Road Trip with a One Year Old

I have been on many roadtrips with my kiddos but never one this long. My only advise is to stop and let him run around every 4-6 hours. There are parks everywhere and if you have GPS you should be able to find one wherever you are.

My kids also like when I sit in the back with them. I don't sit with them the whole time, just when they are really getting bugged. This way it is a special thing. I would also take lots of things to do but only give him one at a time.

Good luck and I hope it is a fun trip!

Ha! My experience: not that fun for the person who's not driving. I spent my whole time hopping back and forth during all our road trips when they were young, while my husband listened to a books-on-tape.

This is one time I HIGHLY recommend a tv in the car. At first I was morally opposed to it, now I say: shut them up any way you can. Even a one year old can usually be pacified with a tv for a while.

DVD players for the car. Best money we ever spent :)

My son was one of those babies that would just fall asleep after about 30 minutes of riding in the car. What is your chld like under normal circumstances for riding in the car? Don't be too troubled about him getting restless in the car. We all have to deal with stuff and fortunately his little mind won't remember the worst of it all and it may not be that bad.

When you make your stops, for food and gas, etc. make certain baby gets exercised. Keep his favorite things close by and perhaps some new activity thing to keep him busy too. I just believe in traveling with children with some form of tylenol, motrin, anbesol and/or orajel. All of these things help with any discomfort they may be feeling and also helps to mellow them out some if they are having a difficult time but it does take at least 15-30 minutes to kick in real good. I hope this helps.

Have a pouch of toys. Rotate them trhough the travel time, so your child has a favored toy when he desires it, but also something 'new' to play with.

Try to stop every 2 or 3 hours or when he's really getting figity and let him run and play as you can.

If your child has a favorite cd that he listens too, take it with you.

The idea of riding back with him sometimes is great.

If you have a regular routine, try to stick with it as much as you can; he will find comfort with this.

Good luck, be safe, have fun.