Car seat battles - advice please

[MalmMumma]

DS hates getting into his car seat and 9 times out of 10, it's a battle. He's surprisingly strong for 2.4 and so we end up having to wrestle him in. I hate the way it ends in tears and he screams 'no mummy' during the whole process. He likes to climb in the car himself but lately has started to clamber over onto the spare seat and say 'I sit here' which clearly isn't an option. He then refuses to move onto his seat and I generally end up dragging him over to the seat and putting my arm over his lap to allow me to get his belt done up. Any tips on how to make it less painful for all involved or is this just part of the terrible 2's? Thanks in advance xx

I let DS take a toy in the car with him it helped a lot once it became a little ritual of picking something to play with in the car. Either that or bribe him with a biscuit...

Maybe you do it already but I always make a big deal of the exciting thing we are going to do eg. - ooh, we're going to the park! Sit in your seat so we can drive to the park and play on the slide, and the swings.... etc.
Even if it's going home you can think of something he likes doing or looks forward to there.

That or a biscuit, yes.

I have the same battle with my DD who is just over 2yo. I read somewhere to try tickling them as they naturally fold inwards at their tummy when giggling and you can get the buckles done up then. This does not work very often with my little one as if she doesn't want to go in the seat she really doesn't want to go in and we have screaming and kicking, but maybe worth a try for you.

I normally have to bribe with a biscuit or food. I think this is just part of the terrible two's.