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5 month old - refusal to get into car seat?

Helen - posted on 06/06/2010 ( 5 moms have responded )

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Hi ladies,

wanted to get your thoughts on a little problem. My 5month old girl has recently developed an aversion to getting into her car seat. She is a fantastic baby, literally never cries or fusses and until recently, always went straight to sleep in the car.

In the last couple of weeks, whenever I try to put her in her seat, she immediately starts screaming. she arches her back and tenses up and just seems to hate being put in. As soon as i pull her out again, she immediately stops and will often continue grinning and laughing. I've checked every physical sign i can see for discomfort (seat belt too tight, not enough room, etc) but can't find anything that might be upsetting her. I saw another lady with a 5 1/2 month old baby the other day having the same problem.

any suggestions/ experiences with this? i'm at a loss!

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5 Comments

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Becky - posted on 06/08/2010

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Sara is right.. Around the age of 4 months is when they learn what they can and cannot get. We all know they have different crys for different reasons and at about this age they learn they do as well so they start manipulate us. My daughter 41/2months has started doing her hungry cry so when I make the bottle and bring it to her she dosent want it. She just starts smiliing and laughing knowing I did just what she wanted. Just have to stick with it and they will learn that they have to stay in the car seat no matter how badly they want out.

Jen - posted on 06/08/2010

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Madelyn is very similar. Sometimes she is just happy go lucky in it others she just wants out -- I can't take her for walks with her stroller because of this issue!

Sara - posted on 06/08/2010

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I hate to say it moms, but no is when they beginning to learn how to manipulate you. You can try a toy , but most likely she will refuse. She wants out!! There will be screams, but you have to just put her in and try your best to ignore the fit. She will not so much outgrow the fit as she will learn that the car seat is not an option, but a "have-to" - much like eating veggies and wearing clothes may be a problem in the future. Once you've checked for the problems - no burps stuck in the belly, seatbelts not too tight, etc - just stick to it.

Natalie - posted on 06/06/2010

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All i can say is that my daughter is 4 months and i have the extact same problem.. she used 2 sleep in the car aswell and no she wont... i dont know if u can fix the problem... my daughter only cries until the car starts moving and then she stops!

Bratz - posted on 06/06/2010

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you can try a toy that she really likes, also try making the car seat a fun place to be let her sit down in it in the house, try to play a game see mommy sits in her seat baby sits in her seat , try a doll while doing this .. good luck

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