tips for DH and his long car ride with DD?

gwendarling

any tips for long car trips for my husband? I'm going to SF in a few weeks for work and DD and DH will be driving up and meeting me for the weekend. the drive normally takes about 5 hours. he's planning on leaving LA around noon. we will have an iPad, some books, and lots of snacks.

any tips? also, he should just put her in a diaper, right? (she's pee-trained) TIA!

KatieB19

The diaper is up to you. Once ds was out of diapers, we never put them on again, even for long trips. As an alternative if you are worried, you could put a piddle pad or wee wee pad under her butt. Is she able to communicate when she has to go? If so, just bring a little potty in the car -- line it with a trash bag and stick a pad inside to absorb the pee. Pull over when she's gotta go.

I would try to time it around a nap, or a time when you think she'd be inclined to fall asleep if she doesn't nap anymore. For us, that's after a big brunch or after a big lunch. Hopefully she'll sleep for a good chunk.

Keep a box of (car friendly) toys next to him in the passenger seat so he can hand them back as needed. Maybe get one or two newer toys. I discovered that a pillow on DS's lap works well to elevate books, the nook, etc. to a good level, and provides something for him to drive little cars over.

KatieB19

Oh and don't forget her water/milk cup, and maybe some snacks. I'm slightly paranoid about snacks in the car (ds is rear facing, so I don't have a good eye line on him if he starts choking) but I still bring them because our long trips are 7 hours, and even stopping for lunch, that's too long for no snacks! Just tell him to keep an eye on her

meo34

Can you play a movie or show on the ipad? I find that occupies DS. Apps that do read out loud books I found great as well. Def bring snacks and drinks. Also second go around nap time as sleeping in the car can be a life saver. How old is your DD. DS loved colour wonder stuff when he was younger, markers and finger paints and this really occupied his time, and no mess!

gwendarling

thanks guys, lots of great tips here!

PB102012

I have no advice since I get most of ot from you ladies but I must say I am do excited to learn that there are pee pads for the car seats once LO's potty trained. That's awesome.