16 month old not liking the car seat.?

Question

I know if she's a little hungry or tired getting her into the seat isn't going to go well, but these days it's almost like she never wants to go in it. I'm going to get her a few new "car toys" but other than that I'm at a loss as to how to get her into it without a fight.

Answer 1

Most kids do that at this age.  They're just asserting their independence.  With DD, we simply said, "Stop!" in a firm voice.  She would usually cry, but we put her in anyway.  After a few times she stopped fighting at all.

Answer 2

What me and my husband did was install a DVD player in our van. If my 22 month old daughter got in without a fuss, she'd get to watch SpongeBob or s****. Doo and she gets a sippy cup of juice. A cheaper alternative would be to buy a portable DVD player ($90 at Best Buy) and let her hold onto it or set it on something. My son, now 5, never had this problem though. You could try the car toys, maybe let her pick them out, then wait a few days before you give them to her (added suspense but also sort of a bribe). Like I mentioned before, which I'm sure you were planning, don't let her have the toys until she's strapped in. My daughter especially loves those drawing boards where you draw on them with a "metal" tipped pen, then swipe it clean with the attached thing on the board. We keep those in the back of the all seats (mesh bags we sewed and hung on the back of the seats). When we are traveling for more than an hour, I pack a cooler filled with sippy cups with water and juice, bags of trailmix, and cut up veggies (cucumbers and carrots. celery is too tough for her, plus they have those little strings that makes it easy for little ones to choke). The snacks are meant to maintain, not to bribe though. Use the DVD player for that or the toys. When she gets in the car seat with out a fuss, give her an M&M or another tiny treat. Use kind words to encourage her too. It gets easier over time. Good luck!

Answer 3

When my son started getting like that I would play music in the car he liked to get his mind off the car seat. I would also try snacks. Basically anything to make her forget that she doesn't like that car seat.

Just think about a few of her favorite things. And if all else you could put a portable dvd player in the car and let her watch some Dora the Explorer.

Answer 4

My wife and I make sounds fun sounds when putting our 20 month old into the seat and also act a little silly. This usually calms her down and then we give her a sippy cup to keep her occupied.

Answer 5

Try the new car toys.. sometimes it just a stage and ya gotta just deal with it! the best part is usually there stages only last a week! haha good luck!

Answer 6

Make sure shes comfy in it, sometimes the straps can get tight as they grow. I give mine a little baggie or snack bowl with dry creal in it to keep him occupied. AND...have been known to sing Itsy Bitsy Spider and Row Row Your Boat 50+ times..he enjoys singing along and makes for a less stressful ride!