I have a 3 month old and an 18 month old. We will be making a 12 hour car trip to our new residence. My husband will be driving the truck, so I won't have any extra hands in the car. I will be stopping every few hours to feed my 3 month old, and I have a car seat tray for my toddler. Any suggestions on helping to keep my 18 month old busy during the car ride? I've stocked up on his favorite songs, but I don't want markers and crayons in the car. Any suggestions?
2007-09-27 03:48:41 · 12 answers · asked by Kristin D 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
I'll be leaving very early and driving straight through. Don't want anyone stealing stuff out of the truck! :)
2007-09-27 07:30:52 · update #1
Stocking up on some travel toys may help pass the time. There are some really cool ones at http://www.mybabytravelgear.com
When you stop to feed your son, I would suggest having your husband take your 18 month old outside to burn off some energy. Try to stop at a park, or a restaurant with a play area.
Do you have the option to drive at night? You may be better off trying to drive straight through while the older one sleeps in the car seat.
2007-09-27 04:27:50 · answer #1 · answered by knowmoremom 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When you stop, try to let your 18 month old out of the car for a bit. Some rest stops have play grounds, but most McDonald's definitely do. You might also consider staying overnight in a hotel. 12 hours in a car is really tough on an adult. Can you imagine being a child in the back seat what it would be like? If you must do the drive all at once, then definitely break up the trip with frequent breaks. If you can, take a friend and offer, if affordable, to buy them a ticket home.
2007-09-27 03:54:07 · answer #2 · answered by Allison P 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
We just moved from CA to TX in July an dI have an 18 month old I packed a back pack of his favorite toys and would rotate them through out the car ride. When we would stop I would stop at some place he could run around so he would get somewhat tired. I would also try to leave early so he would sleep the first part of the car ride and then have him play then he would nap we would take another break and he would play some more. Bring some favorite book. There are the crayola magic markers that only draw on the specific paper and only on certain parts of the paper they don't draw on anything else I tested them myself they are also great it comes in finger paint also look into it you may like it and again it only goes on the paper it appears clear on his fingers like wax
2007-09-27 03:55:39 · answer #3 · answered by Kristi S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
making frequent stops is a great idea even if its just to stretch your legs.But the best advice I can give you is if at all possible do what I did.
I drove over 18 hours while moving from NY to Fl. I didn't want to have to worry about my son being bored on the journey so I decided to leave NY at 3pm instead of first thing in the morning. We stopped for dinner at 6 and again at 8 to stretch our legs and to read a bedtime story. After that he fell asleep and I didn't hear a peep from him until 7am. He was happy though out the trip.
If you have to travel during daylight hours let you husband take one of the kids for a while. I am sure the 18mth old would love riding in a big truck with daddy.
2007-09-27 04:34:43 · answer #4 · answered by nykate_winslow 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make the drive in the late afternoon, and stop for the night. We travel cross country by car every few months.
Dont try to do it during the day, or all in one go. Its just far too much to ask of babies. And far too stressful on you, and not needed.
Leave at 5 or so, so they can lull themselves to sleep early, and then sleep for the vast majority of the trip. If you have to drive the whole thing, do it at night all the way through. You'll miss sleep, but atleast this way you wont have stressed out miserable babies AND a lack of sleep.
2007-09-27 03:53:02 · answer #5 · answered by amosunknown 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Antthing to keep him entertained. We ended up buying a portable DVD player for those times when it was impossible to drive thru the night (we have to drive long distences about once every other month. Yes you WILL get sick of the Tubbies or whatever but if if keeps them calm...
Also a stop every few hours for 30 min or so to get them out of the car.
And last but not least .. a ziplock bag of cheerio's can work wonders
2007-09-27 04:03:29 · answer #6 · answered by Lost in Merryland 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
two babies! you are a brave one. Make sure that the 18 month old gets a ridiculous amount of exercise before you go so he can sleep most of the way through. Or take the trip at night so they are automatically tired.
2007-09-27 03:57:24 · answer #7 · answered by angels_eyez2012 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get his favorite books and toys. We've made long car trips with our twins before, and when they were toddlers there were a few occasions where either me or my husband had to go sit in the back between them and read to them or play with them.
2007-09-27 03:55:22 · answer #8 · answered by Leah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good luck - I know how hard it is, I also have a 18 month old.
Would it be possible for you to hire a nanny to go with you to keep the kids entertained in the back seat? That would be the best option, IMHO.
When I traveled alone with my dd I just had lots of little toys that I kept in the front seat with me and when she got fussy I would toss her a new one. And lots of crackers and snacks.
Try to travel at night when they are sleeping.
2007-09-27 03:57:59 · answer #9 · answered by zaeli22 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
you may desire to convey the start certificates. Gate examine the stroller and shop on the vehicle seat in case you may, Checking a motor vehicle seat may well be as undesirable because it being in an twist of destiny. ensure you nurse or bottle feed in the process take off and touchdown, it is going to help your babys ears pop and shop him comfortable. exchange the dipe surprising formerly you board. i like to aim to make helpful my son is sleepy on the time we board, I wont enable him nap or time table the flight for a snooze time. he gets real fussy in the process boarding yet as quickly as we take off he eats then is going surprising to sleep, and frequently sleeps the full flight. Dont overpack, lugging it in all places is a real discomfort. I convey Tylenol, gas drops, nasal spray/aspirator, 2 binkys, 8 diapers, wipes, his widespread e book, a small toy, a pair juice bins, snacks, a metamorphosis of clothing and hand sanitizer. Oh, the transportable dvd participant in case you have one. little ones LOVE electronics.
2016-10-09 22:19:44 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋