Keeping Junior Happy in the Car

Every parent has been there. It really makes no difference whether you’ve set off on a long road trip or are simply doing the school run . . . unhappy children and car journeys do not mix. Crying, screaming and struggling to get out of the car seat . . . it’s the stuff of nightmares.

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The thing to remember is that children get bored and they get uncomfortable just like adults, but they don’t care how much they let you know about it.
There are a few ways you can keep your kids amused, or at least a little bit happier when they are in the car . . . and happy children does mean happy parents after all.
Keeping Infants Happy
• Remember that younger babies and children cannot regular their own body temperature so make sure that they are neither too hot nor too cold. Remember to keep them snug and warm in the winter and cool in the hotter summer months.

The Graco SnugRide(R) Click Connect(TM) 40 is the first and only newborn-to-2-year infant car seat supporting the American Academy of Pediatrics 'Rear to 2 Years' recommendation. It is exclusively available at Babies"R"Us stores nationwide and online at Babiesrus.com, starting today, Sept. 19, 2012.  (PRNewsFoto/Graco)
The Graco SnugRide(R) Click Connect(TM) 40 is the first and only newborn-to-2-year infant car seat supporting the American Academy of Pediatrics ‘Rear to 2 Years’ recommendation. It is exclusively available at Babies”R”Us stores nationwide and online at Babiesrus.com, starting today, Sept. 19, 2012. (PRNewsFoto/Graco)

• At around six or eight months many children start to move around of their own accord which may mean that being strapped into a car seat is an even bigger problem. Once they are old enough to be seated in a more upright position so that they can look out of the window it helps to keep them occupied, otherwise a few rattles and toys fixed to the car seat may help to keep them amused.
• Make sure that the sun isn’t shining directly into their eyes. Many parents use stick on sunshades these days . . . make sure that it is in the correct location for maximum effect.

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• Even if your baby can’t see you while you are driving, let them know that you are there. Speak to them in soothing tones or perhaps sing along to some lullabies and tunes. These don’t necessarily have to be baby songs . . . many infants end up loving the same tunes as their parents after being brought up on a diet of them.
Keeping Toddlers Amused
Lively toddlers may find it even more frustrating to be strapped into a car seat for a lengthy journey. As your child gets older he will be able to understand that the car seat will keep him safe for the journey and that he will be able to climb out as soon as you’ve reached your destination. Until that time you may want to try some of these ideas:
• Distraction – this works wonders. Have a special selection of toys which are only to be used in the car . . . make sure that these toys are soft and car proof like soft blocks, books, stuffed animals and dolls. If these toys are only available in the car it can make it more interesting for your child.
• Music – is another great distraction, particularly if you choose some sing along tunes.
• If your toddler is positioned so that he can see out of the window . . . even when rear facing . . . have a chat about what he can see. Talk to him about what’s there . . . perhaps a house or a church, the other cars or a big bus, how about a field of cows or perhaps some trees or tractors. This can form a valuable part of their education as they learn and grow.
These are just a few of the ideas and strategies you can use to keep your younger children happy in the car. There are some superb cars for sale at fiat costa mesa for you to see and take a test drive. Check them out at http://www.ocfiat.com