My daughter holds her breath in the car seat?

Question

My 16-month old holds her breath for long periods of time while in the car seat. She started this out of the blue about 2 months ago and just doesn't stop. It's gotten to the point where she holds it long enough that she nearly passes out. We are very worried about it. If we try to distract her with a toy or a cup of water, she throws it away and starts holding her breath again.

My aunt thinks this is behavioural, but I'm not sure. We have stopped giving her attention when she does it, and she still continues to do it.

I'm worried that she's going to get to the point where she does pass out, and I'm worried that it's contributing to her developmental delays.

We've tried loosening the straps a bit, thinking maybe it was too tight, but that hasn't helped.

Why is she holding her breath like this, and how can we stop her from doing it? Should we see a doctor about it?

Answer 1

Your kid needs its butt  beat!!! It is a little brat

Answer 2

I've never heard of this before.  Sounds like an attention seeker.  If she's holding her breath, as you've said, for long periods of time I'd talk to your doctor.  Also, until you figure this out, take short trips in the car.  What about a DVD player in the car or something to distract....perhaps a music CD and you can sing along to the toddler songs?

Answer 3

Its an attention thing-when she holds her breath, i'm guessing (understandably) you panic-who wouldn't! Ignore her as much as you can-she won't pass out. But yes, speak to your doctor or health visitor. It sounds like she really doesn't like her car seat though!

Answer 4

my little brother did this  it is an attention thing  just ignore it  if she does pass out it is ok because her body will run on instincts again and will return to breathing, eventually she will stop,  it wont hurt her in any way