My Baby Hates the Car Seat: Causes of Crying & What to Do About it

Key Takeaways

• Babies crying in a car seat is a common problem and is often due to some type of discomfort.

• Adjusting the temperature, car seat angle, lighting and noise levels can all help.

• While common, car seat fussiness is also almost always temporary and resolves with time.

Few things can make riding in the car more stressful than a screaming baby. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for babies and toddlers to go through a phase where they seem to hate their car seat. Staying properly restrained in a securely-installed car seat is vital for your little one’s safety … but your sanity might hinge on rides being as scream-free as possible. 

While you can’t completely eliminate car seat crying (they are babies, after all), there are several things you can evaluate and steps you can take to ensure car seat rides are as smooth as possible.

Baby Development and Car Seat Resistance Explained

One of the most common reasons your baby might dislike their car seat could simply be because of their stage of development. From newborns to toddlers, there can be contributing factors that have nothing to do with the seat and everything to do with the phase they are in.

Newborns and Young Infants: Colic and Gas Pains

For newborns and babies who are only a few months old, the positioning of a car seat could be uncomfortable. This is especially true for babies who deal with colic or gas pains. Sometimes, avoiding car rides during the times of day where these symptoms are most likely to flair is the best coping mechanism at this age.

Older Infants: Separation Anxiety

As babies get older, it’s common for them to have a preference for their mom and/or dad and to be upset when separated. Since infant car seats are rear facing, some babies might become upset when they no longer have their favorite caregiver in their line of sight. A well-placed, securely attached mirror that reflects into the rearview could alleviate the problem.

Toddlers: Boredom

For a busy toddler who spends their days exploring their environment, being buckled into a car seat can feel extra restrictive. If you haven’t already changed car seats and moved your child to a convertible model, this would be a good time. Even rear facing, car seats for 30 lbs and up, like convertible options, sit up higher and offer more room.

Common Reasons Babies Dislike Car Seats

If you’ve ruled out a developmental stage as the culprit, there are a few other common reasons that babies dislike car seats.

Improper Fit

Check your baby’s harness to make sure it’s not twisted or positioned too low. Many parents unknowingly make car seat mistakes, such as overlooking the height limit which is often outgrown before the weight limit. If your baby doesn’t fit comfortably in their seat any longer, they might let you know the only way they know how.

Too Hot/Cold

Rear-facing car seats don’t get the same airflow as forward facing passengers do. Keep this in mind and check to make sure your baby isn’t too hot or too cold in their seat. 

Overstimulating Environment

From the sunlight to the road noise, the car can be an overstimulating environment for a little one. Try using a sun canopy and even portable white noise to help your baby feel more calm.

Tips for Enhancing Your Baby’s Comfort in the Car Seat

While a tear-free trip might not be in the cards every single time, there are a few things to try to set yourself up for success. From timing your rides properly to controlling as many variables as you can, you can even plan ahead by learning the best time to buy car seats to ensure your baby is always riding in a seat that fits comfortably and meets their current needs.

In a Fussy Phase, Timing Can Be Everything

While it might not be possible for every car ride, if you have control over your departure time then some careful timing could be all you need. 

Whether it’s avoiding a certain time of day (they call it a witching hour for a reason) or avoiding right after eating for a gassy baby, try not to schedule car seat time for your baby’s fussiest time.

Try to Replicate Your Baby’s Favorite Soothers

Maybe they have a favorite blanket or lovey or a certain lullaby or even white noise helps calm them down. You can also try talking to your baby in a soothing voice; sometimes knowing they aren’t alone is all it takes to do the trick.

My Baby is Still Crying in the Car Seat: What to Do?

Sometimes, you try all the tips and the tricks in the world to no avail. You’ve created the optimal car seat environment, but your baby is still crying. What do you do now?

Soothe and Settle First

It may seem like an obvious solution, but taking the time to make sure your baby is soothed and settled before you put them in the car seat can make a difference. Similar to how their bedtime routine can help get them ready for nighttime sleep, a soothing pre-car routine can help your baby transition more easily.

Reduce Stimulation

For babies who are easily overstimulated, the car can be a cacophony of sensory input. Use a canopy to darken their seat and consider a portable white noise machine that clips directly onto their seat to help mute background racket.

Rethink Your Transportation

If your baby hates the car seat but loves the stroller or the Ergo, can you walk? Depending on where you live it can be easy to think of the car as the default mode of transportation, but there may be opportunities to mix things up a bit.

Help Your Child Love Their Car Seat with Orbit Baby

Orbit Baby car seats are designed with your baby’s safety and comfort in mind. Plush fabrics and and a well-cushioned, well-ventilated interior work together to keep your little one comfortable. 

An easily adjusted harness ensures the proper fit and makes it easy to adjust as your child grows. If you need help choosing car seat and stroller, Orbit Baby offers expert guidance to make sure your little one stays happy and secure wherever your travels take you.