POLL: Moving cross country with baby?

Elly&Joey · September 2013

So my husband and I are PSCing (relocating) to Washington (the state lol). We live in Florida and would enjoy driving cross country and visiting places like St. Louis, Mt. Rushmore, etc, think of all the cool experiences! The drive is about 46 hours, and we would probably take about 7 days. Does this sound realistic with our baby. She should be about 4-5 months old then. We also have a dog, a mastiff. It seems like fun but maybe flying would be a better, easier option? Money isnt the issue really cuz regardless the military is paying for the move. Also, we wouldn't be using a moving truck, the military is moving our stuff, it would just be my family (DH, DD, me and puppy).

TJHine · September 2013

My sis and bro in law moved from STL to Montana when my niece was about 7 weeks...they stopped a lot and saw the sights on the way and had a wonderful trip!

Might depend on on LO does in the car?

lamo1210 · September 2013

I've read that at this stage it's best travel since it will get more hectic as they get older.

mm&es · September 2013

We drove from New York to TN when DD1 was 9 months old and split it into two days. Just be prepared to stop A LOT for feedings, changes, breaks, etc. Its better to do it when they are younger, since they will sleep a lot of the time, but they also need to stretch and move around, which is tough in the car. As long as you aren't trying to make good time, it could be a fun trip!

3Dewdrops · September 2013

I wouldn't plan for either way til closer when you know how LO travels. I had one who was so easy to travel with in the car and one who screamed and screamed. I'm guessing it wouldn't be that big of deal to change plans though if you think its not going to work out...

mm&es · September 2013

estreyas said:

Some thoughts...

1) What will your vehicle be like? You should probably not have the mastiff and your LO in the same seating area.

2) Are you ready for ALL THE STOPS if you drive?

I would be inclined to fly - just because I'm the sort who wants to get it done, and not live out of a suitcase for a week, plus the stops, dog walking, finding pet-friendly hotels, etc. and so on. An ex and I did a move from New England to the MN area, and it took us three days because we also travelled with a dog - but finding pet-friendly hotels each night was a pain and really impacted what we felt like seeing and doing along the way.

I hadn't thought of the pet-friendly hotel problem! Especially a mastiff--some hotels might be fine with small dogs, but not big ones. This might change my mind.

Chargersgrl33 · September 2013

As an infant I say drive, but at 4-5 month old I say fly. PCSing is stressful enough. You will most likely be without your stuff for weeks on end and baby will be stressed because of the change of scenery.

Play it by ear and see what kind of child you have. It will make a difference. Good luck though on your move! We PCS'd here when DS was 11 months and will be headed back to the states when he is 3 and this little one will be almost 1.

mom2curlygirls · September 2013

We are also PCSing after baby but our daughter will be about six weeks old. In the past when we've done CONUS moves they did not give us the option to fly or maybe they did and we would have to ship our car. Not sure on that one. We just moved from Hawaii to Texas so I could have a baby around family and it was a NIGHTMARE with two dogs etc going through airports and having all your belongings for the next few months on you. We are driving to Washington as well in December/Jan. We have a mini van and will have most of our belongings on the top of the car. Thankfully our dogs are smaller so they travel easy. I would check out the hotel situation ahead of time. Unfortunately, when we have traveled across country we've had to stay at less than ideal hotels because of pets. We have done the across country trip four or five times now so I definitely think it's fun and doable. I've never done it with a newborn but we will just take it in stride. Where in Washington will you be? We will be up in the Bangor area.

orijinale · September 2013

I don't like the idea of a small baby on a plane. Either way the baby can only do so mucn at 4-5 months. I say go have as much fun as possible.

amberrrjade · September 2013

I was down with adventuring until you said you had a Mastiff. I just don't know how well the pup will do crammed in a car for almost 7 days especially with a crying baby on and off. And like someone already mentioned hotel options will be limited or way more expensive.

beccaxbooxbear · September 2013

If you drive go to AAA they can make you a travel guide with all the pet friendly hotels on your way and the best routes to take for the site seeing.

lafsalot · September 2013

But I might not take the mastif. Baby and large fur baby is a lot!

mom2curlygirls · September 2013

Do you have friends that can take your pet to be shipped the day you arrive? We planned our move out where I shipped the dogs on a direct flight from Honolulu to Houston and my Dad picked them up for me. That way, you have more room, more comfort of hotel choices and also, if there is anywhere you want to go that does not accept pets inside remember he will be stuck in the car. I'm not sure if you can bring pets into some state parks. The restrictions with having a dog will make things more difficult. But, shipping a pet is also expensive....especially with larger dogs. Good luck deciding!

Elly&Joey · September 2013

The whole dog and hotel thing isnt an issue, I already looking into a route we would take and the hotels for pets (mostly hilton hotels allow dogs up to 75 pounds, and she is 80 so its no issue) I guess we will just see how our baby is. My pup does great with road trips, sleeps the entire time. So I know that wont be an issue. I was more concerned with what people thought of driving with babies. As far as the route being closed in WA, I never thought of that.. We would be coming in on the east side on WA and going to seattle, then up to Whidbey Island... So I think we'd be pretty southern the entire time.

mom2curlygirls · October 2013

We were at Whidbey years ago and LOVED it!!! It is truly amazing and beautiful

We moved in February of 2007 to VA and went through the pass with no issues. I guess it just depends on the year and the winter. Good luck!

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