Is a week long vacation to visit relatives a good idea for a 17 month old?

Question

My husband and I always go on vacation every year during Labor Day to visit relatives. Last year was the first time we had our new baby girl with us. It went rather smoothly. Of course, she was only 5 months old then. This year, I'm a little worried about a few things. The 9 hr. drive: She doesn't like to sit still for very long and Daddy is very impatient. I'm worried that I'll have to deal with a screaming child and a ticked off husband (not to mention me being stressed out). Once we get there: Obviously, she's not going to remember anybody there, so I'm worried that once we get there, she won't calm down enough to stay our usual one week. Sleeping: Last year we just brought her playpen and she was fine sleeping in that. I don't know if that's a good idea this year, but she's also too small to sleep in a regular bed. And I'm certainly not getting in the habit of her sleeping with us, so that is out of the question. Can someone please help with suggestions on these 3 issues? Thank you

Answer 1

I had to giggle a little when I read your question because it sure brought me back. My hubby was a little impatient as well when it came to our 3 very illogical toddlers, being a very logical guy. Anyway here are some travel tips that worked for us:

1. First and foremost is planning. Either travel at night which is what we did whenever we could. If not get out the map and plan stops every 1 1/2 or 2 hours that have space to run like a park or nice rest stop.

2. Bring lots of small snacks. You can keep a toddler busy unwrapping lots of things. I used to cut sandwiches into 6 pieces and wrap them individually, putting 5 or 6 grapes in a little box, cookies wrapped in foil so our boys had to unwrap them to see what kind they were. This kind of snacking had them giggling and giggling. Don't forget to bring lots to drink. I would often wrap Dad's snacks and had him laughing too because it was so rediculous. Fun for everyone.

3. Bear in mind that she may scream and sometimes nothing will help. Knowing this in advance and discussing it with Dad can help you deal with it.

4. Bring some books that she especially likes this will help not only on the trip but when you get there for bed time.

5. When it comes to the relatives, yes, she may be shy but it is so important not to rush her. She will get used to these, to her, strangers if you don't force the issue and make sure others don't either. Follow her lead. Something to remember is young children have a way of showing you just what they are feeling and there are some of these people that she is just not going to like. Count yourself lucky next year she is going to say things like "that lady smells bad", or "look at that man's ugly hair", trust me it has happened us us...lol

6. As far as sleeping you should absolutely bring your play pen for her to sleep in but don't be surprised if she ends up in bed with you. This is a new and unfamiluar place and she made need to be close to you. I would give in and deal with the fall out when you get home.

7. I guess the most important thing I would advise is to tell you what my grandmother told me when I was a young mother and has followed me through 3 boys and now a new grandson and that is "Pick your fights". This works with toddlers as well as it works with teenagers.

Good luck and have fun it doesn't have to be all work.

PS excuse the spelling, spellcheck is offline

Answer 2

I am about to go on a week long trip to visit relatives. I am (thankfully going with my Mother and not my husband). We have planned on not driving more than 5 hours each day and taking a few stops. I am taking my daughter's pack n play and am going to do my best to keep her on her schedule. She is 10 months old and I can understand your concern.
These are my suggestions. Can you break up the trip in 2 days so you are not driving a full 9 hours? Your daughter will not be able to handle 9 hours straight. If you hit the road each day around nap time that would at least give you a few hours of peace. Sit in the back seat with your daughter so you can play with her and make sure you have plenty of toys easy to reach. Do plan on stopping at rest areas, etc. to let your daughter run around. As for sleeping arrangements see if the play pen works, if not be open minded to the fact that you may have to put her in bed with you. She's going to be out of her element and just need the extra closeness and reassurance. Another idea is to see if there is a place where you could rent a crib for a week. I don't think it will get her into a habit.
As far as her being calmed down enough, I believe that as long as you try and keep her on her regular schedule she will be fine. She will sleep when she's tired and eat when she's hungry.
The change of pace and excitement will be good for her.

Answer 3

I think things will work out fine. Usually when a 17-month-old is around, some relative or another is always playing with them. They are a joy at that age. And Why can't you let the baby sleep in the playpen in the room you sleep in. I think your biggest worry is your husband not staying calm. Do the best you can to keep the baby entertained during the long travel. Maybe you will have to spend some time in the back seat with the baby since she has to be straped in her car seat. I really hope your trip is fun and memorable. Good luck.

Answer 4

With a little preparation and patience, it can be done relatively easily. We go visit relatives that are about 8 hours away by car every few months. My son is 2 and 3 mos, and we just got back from one of our trips.

First, be sure to prepare for the car ride. I usually bring a few favorite books, crayons and coloring book, portable DVD player with favorite DVDs, puzzles, and other favorite toys that work well in the car. Also, pack plenty of diapers and at least one change of clothes. You will also do well with a cooler full of drinks and snacks. When we do that long of a trip, one parent drives while the other parent is in the back seat entertaining our little one. The person in the back seat can also get drinks and snacks for your 17 month old. Also, it helps to stop frequently. We usually stop every couple hours. That is just the right amount of time to tend to a diaper and let your little one run a bit. Our stops are mostly at rest areas which have open space to move around. The disadvantage to rest areas is that most do not have diaper changing areas, so I change my son in the back seat of the car. Pampers makes Easy Ups, which work well for standing changes. They are pretty absorbant.

When you get there, be sure to have some familiar toys. Also, your daughter will have to get to know everyone again. It helps to show her pictures of relatives ahead of time. This way she will at least recognize their faces. Once she warms up to relatives, she should be fine. Just be sure to try to keep her on her schedule as much as possible. Tired and hungry little ones are usually cranky.

Sleep wise, try to keep as much to your usual schedule as possible. See if someone has a crib you can use for sleeping in. Otherwise, have her sleep in the playpen for a few days before leaving on your trip. Then, the playpen will be familiar. Be sure to bring a favorite blanket and/or stuffed animal. On trips, my son usually wakes at night and does not sleep as well. It is just part of toddlerhood, unfortunately.

Your relatives will probably love to see your 17 month old, and you will be glad you went.

Answer 5

It almost sounds as if you are trying to get out of visiting your relatives because there are several ways you eliminate your problems: provide an in-car activity set for your child, letting your child sleep with you and your husband for a couple of nights isn't going to be habit forming, and she may remember her relatives, you'll be surprise what 17 month old remembers, and as far as the drive is concern daddy is going to have to learn to be more patient, stop frequently so neither one of you will become irrated and most of all allow enough time to be able to stop frequently, leave maybe a couple of hours ahead of time, it will give you good quality time with your family which is a gift nowadays with the way things are going. Try to find some way for it to work, if u really want to go you'll find a way. good luck and drive carefully

Answer 6

she is still okay to sleep in a playpen. I know of several parents that have done this with their kids. She may just fall asleep during the trip or you could give her some toys to play with. I think that if you really want to go you'll all find some way to deal with it.

Answer 7

The trip will be fine. Leave at her bedtime so that most of the driving is behind you once she wakes. Taking the playpen for her to sleep in would be fine too. Get pictures out of the relatives and use their names often before your trip.

Answer 8

Maybe this is the year to stay home. Or you could consider inviting family to come visit you. Having children changes everything and you will find your life is going to change with every phase of your child's life.

Why don't you talk to your husband about alternate plans. It will be much easier on you and your family if you make a few adjustments.

Traveling with young children is NO PICNIC, so if you want to have a relaxing / fun vacation - choose something closer to home or invite someone to come visit you.

best of luck to you.

Answer 9

I think you're absolutely right. Most of the time,we as mothers are right. Your 17 month old will get restless, your hubby will be annoyed, and you'll be stressed. Do you have to go on this vacation? Trips like this are very stressful with smaller children.

Answer 10

Just take her, she will get to know people, bring stuff for her to do in the car, and bring the play pen. Also make sure she is tired before the trip, that way she will sleep for maybe half of it.