Traveling

Barbra - posted on 05/11/2009

I've had to commute for work every month since my son was 3 months old between Charlotte, NC and Tampa, FL. Depending on the length of your trip, you might want to split it up into multiple days. My drive used to take 8 hours, but now I split it into two days, each day driving about 6-7 hours (with stops). Remember - it will take at least twice as long to get there compared to driving without children. I try to make frequent stops along the way - some of my favorites to look for at exits are Chik-Fil-A and Wal-mart since I can get out of the car and let my son run around with me right behind him. I personally don't like rest stops, but that's a personal preference.

I also bring a bag of special toys for my son that he only gets to play with in the car. He gets them one at a time, things like the See N Say, a sesame street toy with buttons and music on it, and a drive and go car.

I have some CDs of music that he likes, so I can sing and he claps along.

I also have a portable DVD player that I can plug into the car lighter with Baby Einsteins, but I've only had to use that a couple of times, one was for a traffic jam on I-95 while my son was having a meltdown in the back seat. It was a lifesaver.

Mostly, let your child set the pace. If you're having a meltdown in the back seat - pull over for a little while. The only time I haven't done that was when I was in the middle of a traffic jam and no exit for miles. It's very doable, and you can both survive it in one piece! I promise!

Oh - and don't worry about sleeping too much - in fact, treasure those times when the car lulls your little one to sleep. I've noticed that no matter how much my son sleeps in the car, he still keeps to his sleep schedule when we check-in for the night.

LeeAnn - posted on 05/09/2009

Adorable picture by the way! One of my little guy's favorite traveling activities is a little magnetic drawing board where you can write on it and then slide the tab and it erases it. It was fabulous on plane rides. Also havng plenty of snacks ready and stopping midpoint to get out of the car and play some!

Jen - posted on 05/08/2009

My daughter has been traveling a lot with me the past few months. Since January we've traveled to my parents house between 10 and 15 weekends. It's a 5 hour trip after stopping for lunch. I usually try to leave around 10 am if I can that way she can play for a little bit in her seat and then she's ready for lunch when we stop at our half way point at noon. She also usually will take a nap. We eat and let her walk around and then get back on the road. When we leave I give her a blankie, her cup, and a toy or 2. She always throws something down, but she doesn't usually scream for me to get it so I pick it up when we stop. If you won't be the one driving then you'll be able to talk to her and play with her some. I suggest not going more than 2 hours without stopping (unless she's sleeping). After 2 hours she's going to be ready to get out and stretch her legs. Just find a rest stop and let her run around in the grass for 5 mins or so. Also keep some snacks handy in case she gets too fussy you can distract her long enough with the food. Good luck.

Jen - posted on 05/08/2009

My daughter has been traveling a lot with me the past few months. Since January we've traveled to my parents house between 10 and 15 weekends. It's a 5 hour trip after stopping for lunch. I usually try to leave around 10 am if I can that way she can play for a little bit in her seat and then she's ready for lunch when we stop at our half way point at noon. She also usually will take a nap. We eat and let her walk around and then get back on the road. When we leave I give her a blankie, her cup, and a toy or 2. She always throws something down, but she doesn't usually scream for me to get it so I pick it up when we stop. If you won't be the one driving then you'll be able to talk to her and play with her some. I suggest not going more than 2 hours without stopping (unless she's sleeping). After 2 hours she's going to be ready to get out and stretch her legs. Just find a rest stop and let her run around in the grass for 5 mins or so. Also keep some snacks handy in case she gets too fussy you can distract her long enough with the food. Good luck.