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For instance, toys with lots of buttons, lights and sounds will be more interesting and engaging than a cuddly soft toy. A popular toy is one of those car seat steering wheels that attach to the car seat. The problem with loose toys is that they can be dropped, after which your child will have nothing else to do. A home-made alternative is to offer your toddler an old wallet with lots of old cards that you no longer need inside it. Your toddler will enjoy pulling cards out one by one. Another alternative is keeping a CD case with old CDs that your toddler can pull out one by one. Encouraging your toddler to practice tearing up scrap paper is also a good activity, albeit a little messy to clean up after.

- Listening to your toddler's favourite music, playing a favourite audio book on CD, singing favourite songs, or telling stories can be an effective distraction for an older toddler. Talk to your toddler about the interesting scenery outside the car or about anything in particular that interests your toddler.

- Small doodle pads that can be easily erased and drawn over again are also great for toddlers who love to scribble.

- Keeping a stash of favourite books that your toddler can flip through. Talking books or those books with buttons, lights and sounds are also great.

- Favourite snacks or special treats for toddlers who can self-feed are an excellent distraction.

5. Cashing in on Nap Time

When all else fails, try to catch your toddler close to nap time when she is too tired to protest. This usually works best for the ride home. Alternatively, if fatigue merely serves to fuel the protests, stay out until your child has fallen asleep before strapping her into the car seat. Ideally, about ten minutes after falling asleep, you should be able to put your toddler down without waking her. After that, you're home free.

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