Rear Facing Entertainment #DeafBaby

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Car rides with the little one have become a bit of a nightmare. He and I commute about 40 minutes each way and he is becoming more antsy and unwilling to get into his carseat. I am a firm believer in “extended” (past the age of 2) rear facing but have really been struggling with accommodating our Deaf baby.

With my older kids, I could talk to them, soothe them. I could turn the music up, turn the music down, sing silly songs or sing praise hymns. Even though we couldn’t see each other, we could engage. They knew that I was there and they were not alone.

With Ezra it is a whole different ball game. He stares silently out the window but he is clearly not happy. We don’t get to sing Wheels on the Bus or Chicka Chika Boom Boom. I try to reach back and let him know that he isn’t alone but I know that the daily commute is a dreaded part of his day. Even snacks don’t seem to cure the sulking face he puts on when we head to the car.

So, what does a blogger do when she needs some parenting advice? Well she heads off and posts on Facebook. There were tons of good suggestions including books, toys and mirrors. I tried all of them. Books and toys would last about 5 minutes and go crashing on the floor. He loves to look in the mirror but he can’t see me.

I finally realized that I might just have to break down and purchase a DVD player. I was really hesitant due to the high risk of the DVD player becoming a potential flying projectile in an accident. However, I had to weigh my options, screaming, miserable child or do my best to create a safe way for my child to continue to be rear facing.

I researched potential DVD adapters and finally decided on the TFY Universal Car Headrest Mount Holder for Portable DVD Player. The reason I liked this holder is because it is basically is a giant elastic band that goes around the headrest. It has a large velcro strip that feels very sturdy. It also uses two metal clips instead of straps or elastic bands.

Once installed, I felt that the DVD player was held securely in place. Could it break loose in an accident? Absolutely. That is definitely a potential fear but I feel strongly the risk of being hit by the DVD player out weighs the multitude of risks when turning him before he is developmentally ready.

We also chose the Sylvania 9-Inch Swivel Screen Portable DVD/CD/MP3 Player with 5 Hour Built-In Rechargeable Battery, USB/SD Card Reader, AC/DC Adapter, Red, which fit nice and snug in the mount. It is even a little difficult to get in and out.

We had our first ride in the car today and Ezra was thrilled. I decided on using the Baby Signing Time DVD Collection as our first videos because they are both entertaining and educational. He absolutely LOVED THEM and giggled and clapped through the whole video. Not one tear on todays ride. Let’s hope his interest continues.

The only thing I miss is my ability to see his little face while I drive. I need to figure out how to rig a mirror to the seat so I can still keep my eye on him. You can see in the photo that he has managed to kick it to the side. Maybe I can sew it in place.

 

How do you keep your little one in entertained in the car?