1 Year Old Hates Car--Is There Any Hope?

[kcamelia]

My ds is almost 13 months, and he complains almost the entire time we are in the car.  I try to bring different things for him to play with, but that only works for a minute or two.  I'm a SAHM, and we don't go far; maybe 20-25 minutes at a time, not even every day now that it is cold.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  I am getting so annoyed with the constant whining in the car!!

[isaac'smom]

DS was like this for awhile too. He eventually got over it. He really enjoyed/enjoys listening to CDs of kids' music. Good luck. I know how frustrating it can be! 

[tstasko]

Ugh, I know what you mean!    My DD started this a few weeks ago.  She has always been really good w/car rides, but has become very whiny suddenly (and she's got a great car seat - wish I had one that comfy!). 

I think it's because she is so incredibly mobile now and considers it downright inhumane of us to force her to be stationary for a few minutes, lol.  I will say the last couple days has gotten a LOT better, she has started walking the last couple of weeks and as she is mastering this milestone it's getting better.  Today before taking her home from my parent's house (a 35-40 minute drive) I had her walk up and down the sidewalk for a good 10-15 minutes.  It really helped, seemed to get the urge under control for the ride home lol.  I know it's not practical for every errand, but perhaps try something really physical before hopping in the car?

I echo what isaac's mom says as well..  I now take our 4 magic CDs EVERYWHERE with us  HUGE help.  Also, (and I was not too keen on just giving snacks for entertainment purposes) but I give her an organic teething biscuit which she will just gnaw on for a good 15-20minutes,.  It's a bit messy but it works! 
Good luck, your cute little guy will hopefully be through w/this phase (and on to who knows what!) pretty soon....
Tari

[ks6]

We went through that whiny period at around a year, also.  Ds now loves to listen to the radio in the car--mostly Christmas music or the jazz station.  He became much better at car rides when he started noticing things outside the window.  Now we show him lights, flags, trees, etc., and I'm trying to show him that red lights mean stop and green lights mean go.  I think your ds will outgrow the phase soon. 

[kcamelia]

Thanks, everyone.  We have some Rafi CD's we will try this afternoon.  So far, he only seems to respond to me singing, not any other music that is playing.

And I think you're right about the mobility issue; he just wants to run around!  I used to let him do some of that before we got in the car, but lately I've been slacking, in a hurry, etc.  Will go back to it.

[sophiems]

I give my lo a sheet of stickers, in an emergency.   Peel of the outline part so he can get it easier.  He can put stickers on himself and all over his carseat.  If you get cheap ones they won't really stick so won't mess up clothes or carseat or upholstery. 

I ditto the extra exercise too.  I do that with my son, and also pointing to anythign.  "Ohh, can you find a flag?"  Etc...