We are going to New Orleans for Christmas and our son will be 6 months of age at the time. It is a 20 hour car drive and would like to drive straight through if our son allows. Has anyone taken their child on a driving vacation before and do you have any advice? We have an SUV so it will be roomy.
P.S. He loves car rides by the way.
2006-10-30 06:12:37 · 18 answers · asked by Angie 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I have done the road trip thing with little ones and it is doable. I would recommend starting the trip near his bedtime to get max hours in before the fussiness may begin. During the day plan to stretch every 2 - 3 hours, we found some fresh air at rest stops works best (if you want to call the air fresh), for about 15 min to half hour each break. fun music and a rotation of toys helps too. If your little guy likes movies like baby Einstein, set up a DVD player for other entertainment. Have fun, and don't forget to pack a couple of extra outfits in an easy to get to place - Safe Journey!!
2006-10-30 06:18:36 · answer #1 · answered by akelaamy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We take allot of trips from Manitowoc,Wi to Rhinelander, Wi and some all the way to upper Michigan...(4-6Hrs) But we normally stop along the way unless we go up at night while the kids are sleeping, I would HIGHLY suggest stopping at least 6-7 times even if it is only to change and feed otherwise you will NOT have a very fun ride there OR BACK cause they will realise what is going on.
P.S. my kids are 3 years old and 9 months old
2006-10-30 06:56:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I took my 5 month old daughter on a 14 hour road trip. After the 10th hour she did not want to be in the car anymore. Babies that age nap a lot, which is helpful. The best thing you can do is stop everytime he wakes up fully and get out of the car for awhile. Use this time to stop for your meals, instead of eating in the car.
2006-10-30 06:21:03 · answer #3 · answered by limendoz 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We just traveled 12 hours in the car with our 5 month old. She slept most of the time. We just had to stop twice for feeding (we also drove during the night, so we knew she'd sleep most of the way). On the way back, we drove mostly during the day, and surprisingly, she slept most of the way back too. Had to make a little more stops for feeding and changing...and playing, but we still made good time. I think the hardest part was when we got there. She really didn't like being in a different place...it took her about 3 days to get used to her surroundings and new people. Good luck!
2016-03-28 01:49:32 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he loves riding in the car, you should do fine.
Our daughter hated her car seat so traveling with her anywhere at 6 mos was a real JOY..
But you can cut down on his awake time and the possibility of him being restless.. by
Driving during the night or at least part of the night.. during his normal sleep time.
Make sure you have plenty of snacks and drinks, toys with in YOUR reach as well...
And if hes never been on a trip that long... bring clean up things.. in case he gets car sick.
20 hours is a long time but it sounds fun and I bet he will do fine!
Good Luck
Wismom
2006-10-30 06:19:08 · answer #5 · answered by Wismom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are different factors to keep in mind (that you didn't specify on). i used to take my son on a 6 hour trip on a regular basis (once it took 9 hours because of snow). is he bottle fed or breast fed? if he is bottle fed make sure you bring myclicon (sp) gas relief - even if he is breast fed this will help too. if he is breast fed - but can take a bottle, make sure you bring a breast pump that is manual or runs on batteries (i have actually had to pump while driving, not fun!). chances are he will sleep through most of it and just wake up to be fed. have a few noise making toys to keep him entertained though (the stuff that crinkles like plastic bags is what my son still loves the most at 14 months).
also keep in mind he slept the whole time - he may not be tired when you reach your destination so someone will have to stay up with him or be sure to bring a playpen so you can at least take a nap with no worries (unless everyone where you are going to will be awake, then no problem there).
another little tip - as much as you went to visit these people, try to keep him away from anyone who is sick or your trip home will be miserable!
2006-10-30 06:19:17 · answer #6 · answered by Jenessa 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My husband & I are going to take our son who will be 3 months old on a car trip to Dallas for Thanksgiving. My suggestion is this: if you are going to drive it straight through, just know that you will have to stop for burpings, and diaper changes since you should not have your baby un restrained in a moving vehicle. Take toys that he likes that will be the least distracting to the driver, and take along CDs with music he likes. Congratulations & have a safe trip!
2006-10-30 06:20:50 · answer #7 · answered by Sandra H 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He will do great. Just take periodic stops not only to change his diaper, and feed him, but to let him stretch. Take a few toys that he can chew on. Don't forget to take teething medicine, and Tylenol. Even though it will be cold make sure to take some cooler clothes in case the place you stay is kept really warm. At 6 months your son will be moving all over the place (even though he's not crawling yet.) so make room for the pack and play.
2006-10-30 06:20:06 · answer #8 · answered by moonlit 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He will be fine... he will probaby sleep most of the way. Just remember to pull over for diaper changes and feedings. My sister in law drove to newfoundland from Ontario with her 4 months pld...which is about a 3 day drive....no problems.
Your son may be fussier once you get there cause he is not in the car. good lucko
2006-10-30 06:18:49 · answer #9 · answered by Lovebeingamom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My wife and I took our daughter to Ireland at 6 mos. 12 hour flight plus the drive to the airport, check-in, customs, baggage claim, drive to where we stayed=20 hours. At that age they sleep most of the time.
It will be just fine. The only advice I can give is sit next to him. They require a lot of contact from you, MOM.
Have fun!
2006-10-30 06:18:19 · answer #10 · answered by B Low 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋