Don’t wait until he starts screaming in the car before you resolve the problem.

Think about this in advance. Try to work out why he screams so much.

Look at the experience through your infant’s eyes and you might begin to see why he gets so upset.

Sitting in a full or soaking diaper isn’t fun for your infant.

Even if you changed him recently, put on a fresh one just before you go out.

As well as keeping him clean, this will make him more relaxed during the journey, and he’ll be less likely to complain.

Check the car seat and seat belt thoroughly.

Of course he will burst into tears if he’s uncomfortable when strapped in.

Perhaps because the seat is too hard or the seat belt is so tight, it digs into him.

He won’t stop crying if the journey is painful.

Depending on the age and type of car seat, your baby may not be in your direct line of vision.

So try positioning his seat differently (but still within safety limits).

Or fix an extended car mirror so you can keep an eye on him.

Car sickness is often caused when travellers cannot see outside their vehicles.

Looking at the passing scenery can stop travel discomfort.

So do what you can to position your infant in his seat in such a way that he can see out the car window.

That also reduces boredom.

Even before your final destination.

A trip to your local supermarket may be short as far as you’re concerned, but it may seem endless to him.

Consider making at least one brief stop every journey.

You just need to pull over for a minute and give him a cuddle.

He can become bored in a matter of seconds, so take along a few of his favourite playthings.

Secure them to his car seat, so that he can’t drop them on the floor.

Or place them within easy reach for him.

You’ll find that he plays with them for a few minutes on every journey.

Check that you have lots of children’s songs in your smartphone or CD player before you set off – ones he’s familiar with.

He’ll be temporarily soothed by gentle tunes.

Noisier songs and nursery rhymes will distract his attention and keep him amused.

No matter how much he screams.

That would simply be dangerous and could cause a traffic accident.

If you stop the moment he starts to scream, he’ll quickly learn that it’s a good way to get what he wants.

Then he’ll cry even more frequently.

Keep driving, if possible, and try to soothe him verbally.

If he does calm down without you having to pull over, give him lots of praise.

Text: Dr. Richard C.Woolfson/Young Parents