What can calm a baby while driving, or while in the car?

What can calm a baby while driving, or while in the car? This is one question we get a lot. It happens to all of us — usually when we get in the car with our 2-month-old or 3-month-old, our baby starts crying and does not calm down. No matter what you do, they do not calm, and we as parents get restless and worried.

Most parents do not know what to do and sometimes even cancel an important drive just because of the crying. So, is there something we as parents can do to calm a baby down while driving? Here is our answer.

Most of the time we explain to parents that the difficulty is mainly at birth ages and up to babies 4 months of age. Around this age range, your baby still needs a "womb-like" experience and environment — they are accustomed to movement, sound, and touch. To calm a baby down, you should stimulate a "womb-like" environment in the car.

At this stage, your baby is still not what the experts call "sensory organized." The sensory information that comes to them from the environment can frighten them, and they need something — or someone — that gives them confidence and comfort.

Here are a couple of tips to work around the issue, calm a baby down, and help your baby relax and have a pleasant drive.

1. If possible, have another person join the ride and sit next to your baby — this gives your baby a sense of comfort and that they are not alone.
2. A youngster in a car seat might be irritated by seemingly insignificant things. Check common irritants: are the straps too tight? Is your baby supported enough? Is he a little too hot or a little too cold?
3. Wrap your baby up so that they will feel held and supported throughout the ride. You can cradle your baby inside the car seat, but please be aware of the safety belts.
4. If screaming starts during the drive, stop the vehicle on the side in a safe place, carry or rock the baby in your arms, and wait for your baby to relax and fall asleep.
5. There are a variety of toys and devices on the market nowadays that can keep your baby occupied throughout the journey. These toys are designed to keep babies entertained and soothed in their car seats.
6. Sing to them aloud and at different rhythms, or play music with a beat. The changing of rhythms and beats will excite and intrigue your baby — that is what they heard for months when in the womb.
7. If the sun is in your baby's eyes, they are likely to get irritable and scream. Sun shades can help stop the sun's rays from entering through your back windows.
8. Allowing your infant to cry it out is NOT a good idea. When your baby screams, always come to a halt and treat them with compassion. Before checking on your infant, choose a safe location to pull over. Don't turn around while driving, no matter how tough it is.

Safe and pleasant rides to you all!