When the next family vacation or a long car trip is approaching, the question regularly arises, how should the children be kept busy?. Ideally, they sleep while driving and do not distract the driver from the traffic. But in practice, this often proves more difficult than initially thought. Parents often think too complicated or can’t put themselves in the shoes of their little ones. So that the next trip does not become a torture, you should also include the children in the planning and not only the best route to the destination. Because that way parents are armed against all individualities.
Why do children fall asleep in the car
Especially babies fall asleep very quickly as soon as the ride begins. This is mainly due to the similarity to the feeling that was present in the mother’s womb. It was tight, warm and the movement of the mother caused the unborn child to sway a bit. A car with a child seat and a child booster seat is therefore an ideal way to convey that feeling of security. Because as a rule seat shells are used in the car, because they offer more safety and support in the event of an accident, especially for very small children. Due to the restriction to the left and right, in combination with a seat belt, the child hardly has to make any effort to sit, but can simply let himself fall down. But also the wind that you can hear in the car and the monotony of the rolling noise of the tires provide a pleasant atmosphere. Driving over minor road bumps also causes sway, which is equally calming. However, the driver has to be careful not to hit any big potholes. This could interrupt the child’s sleep.
How best to sleep children in the car?
In order for the child to sleep comfortably in the car, the equipment should first be coherent. By law alone, a child restraint system must be installed according to the child’s size child seat be used. Depending on the design, a headrest should also be used. The reason for this is in the not yet so pronounced neck and head muscles to look for. Because just as they are falling asleep, those muscles are not tense. When driving into a curve, the head can hit the windshield and wake up the child. Therefore, one should counteract from the outset.
another proven remedy is to use a sunshade for the windows. such sun visors are available in almost every hardware store and should not be missing. Since children prefer to sleep at night, the darkening of the rear area initiates the "sleeping time" and makes it easier for the offspring to fall asleep. For older children, distraction by familiar buildings is also avoided. Especially at popular fast-food chains, this can prevent whining in the long term. According to the motto "what you can’t see, isn’t there"."
The choice of music played also plays a role. Many parents like to listen to music during the car ride to spice up the monotony of the road a bit. English-language music should be listened to that is not too aggressive. The noise level should be quiet in accordance with the driving noises.
8 tips for long car journeys with children
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Conclusion:
Children are quite undemanding when it comes to falling asleep during car rides. As a rule, even the smallest interventions are enough to achieve the desired result. In addition to the use of a child seat and a headrest, so that the child sits more stable, the driving style and the choice of music are also important. This allows children to sleep in the car and makes it easy for them to reach their destination.