My 3,5 month old screams until he’s blue in the face any time I put him in his car seat, pram or harness. He has a 5 minute tolerance for all methods of baby transport before he starts crying his eyes out. He’ll eventually fall asleep in his harness and sometimes his pram but he absolutely cannot stand the car seat and once he’s off, there’s no stopping him. I’ve recently had to stop the car and get out to comfort him as I was worried he was going to hurt himself by screaming so much. I’m also worried generally about effectively letting him ‘cry it out’ when I have no choice like if I’m on a fast road and and the longer term impact that might have on him.
I’ve tried to bring the car seat into the house and and play with him while he sits in it to create positive associations with it, I’ve sat in the back with him while my husband drives to distract him by playing with him, singing songs, getting him to interact with toys, played his favourite songs on the radio, even letting him watch cartoons on my phone etc. I’ve tried blocking the sun out, opening the window, keeping him warm / making sure he’s not too hot… NOTHING works.
I’ve started walking to most places but unless he falls asleep pretty much when I put him in his pram, he lasts for five minutes before he starts crying hysterically. I then have to take him out, cuddle him until he stops, put him in his sling and push the pram. He still cries a bit in the sling but not as hysterically and eventually simmers downs and falls asleep after 15-20 minutes.
Leaving the house is so unpleasant and stressful at the moment, I now get anxious before leaving home so I’m starting to avoid it. I don’t want to be a recluse as it’s tough enough being at home with a baby all day - leaving home and seeing people is really important for my well-being.
Any tips on what to do or why this is happening? Or is it just a phase that will pass?
Any insights are very welcome 🙏