Any one else feel bad for this?

[Thing1Thing2]

Sometimes I have to struggle with my 23mo ds to get him into the car seat.

He bucks and arches his back and I physically have to hold him down while I strap him in. And of course he cries...

I feel so bad about this And it's been happening alot more often lately.

Anyone want to share what helps?

[Honey693]

We go through this a few times a week. Sometimes it helps to let DD buckle her chest strap herself or point out that the dome light is on (random, I know). Other times nothing helps and she freaks out for 5 minutes.

[PeachBaby]

It takes a bit more time and effort but I first let DS play around a bit on the seats, while I occasionally ask him, "Are you able to climb up in your car seat BY YOURSELF?" He likes it when he can do things himself. I find that eventually he does, or if not, he at least is then willing to let me put him in. Then I strap him in, or if need be, I continue with, "Okay now, are you able to turn yourself around and sit in? .... Can you put your feet out front? .... Now can you put your arms in through the straps? .... etc." I find it really helps. Now he is so much better and not fighting it and is even starting to get in sooner or let me put him in sooner.

In case this can help anyone else.... the major reason I discovered DS cried in his carseat was because of food intolerances. May sound weird and unrelated perhaps, but the food intolerances were affecting him in sooo many ways (physically, behaviorally, sleep issues, fussiness, etc. etc. etc. E.g., besides fighting the car seat, he would also resist the baby carrier, playing with grampa at times, not want to take a bath.....) . Once we got a handle on that, amazingly he returned to having the sweet disposition he was displaying before the intolerances got out of hand (as well as healing in all the other ways) .

HTH!

[YayJennie]

I've also read on here that one mama played a game where it was like "simon says" and after a few minutes of random stuff, she would say "simon says get in the car seat" and the toddler would be happy enough to get in at that point. So maybe doing something that makes the car seat fun would help?

[Super~Single~Mama]

A carseat toy? Something that is only given to him while he's in the carseat?

A snack container that holds his fav food offered to him in the carseat (or a variety based on what he's wanting that day?).

[Baby_Cakes]

Ooh yes, this happened to us just yesterday. It was like 112 degrees in the car, DD would NOT let me buckle her in, she was pitching a major fit and I'd had it. Not my best mommy moment.

What I should have done was let her do it herself. Occupy myself with something for 5 min, gone and put the air on in the car, checked my fb on my phone, whatever it took. Instead I forced her and made her sooo mad -- and I upset myself.

I think they just want to do it themselves -- even if they can't, just let them try. Usually after a few min of fumbling she calls out for help anyway. It would have made such a difference if I'd just stepped back for a minute.

[Everrgreen]

My DS is only 16 months, so this advice may not work for older toddlers, BUT, I find he really goes along with things better if I tell him while we're getting ready to leave the house WHAT we will be doing (ex. 'we are going on a car ride!). For a little while I was just say 'lets get ready to go' or 'we're going to go outside', and then he would be so upset when what we were actually doing was a car ride.

He also has special toys that are kept in the car, so I can quickly hand him something to play with while I buckle him up.

[Thing1Thing2]

Its reassuring to know I am not the only one who struggles with getting a little one into the car seat. He hates it so much that sometimes I wonder if the carseat is uncomfortable for him. He wants to get out of it so bad that he will actually go as far as to lie and tell me he has to go pee so that I will take him out of the car seat. He tells me continually as we are driving "momma I go pee"... Then when I stop and put him on the potty ... NOTHING...

Peach Baby - Ds has tons of allergies and sensitivities and I totally agree with you that the behavior could be linked to something. But he is already off of wheat, soy , corn and dairy AND salicylates. I'm not sure I want to limit his diet anymore.... hmmm maybe it was the eggs he had. He is also allergic to eggs - but Ive been giving them to him in limited amounts because we can't eat much else...

Gillian - amazing, i never thought of doing that. It seems totally logical to explain to them about "going on a car ride". Thanks!

Thanks for the advice ladies - I'm definitely going to try all of the good ideas especially letting him clip himself in.

Sorry this is so choppy, but I just realized that I hadn't replied since posting this yesterday (excuse: teething toddler and living arrangement difficulties)... I'm actually rushing to get to a function on time tonight, but I didn't want to be rude and not reply. Be back later tonight.

[Nicole730]

Originally Posted by Gillian28

My DS is only 16 months, so this advice may not work for older toddlers, BUT, I find he really goes along with things better if I tell him while we're getting ready to leave the house WHAT we will be doing (ex. 'we are going on a car ride!). For a little while I was just say 'lets get ready to go' or 'we're going to go outside', and then he would be so upset when what we were actually doing was a car ride.

He also has special toys that are kept in the car, so I can quickly hand him something to play with while I buckle him up.

This works for us too. I tell him exactly what we need to do. First you need to use the potty. Then we'll get your shoes on and go to the car. I will open the door for you and you will climb in and sit down. I don't say it all at one time, but as we go along. Now when he gets outside he goes and stands by the garage if he knows we're going to the car.