Many of the mothers I work with express a fear of driving alone with their less than 4 month old infant around Los Angeles. They’ve experienced, at least to some extent, the shrilling cry of their carseat-confined baby, and the feeling of panic at not being able to get to soothe them while driving. When they can finally stop the car and get to baby, they feel a lot of guilt and worry that this experience was traumatizing for the infant. Moms brace themselves before heading out to do any errands with baby, and feel trapped and ashamed of their car ride phobia.
Depending on temperament, some babies are more easy going with car rides than others. And, after the 4 month mark, most babies are able to tolerate car trip discomfort with more finesse; but if your baby seems to freak out as if they are left alone in a cold wet dungeon everytime their trapped in their backseat container, here are some tips to get you by when you want to be brave and venture out with them solo.
I always tell my patients to follow their intuition first and foremost, and in motherhood this is especially important. If you feel that the car rides are just too stressful for you and your baby, don’t heed to the pressure of others who may want to see you, or to those who may judge your decisions. Lastly, and incase you were wondering, your baby isn’t being traumatized by a difficult car ride experience, and won’t (consciously) remember it. If you do end up on the highway with a screaming newborn in the backseat, remember to keep yourself calm (BREATHE), and baby is likely to cry himself out and fall asleep. Good luck!
It is challenging for parents and providers to care for infants admitted to the Neonatal…
Parenting in the modern world is a balancing act of nurturing close bonds with your…
----------------- For the next Life with Baby podcast episode, tune in for an unforgettable journey…
Welcoming a newborn into the world is an unparalleled experience, filled with moments of tender…
Last week, we partnered with @chamberofmothers to bring more awareness around the Momnibus Act in Washington…
We believe that caring for your children and caring for the planet go hand in…