Clingy baby

My little one is still like this and he is a year now! I usually play his favourite songs in the car or reassure him that I’m still there, this normally helps within 5-10 minutes. Hopefully this helps :)

Thank @Amy. I do play his favourite songs and sing along and talk to him but apparently he just wants to see me. Thanks so the tips though 😊

@Claire do you have a mirror for head of his seat so you can make eye contact with him through your mirror? We tried this too :)

@ I don’t but great idea!

Print a picture of you smiling and put it where he’s facing? Might work out, might not but it’s worth a shot! 🫶🏼

@Phoenix that’s a genius idea!!!

If you can disable the front passenger seat airbag you can have the baby carrier/ baby car seat next to you. Baby seat must be rear-facing. At least in Europe/UK this is legal, not sure in AU.

Being single doesn’t necessarily change how clingy the baby is to you. Especially at this age. A lot of babies this age also hate the car seat. Favourite song There’s also a song called the happy song super popular Picture of you on the back headrest. Favourite show in the background to listen to. You singing. Introducing a comforter. Baby chiropractor. Ensure your car seat is fitted / installed properly, should be uncomfortable. Does the baby have a tongue tie that needs to be released? Some kids, just hate car seats for all ages, some hate them only at the start etc. plus babies at 12 weeks start to go through separation anxiety as they can see further now when you’re away from them. It scares them. It could just be a phase during their development.

Get mirrors, you can use a mirror in front of baby for you to see them with your review and if angeled right they could see you too!

@Ana yikes so dangerous the safest spot period is in the back. Doesn't matter if your country says its legal science says your putting your child at risk.

@Samantha I am all for back-sear rear-facing. But also for a mom having options beyond needing a driver or getting distracted by a screaming baby when driving - which is definitely not safe. I said it was legal, up to Claire and any other parent to do their research and make an informed decision.

I second the backseat mirror! It’s meant for you to see baby, but babies love staring at their reflections too. Kids music or calming music also worked great with my daughter, even better if you sing yourself. I want to reassure you as well that this isn’t necessarily because of the single mom dynamic! Babies seem to either love (i.e. fall asleep) or HATE car trips. My first was definitely the latter 😖

Thanks for all your responses! After further investigation he loves the car when I’m in the back seat with him 😂 Totally not just a single mum thing but I am sure it happens more with single mums as they don’t usually have someone to travel with. He’s also grown very attached to me and will start “talking” very loudly when I am in a different room to him. He also can’t settle with other people such as his grandmother. He’s a very clingy baby and I think it’s from the trauma of my relationship with his father. Love all the ideas thank you! I’m going to try and mirror hack and also print a photo of me. I will let you know how it goes.