Anyone have a toddler who fights the car seat

[Kamie]

It has been a real challenge getting my almost 2 year old into the car seat. He screams twists and cries. I have tried to distract him with everything I can think of. I am considering giving him lollipops so he will sit but I hate to use food rewards but I am getting a full workout trying to get him in the seat. It sometimes takes 20 minutes to get him into the seat. Does anyone have any magical ideas?

[jillmamma]

Is he big enough to climb into it himself? Maybe he would like to "do it himself" rather than be lifted into it?

[mothragirl]

is his seat uncomfortable?

[Kamie]

I have tried letting him climb into it after the battle has started but maybe I should try it before. Letting him do the buckle used to work but not anymore. I am pretty sure his seat is comforable b/c he often takes long naps in the car. It is a britax so it is well padded.

[westcoastmom]

Is the carseat in the middle? He might be happier on the outside where he can see more.

[WuWei]

Does he want to go wherever you are heading? Can you bring along fun stuff for in the car and fun stuff for the destination? Singing, children's songs, MagnaDoodle, sunglasses? Is he wearing a heavy coat? I know ds would get hot in the car with a coat on.

Pat

[meaghann]

Can I make a suggestion that the next night you are free, bring the carseat in the house and let your son be all over it? (It is unlikely he will damage it, but you can stow the LATCH hooks inside the rectangular plastic recesses under the cover if you want to make sure.) You can have his teddy properly restrained in the seat when your son comes down from a nap, and that would be a fun surprise. Or let him sit in it unrestrained and watch tv or read a book together, just to see that it is really a pretty nice seat.

There might be one small issue about comfort (safety really, but it can affect comfort if wrong). If he rides FF, make sure the harness is coming out from a point ABOVE his shoulders. If he rides RF, make sure the harness is coming out from a point BELOW his shoulders.

[Kamie]

I guess the only thing left to try is to bring it inside. I am completly irritated right now b/c we had plans at 9:15 and after trying to get him in the car seat for 20 minutes I gave up. I am sure the neighbors thought I was abusing him with all the crying and screaming. I really don't think it is a comfort issue I think it is a behavior. It is making me absolutley crazy!

[meaghann]

Originally Posted by Kamie

I am completly irritated right now b/c we had plans at 9:15 and after trying to get him in the car seat for 20 minutes I gave up.It is making me absolutley crazy!

I feel your pain. I usually only have to struggle about 4 minutes with my 19mo.

It is very thoughtful, wise, and loving of you to forego your plans when you knew it couldnt be done reasonably safely.

[Kamie]

Thanks Meaghann, It is nice to know I am not the only momma going through this. I did finally get him in the carseat after a little break in our house. I used lollipops. I hate to use candy but I think it is my last resort. Maybe after a couple trips with a "pop" treat he wil start to think the car is fun. Hopefully his teeth won't rot out in the mean time. Thanks again to all of your for your tips. Kamie