Who Said There Wasn't Irony in Parenting

It only took my son going hoarse to realize an important lesson.

My son doesn't really like the stroller. Or the car.

For all the touting that I did about them being similar, that's one big difference that I'm still trying to figure out how to maneuver because while my daughter will sleep in the car, my son will scream his bloody guts out. And while my daughter will sit happily and snooze away in the stroller, my son will cry until he's hoarse.

And so, while I am quite proud of figuring out one of the 13,000,001 mysteries that are our children, I've also learned how incredibly complicated it makes my life.

The only way my daughter will nap is if I drive her around in the car. But that doesn't work so well with a screaming baby. Same goes for the stroller.

So, I've come to one incredible conclusion.

I need a freaking nanny who will take both of them so I can get some sleep. Then maybe I could figure out a solution.

Any thoughts?

Comments

[Heather]

Oh that sucks. Really sucks. I had a car and stroller screamer too. I wish I had an idea for you.

[Shannon]

I have a daughter who is the same way, hated her car seat and stroller. Have you tried putting him in a sling or carrier and walking with your daughter in the stroller? No rest for you, but maybe being close to you will help him settle down and your daughter will sleep too. Good luck!

[Jessica]

Have you checked to make sure that the straps are not too tight? Or chaffing? Otherwise uncomfortable? Maybe there's a bump in the cushion that doesn't feel good on his little body? I've heard that physical discomfort is the #1 reason for stroller and carseat screaming. I hope you uncover the issue!

[KristenM]

Just found your blog. My daughter was exactly the same for the first 8/9 months of her life. I slung her. The sling was the only thing that worked. Thank goodness my son was an angel.

[Fairly Odd Mother]

Doesn't your son already weigh about 20 pounds? I would think a sling would put you into traction!

Here is one option----if you have a driveway, could you set up a pack-n-play (or someother acceptable confinement that your son likes) at the top of the driveway and then just walk your daughter up and down the driveway until she is asleep in her stroller? I used to do this with my kids, although one was older so she played while I walked the baby in circles. It is boring as hell, but worked out ok for us.

[Jenni]

You probably totally thought of this already, but.... did you try putting extra padding under the cover of his carseat? My boys (and therefore, carseats) are older, but I was shocked at how hard and plastic-y those things are under the flimsy fabric cover. I put some "egg-crate" foam underneath the fabric cover just because it seemed cruel to strap my kids to hard plastic and drive around that way! Might be something to try.....
Good Luck!

[Jill]

I think screaming trumps napping in the car. As awful as it sounds I think its time to give the car naps up and teach her to nap at home. You'll save gas too! Read her books with no expression- just sound as boring as possible, (do this on the bed) then start scooching down until you're almost lying down. You may end up napping too, but hopefully you can slide off the bed and leave her there on her own. Good luck! I had a car screamer for about 9 months, then he improved (but still won't sleep in them).

[sam]

Chiropractor- it works. My son was the same way- one mini baby friendly adjustment and Bingo!