Tips for traveling with baby?

[Jenn_01]

I live in Michigan and most of my family lives in Arkansas, so we are finally making the trip to visit everyone for my nieces graduation, but I'm kind of stressing about the 11-12 hour car ride with Kayleb... especially because his Daddy is stuck at work and won't be able to come with us.  He is 15 months old and the longest trips he's ever been on have been about an hour long.  Just wondering if anyone has any tips to make the trip easier for him and keep him entertained?  I am going with my mom and brother, so someone will be in the backseat with him at all times, I just know he's going to get ornery and bored with being in his carseat.  We usually make pretty frequent stops on the way, so I'm sure that will help, but any input would be helpful.

[georgiamommy]

May. 7, 2007 at 12:05 PM We recently took a long trip ( about 12 hours) with our daughter ( almost 15 months ).  Before this I had taken her on a 6 hour trip with my mom and she did great so I was hoping it would be the same.  Our daughter did do great until about the 10th hour, then she was just fed up and fussed no matter what we tried to do.  Some things we did, had a mirror for her to see herself in ( a fisher price toy), brought along her favorite cd's ( Doodlebops, Disney Princesses), and made her a part of the trip by talking to her the whole way.  Many rest breaks along the way where she could get out of her carseat helped too.  I am your son does well!

[kpetersonaz]

May. 7, 2007 at 12:06 PM When we traveled from Az to TX last summer we made sure to stop about every 2 hours to let my then 1yr and 9 yr stretch thier legs and get some fresh air. It took us a little bit longer than we wanted but was greatly appreciated! WE tried to stop at places that they could get out and run! Like a rest stops with bathrooms! Good luck and have fun, try to make it fun and not a stressful trip ( I know its hard not too).

[mommyof3lilboys]

May. 7, 2007 at 12:11 PM

My dh and I live in utah and our family is in TX when we go down to visit I keep the kids up all day and wear them out that way they will sleep for at least 6 hours, I also packed lots of snacks, food keeps kids quiet, and water. that usually helps

 

[jaimelemer]

May. 7, 2007 at 12:17 PM

My DD (15 mos) has been on 4 long road trips already (12 + hours each) and she does a great job.  I suggest any or all of the following:

* Drive overnight.  He will sleep most of the way.  Might be hard on you - for me I'm a night owl so I'm most comfortable driving overnight. 

* Bring MANY toys - especially the ones that make noise / sing / whatever if he likes those.  Meri loves those and they keep her amused.

* Stop every hour or two for five to ten minutes, to let him stretch his legs.

* Don't continually give him milk or water or anything to drink if you can help it - otherwise you'll be pulling over every half hour to change diapers (been there done that). 

* Definitely great that someone will be in the back seat at all times.  That will help to keep him amused and entertained.

Good luck!

[JessecaLynn]

May. 7, 2007 at 12:56 PM We have had to travel with our twins (almost 17 months) from Missouri to Wisconsin numerous time because all our family lives there.  We try to leave as early as possible in the morning, that way we give them milk and breakfast before we leave and usually they fall back to sleep for a while.  Then when they wake up we give them juice or water and a snack until we can pull over.  Then it is change the diapers and walk around for a bit.  Then we usually can drive until their lunch time.  We let them watch dvds, play with doodle pads (the magnetic ones with an attached pen), or read books.  Then they take their afternoon nap.  By time they wake up it is another pit stop, and snacks and sippy cups while we finish their ride.  It usually goes really well.  Hope this helps!