As a pediatrician, I often encounter parents who are bewildered by their babies’ aversion to car rides. It’s common for new parents to assume that their little ones will enjoy being in the car, much like the serene scenes portrayed in movies. However, the reality can be quite different.
When my friend Jenna was expecting her first child, she excitedly purchased an adorable infant car seat. They meticulously installed it, even consulting a car seat technician since the instructions can be quite perplexing. They envisioned their baby dozing off peacefully as the car gently swayed. But the moment they placed their baby in the seat, an unexpected ordeal began. Instead of the anticipated calm, their newborn erupted into piercing cries that echoed throughout the vehicle.
To alleviate the distress, Jenna decided to sit in the backseat with her baby. While this provided some comfort, it wasn’t a complete solution. Attempts to soothe with a pacifier were futile; her baby rejected it outright. Even offering her finger for sucking was short-lived. The desperate look on her baby’s face communicated a clear desire: to be held. Nursing in the car wasn’t feasible at that moment, but she later discovered ways to manage that once her baby grew a bit older.
Having a baby who despises the car can turn family outings into significant challenges. Parents often find themselves strategizing car trips around their baby’s mood, attempting to schedule journeys during times when their child is likely to be more agreeable. For Jenna, evenings were particularly tumultuous; daytime trips were manageable but still fraught with tension. It often meant coordinating with another adult to help soothe the baby while someone drove, or making frequent stops to provide comfort.
Longer trips seemed insurmountable. For instance, during a four-hour journey with her second child, Jenna divided the trip into two days, staying overnight at a hotel—an unconventional but necessary approach. The thought of enduring hours of relentless crying was simply unbearable.
Family and friends often offered well-meaning but unhelpful advice, suggesting that all babies eventually adapt to car rides. This wasn’t the case for Jenna’s firstborn, who never fell asleep in the car, a phenomenon that left many bewildered. It’s important to note that a significant number of infants are uncomfortable in car seats, and this experience can add stress to the already demanding life of a new parent.
This topic rarely gets the attention it deserves. The feeling of helplessness while navigating a screaming baby on a highway with no exits can be overwhelming. During those difficult months, Jenna found herself retreating into the safety of her home, often opting for walks rather than car rides. She even resorted to online grocery shopping to avoid the car entirely.
Fortunately, as her children grew and discovered toys and snacks, the intense crying episodes gradually diminished. Eventually, they became accustomed to car travel, although the classic refrain of “Are we there yet?” might have been enough to drive any parent to the brink.
If you’re a parent grappling with a baby who passionately dislikes car rides, know that you’re not alone. Your baby is simply expressing their preferences with vigor. Strategies and routines can evolve, and soon you’ll find yourself navigating the car with more ease.
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Summary
Babies can sometimes exhibit strong aversions to car rides, leaving parents feeling overwhelmed and desperate for solutions. While this experience is common, it’s important to remember that many infants share this struggle. With time, patience, and some creative strategies, parents can help their babies feel more comfortable in the car.