Traveling with 13Mo Old

One quick solution is to use rubberbands to lock cabinet doors - we did this at my in-laws while there for a few days.

Since you are driving to visit a new baby -- consider buying the baby-proofing items as a gift! And part of that gift could be installing everything for her, too!

Here is some traveling advice, too: Drive when your child is the most sleepy, and you may want to invest in a DVD player for your car! Save some hardly-used or new toys for the trip to keep your child's interest.

I did a lot of traveling with my daughter when she was this age. The items that need to be put away, where you are staying, are the ones that can hurt her or can do damage to your friend home. I found a closet shelf that I just put away these items until we left and then I put them back before I left. It will be more work for you to keep your eye on her so she learns the "Do not touch" for the different items there. I also purchased several toys that were new and exciting for her and brought them out when we reached our home that we were staying in. She loved that those were hers and when she tried to get into things she should not have, I could divert her to her toys and say "these are yours".

Have fun and enjoy your friend and stay.

I would apply the 10 second rule. Keep your eyes and ears open and don't expect everybody else to watch out for her. You can't expect people to baby proof their home. If someone came to my house, I'd try to make it more baby proof, but not everybody feels that way. Enjoy your visit.

Hi. I've been driving back and forth to California since each kid was born. It's a 12 year drive and they rock. At 13 months, mine would sleep the majority of the drive. Books, snacks and drinks are very helpful to keep them entertained. A couple of noisy toys are great too. I mostly held my child on my lap to feed them or stuck to finger foods. A port-a-crib was an absolute necessity. We take them to friends, family or hotels. I bring extra blankets and a pillow from their bed. Keeps them comfortable and keeps the smell of home nearby. To save your sanity, bring plugs for outlets (if this is your concern) or the duct tape idea is fantastic. Scope out the house when you get there and just ask your friend to help you out. That you want to relax and not follow behind your child for 3 days. My sister in law closes doors in my house to keep her boys out. I move a couch to block the bookcase. I set up a table to block the kitchen (on it's side). It's easy to do and well worth it for a friend. You can also ask to put up plants or glass. Just talk to her, I'm sure she is more than happy to have you there and help you out.

For the drive, I advise you bring a portable DVD player and some favorite movies (Baby Einstein, Play Group, etc). Sometimes they are life-savers on a long car ride when baby screams just because she is tired of sitting.

For the friend's house, just bring along outlet plugs, a baby gate, some toys, and a playpen. You will just have to keep a closer eye on her, but prevent the really bad accidents with the plugs and gates.

You could tell your friend that you want to do her a huge favor and help her baby proof her house. Tell her that you guys can follow her around on her hands and knees and find all the things she needs to do before her baby is older. My neighbor offered to send her kids over to do this for me...but this way you benefit as well as she.

This summer we took a road trip with our 3 boys (5, 4, 15 mo). We faced the same challenge as some of our friends/relatives did not have a baby proof house. I found that if I invested the first 30min-hour following my little one around letting him no "no touch" on the things he wanted to touch, he eventually learned. It's hard at first to say "no touch" 20 times about the same item, but he did learn. The next 2-4 days at each house was much more enjoyable. That's not to say the he wouldn't still "test" and walk up to something he knew was "no touch" and look at me to touch, but I didn't have to worry every minute of the day. I hope that helps.

Bring baby proofing stuff as a baby gift. They won't need it for a while but maybe you can baby proof the things your daughter won't stop getting in too while you are there.

Since your friend has a new baby, she will need to babyproof soon, if she hasn't already. You can bring some of your favorite babyproofing items and help her install them along with some she picks too. Do this at the start of the visit so you can feel safe knowing your child won't be getting into anything harmful.

As far as the trip goes, make sure you stop several times to let your little one stretch and walk around, if she is walking. You will both be happier. :)
Have a safe trip and a nice visit with your friend.

When traveling on drives with my son who is 17 mos, I've driven a lot when he was younger as well, we bring duct tape. You can put it over sockets/outlets or close cabinets,etc. I bring a fold up crib and a portable highchair or a stroller works fine for a highchair if your baby is still willing to sit in it. I made sure to bring a musical nighttime object and favorite night time animal for comfort and lots of toys/foods/juice/milk,etc. Have fun!!