Tips for traveling alone with LO?

weaselwhiskers

I am making a trip with DS to see my family, and this will be the first time we have done it on our own (it's 4 1/2 hours of driving time). DS has never been a fan of travel.  He usually has at least one meltdown during the trip, but when he has someone in the backseat to play with and read to him it's not too bad.  I'm a little worried about how it's going to go with him by himself back there. I'm hoping that he will nap part of the way, and I will stop at least once to give him a break from the carseat. Anyone have any advice for making the drive as painless as possible for both of us?  Thanks!

MesmrEwe

I do those lengths of trips with the kids frequently. 

1) always start with a "target rich environment"..  Full belly, clean diaper, close to nap time...

2) Unless LO wakes up and melts down go as long as you can without stopping. 

3) Refer to 2, but if you need to stop for something to eat, that's why drive thru's were created!

4) Know your stops along the way.  Know the places with the family friendliest bathrooms first and formost. 

janinekrause

If you have done things like feed, diaper, etc, try and just drive and get it done with- i would shoot to stop once only. If he is melting, you have to try and get through it. You cant stop to make him happy and definitely can't entertain. I find when my kids lose it, if I ignore it for a few minutes, they stop - usually falling asleep! Good luck.

gracefulruby33

I find that the best time to leave during trips like these is about an hour or so before LO's usual nap time. This way, they can entertain themselves for a bit in the car, then they get tired and zonk out. If your LO naps well in the carseat, then after the. Nap you will be more than halfway there when they wake up. When LO wakes up, just keep talking, play music they normally like (DD absolutely loves the Beatles), feed puffs or a snack as best you can, get out and get some fresh air at a rest stop, then get back in and tough out the last 45 minutes. You'll be fine. 

Jenny952

I would agree to hit the road when he's full and ready for a nap.  If he's fairly happy and content, keep driving.  I made the mistake of getting DD out of her car seat when we stopped for a break and she was fussy the rest of the drive.  Get some new toys that your LO hasn't seen, and maybe even pull out some videos if you can rig it.  Have lots of fun music for him to listen to as well.

JWSchwarz

DS loves lullaby's, especially Jewel's And the Merry Goes Round. I would invest in some kids music CD's if you don't already have them, and take them along. When he starts melting down in the car Jewel works every single time. He is powerless over her! Just be careful it doesn't put you to sleep too though!

PrimRoseMama

MesmrEwe:

I do those lengths of trips with the kids frequently. 

1) always start with a "target rich environment"..  Full belly, clean diaper, close to nap time...

2) Unless LO wakes up and melts down go as long as you can without stopping. 

3) Refer to 2, but if you need to stop for something to eat, that's why drive thru's were created!

4) Know your stops along the way.  Know the places with the family friendliest bathrooms first and formost. 

All of this!

Also, if you can you can get a little mirror to put back in the back with him. He can watch himself and if you can position it right can see you while you drive. You can also put little pictures of yourself (that's what DD loves!) and your SO on the seat in facing them. They can look at your face in the pictures and see you "looking at them". It used to work like a charm for DD. 

Also, music music music. It doesn't necessarily have to be kid-friendly, but something that you know he likes to listen to. DD's is pop music. I put on Katy Perry and Britney the whole way last car trip and we both jammed out to it. No melt downs. 

When you stop to eat I highly recommend stopping at a hotel! H travels a lot for business and so he is a preferred member. They have clean bathrooms, hot water from the mini-bar area and a little "living room" area that LO can stretch their legs. As long as you don't make a mess and are relatively quiet then the hotel doesn't care. I know it sounds strange but we stopped at all hotels last car trip to use the restroom and stretch our legs. 

Definitely stretch LO out and get some wiggle time when you stop. 

Good luck!