Dubai: With children’s car seats becoming mandatory on Dubai roads, resistance from the little ones can no longer be used as an excuse for non-compliance.
As parents let on, getting children to comply is a daily struggle, in the initiation stages at least, as it is fraught with drama and temper tantrums. The reason, according to retailer Babyshop, is that a child enjoys moving around and being constrained in a car seat for extended periods of time during a drive seems more of a punishment than an act of love and protection from the parents.
But what seems like a wrestling match and a source of stress can be turned into a pleasant exercise. Following is a simple set of actions which Babyshop has specially come up with to help parents get their children to adapt themselves to the car seat credo:
Establish familiarity
The car seat can seem like an annoyance to any child since it feels like a foreign object constraining them for what they enjoy most, moving around and exploring. By having the car seat at home and allowing the child to feel comfortable using it in a different environment and perhaps play with it, the child will be more familiar with the car seat and will be much happier getting into the seat.
Entertain during the ride
Keeping your child’s favourite soft toys within their reach will give the child something to focus on and play with while helping you focus on driving. However, picking the right toys would be important because hard toys could cause injury in a quick stop and could need your supervision.
Create a fun environment
Tape or hang toys on the back of the seat that your baby’s facing for him or her to check out. Or string an array of lightweight toys from the ceiling using heavy tape and yarn.
Place them just at arm’s reach so that your baby can bat at them from her seat. Don’t use hard toys that could hurt your child if they come loose in a sudden stop.
Play soothing music
For parents with younger babies in car seats, the best way to comfort a baby while driving is through sounds.
Purchasing a CD of calming nature sounds will keep the child calm in the foreign environment.
Give them company
At times when you’re not driving alone with the child, make sure someone sits with them and keeps them entertained and gives them a more positive experience to get used to.
Plan ahead
Plan your trips to try to avoid long car rides.
Use the right car seat
Make sure your baby hasn’t outgrown the car seat and you’ve purchased the right seat for your child. If the belts of the seat are too tight, the child may find the seat to be uncomfortable—and make sure you’ll know throughout your trip.
