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Car Seat Tantrums

Brittany - posted on 10/23/2008 ( 6 moms have responded )

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Just recently, my daughter (15 months) throws a FIT every time we get in the car. She stiffens up and arches her back so that I can't strap her in, and then she just goes like dead weight and slides down the seat with her legs on the floor, hands up over her head, and head in the seat. Meanwhile, she is screaming, pushing, kicking her feet, and I am left with little recourse. Any thoughts? Because it is driving me crazy. Especially because it seems to have come out of nowhere, though now it's everyday, every time we get in the car... Ridiculous!

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Brittany - posted on 10/26/2008

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I just wanted to post about some success! We have been in the car now four times with very little fuss about the car seat. Each time, I take something she is playing with (a purse, a little pumpkin she picked out at the pumpkin patch, her juice cup) and told her that she could have it as soon as she was buckled in. She's still putting up a little fight, but not NEARLY to the extent it was before. I just hope it continues... Thank you all for your help. You've given me some great ideas that I'm sure I will use.

Laura - posted on 10/26/2008

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try letting her play in the car with her favorite toy that she can put into the chair and make a abig fuss of how well and safe the toy is hope this is of some use

Cari-Ann - posted on 10/26/2008

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Both of my boys have gone through this phase. Fortunately it didn't last long with either of them. I also use a toy that they really like to distract them. Once they are in, my boys don't seem to mind it. Just like other things, I think when they see that we are consistent and won't budge, they will give up.

Eirinn - posted on 10/24/2008

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My daughter does that only when someone other then me puts her in the carseat! Which can be a pain when she's with daddy or grandma. I've packed a "to go bag" with a favorite book and toy, my Hubby or mom gives this to her as they are putting her in the car and it keeps her occupied long enough to realize she's already buckled in and we're moving. At that point she doesn't care anymore!

Brittany - posted on 10/24/2008

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I thought about the treat thing, but I haven't even had a chance to model this for her since it's every time.... And I don't want to reward for bad behavior, like what you said... And I thought she may be uncomfortable, so I loosened her straps, and then she Houdini-ed her way out of them, so I can to pull over, put her arms back through the straps and tightened them back up. I'm at such a loss!

Christine - posted on 10/23/2008

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I keep mints in the car (and now gum for my older kids). I pass them out only when everyone is in and buckled. My youngest is almost 3 and I give her tic tacs (orange). 15 months may be too young for those, but maybe you could think of some other treat she likes that she gets as a reward for getting her seat belt on only? Tell her about it before you take her to the car and only give it for no screaming so it doesn't turn into a bribe to stop instead of a reward for good behavior. One other thought. Is she wearing a heavy coat now that may be making her uncomfortable in the seat? Sometimes it's best to take the coat off in the car.

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