Millions Of Parents On TikTok Are "Pre-Folding" Their Babies Before Car Rides, And It's The Most Hilarious Thing You'll See All Month

If you're a parent — or have ever had the misfortune of having to wrestle a kicking child into a car seat — then this video will really resonate with you. It shows a mom named Lauren STRUGGLING to get her 17-month-old son, Emmett, into his car seat:

Child upside down in car seat seemingly singing, with humorous caption about missing these moments
@laurarbs1 / Via tiktok.com

And the video — which has over 32 million views — is too funny with the song she chose to play over Emmett's cries...

Parent struggling with a toddler in a car seat, text overlay about cherishing moments
@laurarbs1 / Via tiktok.com

The song — "You're Gonna Miss This" by Trace Adkins — talks about a kid who can't wait to turn 18 and a parent reflecting with the lyrics, "You're gonna miss this / You're gonna want this back / You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast / These are some good times / So take a good look around / You may not know it now / But you're gonna miss this."

Woman buckling child in car seat as text implies savoring the moment
@laurarbs1 / Via tiktok.com

Will you really miss the sad face of defeat when Mom wins?

Toddler in a car seat, appearing to be mid-tantrum or crying
@laurarbs1 / Via tiktok.com

And will that sigh of victory while you're simultaneously trying to calm your kid down be something you'll want to relive?

Woman with surprised expression, inside a vehicle looking sideways
@laurarbs1 / Via tiktok.com

Doubtful, BUT a light has been brought forth at the end of the tunnel to help parents with stiff toddlers who hate car seats!

Screenshot of a social media comment by Mickey suggesting to "pre-fold" something, with a laughing emoji and 28.7K likes
@laurarbs1 / Via tiktok.com

It is a method TikTokers are dubbing the "pre-fold."

Comment: "Gotta fold em. You prefold and they go in easier lol"
@laurarbs1 / Via tiktok.com

And it is, in fact, a thing.

Text in image: "i heard someone say they prefold the child"
@laurarbs1 / Via tiktok.com

The "hack" has been backed by many parents who have tried it!

The best part is, it is super easy. You simply fold the baby in half (with a snack when possible).

Woman demonstrates folding technique with baby clothes near a car seat; text bubble: "You need to 'pre-fold' them! It works every time for me"
@laurarbs1 / Via tiktok.com

Once they are folded in two like a hot dog bun, you swiftly slide them into the seat...

Person struggles to put child's legs into a car seat as the child leans backward outside the car
@laurarbs1 / Via tiktok.com

...attempting not to bump their head.

Person struggles to fit stroller in car trunk without bumping the child's head
@laurarbs1 / Via tiktok.com

(But sometimes, unfortunately, it accidentally happens to the best of us. So just be gentle with the process.)

Screenshot of social media comments with emoji reactions, discussing humorous takes on personal growth through challenges, like "Bonks build character" and "the bonk helps fight the resistance"
@laurarbs1 / Via tiktok.com

And ta-da! A bifold success!

Woman giving a thumbs-up beside a child in a car seat; both smiling
@laurarbs1 / Via tiktok.com

BuzzFeed spoke to Lauren, who said it can be difficult to get Emmett into the car seat, but since he's her third kid, she's figured out tricks along the way, including using the "pre-fold" method while not knowing it was a thing.

Woman smiling, holding a baby in a fox-themed outfit; they both look happy
Lauren / @laurarbs1 / Via tiktok.com

However, Lauren did admit that she typically has to mix the "pre-fold" with one or two other distractions — like giving her son a snack and/or a toy.

Toddler in a car seat holding a snack pouch, looking at the camera
Lauren / @laurarbs1 / Via tiktok.com

Another method, according to Happiest Baby, is to put the car seat in your home and have your child sit in it with a snack or book so they can become accustomed to it before they start going on car rides. The site also has some other tips that you can read here. (But if all else fails, just let them drive 😉.) Happy parenting — and let us know in the comments if you've tried the "pre-fold" method!

Comment: "I just let mine drive and I ride in the car seat"
@laurarbs1 / Via tiktok.com