would dip the binky in gripe water and give it before strapping him in. The taste made him want to keep sucking and I think it helped any possibility of motion sickness bc of the ginger. I would just keep a bottle and a few binkys by me and keep dipping new ones. Maybe try it and see? Could buy you a little bit of silence. Have you tried adjusting the incline of the seat at all? Usually there's an acceptable range and maybe she would like to be more upright? Oh, I also forgot to remove the infant insert and once I did that, he was a little bit happier. Good luck!<br /> Oh and do the straps have pads on them? Maybe they are rubbing her neck? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760366 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 13:33:42 +0000 LCTBQE 2760366@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sunnyday: our pediatricians office recommends Dramamine for babies. I haven't tried it but my friends 18-month old vomits from motion sickness on e v e r y car ride and she gives it to him per the dr (we go to the same ped office) and she says it has saved them. Call your doctor and look into it, maybe that's why your boo is miserable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760353 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 13:11:11 +0000 bees_knees 2760353@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sounds like you've tried it all, as far as seats/positions/etc go. Even if she's only 6 mo old, I'd explain to her that you're going on a long trip and that she has to stay in her car seat to be safe. Will she ever fall asleep? If so, I'd try leaving close to bedtime so she can sleep most of the way. Although, that would've backfired for my oldest as he would SCREAM whenever we travelled at night. </p> <p>Not sure how controversial this advice will be, but I would definitely give her some Tylenol beforehand if you know she's going to be crying for an extended period of time. At least then you know it will take the edge off of her headache/sore throat you always get from crying 😕 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760339 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 12:51:09 +0000 sunnyday 2760339@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just read an article on motion sickness for RF. I'm desperate. Middle seat, back row, with side windows covered. Will rig up some toys to hang (like that link, thanks @ustechie: and try to keep her head up versus down or level. </p> [attach=4180/17/otehla.600x255.IMG_4787.JPG] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760336 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 12:47:42 +0000 sunnyday 2760336@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@oscarthegoon: DH has no family here, we travel once a year (summer, he is a teacher) to see his family and his fam hasn't met her. The trip is important to us and his fam, if it was a trip to a sunny spot with no real purpose, definitely would not have ever been considered.</p> <p>@Mamaof2: I don't think we've gone too far really, an hour maybe? We could leave at bedtime, the drive is bad for deer and wildlife in parts of Quebec and New Brunswick. We have had several near run-ins in the past when we used to do it straight through/all hours pre-kids, we said when we had kids we wouldn't do overnight for the single lane stretches with oncoming transport trucks, plus wildlife. The odd time she has fallen asleep (usually within 5 mins of home) she has transferred into crib without issue (she also transfers from stroller no prob). Car seat in livingroom, heck no. If it's not moving, none of my kids have ever tolerated still and strapped in. I have never had those sleepy babies that just sleep in car seats, haha! So many Mom friends could do programming/classes with older kiddo's and leave their littles in the bucket.....not a chance here ever, lol. I would just babywear.</p> <p>@ustechie: Mirror yes, doesn't seem to make a difference (I've positioned it a few different ways......looking up link now!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760327 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 12:24:39 +0000 ustechie 2760327@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also, do you have a mirror so she can see you guys? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760326 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 12:22:53 +0000 ustechie 2760326@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We got something like this and it was a game changer...</p> <p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009GCRH7M/ref=mp_s_a_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1500571304&#038;sr=8-5&#038;keywords=car+seat+toy" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009GCRH7M/ref=mp_s_a_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1500571304&#038;sr=8-5&#038;keywords=car+seat+toy</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760316 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 12:06:02 +0000 Mamaof2 2760316@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sunnyday: whats the longest car ride she has taken so far?<br /> Any luck leaving at bedtime? or nap time?<br /> Can you transfer her asleep to the car seat?<br /> If the car seat was in your living room would she tolerate sitting in it? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760315 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 12:01:22 +0000 oscarthegoon 2760315@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow, that sounds like it will be a terrible experience for all of you, not just the baby. Personally, I would not attempt a long car trip until she handles the car seat better. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/car-seat-hater-long-trip-how-to-not-go-over-the-edge#post-2760296 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 11:27:12 +0000 sunnyday 2760296@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My 6 m/o DD is a car screamer.</p> <p>Has been since day one, out of the bucket at 2 months, every.single.car.ride is HELL.</p> <p>I'm posting with a smirk on my face, but some real seriousness. If we let a baby cry this much in any other situation, wouldn't it be like abuse or abandonment? In two weeks we leave for a 20-hour one way trip for three weeks and for months have been saying "she'll grow out of it", well she hasn't....at all. You set her in car seat and you can't even get the straps over her shoulders and she's freaking. By that point she is screaming so much she will not accept soother or any distractions. Again, I moved her from the bucket at 2 months into RF Graco, we have now put her into RF Diono. </p> <p>We joke gravol.....we have joked one of us flies with her (we have a 3 y/o DS and 4 y/o DD1, plus our dog).....</p> <p>I love my husband, but he is now home for the summer and with us on our every day. I have become numb to the car screaming, from our outings we had to do (DD school, grandparent visits, groceries, etc) but he is not. He cannot focus and is a rageful awful person and the screaming just eats him alive. It is realistically intolerable, but just.....I'm numb. I refuse to let anyone drive with ear plugs or ear phones, it's not safe.</p> <p>This vacation is optional, we are going to put her through something that is obviously painful/awful/the worst for my DD and I don't even know what to do. Like.....if you said you were going to force your kid to cry and said it to someone you'd be judged. We know she's going to cry, we know it's going to be terrible, but we "have" to go. </p> <p>I don't even know why I am posting, just venting, she is the happiest most pleasant baby in the world every other moment of her life, eats well, sleeps great, poops normal, social, happy, smiley girl. We LOVE this trip and love doing the drive, but there is definitely a huge amount of fear about the drive when thinking about DD.</p> <p>Also, I have rearranged our van every way possible to try to help her, kids in sight, parent in sight, parent beside, kids beside, it's been done. FWIW, the only other time she has "straps" go over her is the stroller (BOB single, FF) and she would stay in there all day long so long as we're moving.</p> <p>Gah. </p>