Ideas for a clautrophobic toddler?

Relish

New member
Does anyone have ideas for helping a true claustrophobe?

Ds has always hated his carseat. Not just a little cry because he's not being held but absolute top-level panicked screaming. He eventually came to tolerate short trips around 10mo and around 15mo longer drives (meaning 10+min). But, he still has occasional meltdowns and just this week is having a really, really, tough time again. He's becoming pretty verbal and in his last meltdown kept repeating "stuck" in his panicked voice. :( So, it seems that being strapped in is the actual problem (we'd wondered about car sickness among other things).

Since we live in the midwest, a car is necessary for getting most places in the winter. FTR, Ds is 19mo and Rf-ing still in an RA. He's only about 22lbs and 30inches.

I'm considering buying a really nice stroller and some warm winter gear so we do more walking (I don't really mind so much its just less convenient and there are only a handful of places we can go). Ds doesn't like strollers too much but I can't handle slinging him for walks of 1-2 miles. We've tried most everything I can think of so I'm really open to any ideas. We really need to find a way to help him feel better in the car because its incredibly stressful to drive with him or even try and plan any outings.
 
ADS

MomToEliEm

Moderator
You have a good open seat for your child already so I don't really think another seat would change the situation.

Maybe you could let him "buckle" himself in by letting him try to buckle himself in the seat. With him thinking he is doing it himself, I might feel more confident that he could get out easily if needed.
 

Milkie&Cookie

New member
what about using rescue remedy spray for him? Something to sort of take the edge of for the poor kiddo. Does he freak when restrained at all? stroller, highchair etc?
 

cryswilkins

New member
Maybe a mirror on the headrest? That way he has something to keep himself entertained and you can see if he is just testing you?
 

Relish

New member
what about using rescue remedy spray for him? Something to sort of take the edge of for the poor kiddo. Does he freak when restrained at all? stroller, highchair etc?

That is a great idea! Yes, he does freak out when he feels trapped or constrained at all. Never liked blankets or swaddling. Even with his beloved blankie if he rolls over and the blanket feels tight he'll wake up instantly and panic until we free him. The stroller started to be okay since he turned one but we only use the bottom harness not any shoulder straps.

Any suggestions for Rescue Remedy versus Calms Forte? I've heard of them both but never tried either.
 

Paperdragon

New member
My son is exactly the same way. As an infant, he couldn't sleep unless all his limbs were dangling and free, preferably off the bed our couch! He fought all his car seats until we got him a Regent at age 3. Now he drapes his arms over the top and spreads his legs over the sides. I can get the straps really, really tight with no complaints.
 

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