Help! How To Handle a Toddler Afraid of Car Rides

Driving in the car is most likely part of your everyday routine if you live in an urban or suburban area (and even some big cities). Once you have a child, this basic activity can become a drama-filled adventure full of meltdowns and tears.

Protesting car rides is a very normal part of toddlerhood. Once children begin to walk and their curiosity blossoms, being restrained by a seat belt is the last thing a toddler wants. And they aren’t afraid to voice their displeasure, are they?!

For many children, the fear of riding in the car goes away in time and once the parents figure out how to appease the situation. If you haven’t discovered what your child needs to enjoy car rides, this post is for you.

We’re highlighting the most useful and successful tips that young families have tried in order to make their children less afraid and more excited and content to be in the car.

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Distract Them with Toys

Toys are a new parents’ go-to move, and for good reason!

For a younger toddler, try a car toy that makes noises with wheels that move so they can easily explore and stay entertained.

For older toddlers, the Melissa & Doug Vroom and Zoom board is a family favorite; your child can hold it in his or her lap, push the buttons, turn the steering wheel, and change the radio. Chances are good they will forget whatever they were upset about because this toy is so engaging and fun.

Related post on toddlers: Why does my toddler call me by my first name?

Books on Car Rides

If your child loves books and looking at pictures, investing in some car books may be a way for them to better understand why we ride in the car, where you’re going, and how they can enjoy themselves along the way.

Our personal favorites include Little Blue Truck, Counting Cars, and Honk on the Road! Toddler board books are great for long or short car rides, particularly if your child doesn’t like the car. Books can provide a good distraction if they are scared or upset.

You can also read car-related books before getting in the car so your child knows what to expect once the journey begins.

Have a Car-Specific Friend or Lovey

It may be a simple solution: your child feels lonely or afraid in the backseat and needs a cuddle buddy or lovey to find comfort. If they have one that they use for bedtime, try bringing that friend in the car. If that doesn’t work, explain that you want them to pick out a “car” lovey from the store that will be their special friend while they’re in the car. Explain that this friend will help keep them company and make them feel brave when they are scared or nervous in the car.

Give Them Some Control

Your child may act out when they know they must get in the car, especially if they don’t want to. Giving them some control back is an effective way to avoid any meltdowns; ask them if they’d like to climb in the car (with your help) or if they want to buckle their own seatbelt.

Toddlers often act afraid when, in reality, they just want to be able to feel more included in what’s going on. Asking for their help or participation can calm those feelings and return them to a happy frame of mind.

Communicate

Having many conversations about cars and car rides may help your toddler understand why we ride in the car and how it takes us to all the fun places we want to go.

Explain that the car is a super-safe place where you get to read books, play with toys, talk with siblings, sing songs, and find cool things to look at out their window.

If they are old enough to describe their feelings, show them empathy and support. They may be experiencing something overwhelming without knowing what’s happening and will lean on you for encouragement.

Play Games

If you can distract them with a quick game or two, great! Many parents swear by I-Spy, where each person playing says, “I spy with my little eye… something green!” or any other color, and everyone has to guess what it is. If your child is too young for I-Spy, you can have them count things in the car or talk about the colors they see out their window.

Use a Mirror

If your toddler is still rear-facing, using a mirror can help you see what’s going on, particularly if your child can’t explain or enunciate their feelings yet. If anything, it will give you peace of mind that they are breathing and are simply having a meltdown.

This car seat mirror is extra-wide and adjusts 360 degrees so you can have total control over what you see in the backseat and can comfort your child as much as possible from the driver’s seat.

Try a Movie

If you’re OK with screen time in the car, many children can be pacified by simply putting a movie on. Whether you use a Kindle Fire or have a DVD player in your vehicle, this may help pass the time and calm your child down enough to distract them. Be sure to have a durable tablet holder that is suitable for various devices, so you’ll never have to worry about the tablet falling or moving around in the car.

Related post: How To Stop Toddler From Taking Off Their Pajamas At Night

Final Thoughts – How to Handle a Toddler Afraid of Car Rides

The toddler phase certainly presents new challenges and new levels of patience that we, as parents, have to gain in order to keep the peace. If your child throws a fit whenever it’s time to get in the car, these tips will help you to figure out what he needs from you and how you can get back to enjoying riding in the car instead of wishing you had earplugs. Good luck!

You might also be interested on reading through tips on how to handle a toddler who is afraid of shadows.