Yesterday I was driving home from my cousin’s house which is only 40 minutes. It was just me and the two boys.  I thought I was so smart putting them both in PJs before we left because I was sure they were going to fall asleep.  Boy was I wrong!  The reason I wanted to post this is because at my last speaking event at New Mama’s Group, multiple people asked me how to survive road trips and even just going to the store.  9 times out of 10, car rides can be a saving grace because your kid will sleep.  Its a quiet time to reflect and think about the thousands of things you want to get done.  But that 1 out 10 can be “hell on wheels” as my friend Sarah said it.  Last night was that 1 out of 10!  I went into survival mode because I already hate driving at night.  Here are all my tricks but I can’t guarantee any of them will work!

Keep extra pacifiers on hand for when your kid spits his out during a crying fit and it’s just out of your reach

Have a list of silly songs to sing at the top of your lungs.  When you forget the lyrics, make new ones up

Figure out what music your crying child likes and blast it. Don’t be surprised if he hates the music he loved the day prior.  And if your kid happens to like music you hate, suck it up and sing along!

Alternate rolling the window up and down.  The fresh air is nice and the sound of the window opening and closing seems to be enough of a distraction to get a break in the crying. I also use this trick to try and keep Mack awake when I really don’t want him to fall asleep in the car.

If you finally are able to get your child to sleep and you approach a red light, slow far enough away so that you can creep up and never come to a complete stop so as not to wake the baby.  I also like to tap the brakes to bounce the car.

What are your tricks for calming a crying baby or toddler? ?