22 Hr Drive with a 2 Yr old......what to Bring??????

Hi C.! I had to smile when I read your question because we live in Kansas and my parents live in SC so we have made the trip often with four boys in tow!
We find it best to leave in the early evening (around dinnertime or shortly after). We stop after about two hours for a "potty break" and to get kids in their pajamas. Then, my husband and I take turns driving through the night while the boys sleep. We stop at a sit down breakfast place around 6 or 7 in the morning and allow for a nice meal and some "stretch time." Then, we are off again.
This really cuts down what we have to take with us. We show a movie in the evening, I read aloud books during the trip, the boys bring along magnetic game boards, hand puppets, books to read (you would have to read to your son since he is too little to read on his own), leap pads, binoculars to watch things, a play cell phone to make calls, ) Hope this helps! Enjoy the trip. It is a long one; however, we enjoy the family time together every time that we go!
K

don't worry, it'll be fun! haha! we did 18 hrs over the summer with a 2 1/2 year old...he'll be great. okay great may be an overstatement, BUT, have you thought about driving at night? it worked for us! also we used the portable dvd player, but only on the way home, and it helped a lot. on the way down the dang thing wouldn't work. we also bought him a $5 magna doodle, which is a toy he had not ever seen before, he loved that and played with it quite a bit. some new and different kinds of toys he hasn't seen before are your best bet. good luck!

Trying to plan to drive around his sleep schedule will help. I'm guessing at his sleep schedule a little, based on our 2 yo, but since you're splitting the trip in half (good idea), try to leave around 11am or noon, so he'll have time in the morning to use up a bunch of his energy and not be trapped in the car the entire day. Then you'll only have an hour or two in the car before his nap, and then when he wakes up, you can stop and stretch your legs for a bit. Then get back on the road for a couple of hours before stopping for dinner. After you eat, he'll just have a couple of hours before he'll be asleep for the night. Basically just try to stop every couple of hours if you can and let him run around outside to burn off some energy. You'll be late getting in town (midnight-ish depending on how it breaks down), but it will be better to be a little tired than try to get in early.

Take a few beloved toys and then get a few new (cheap) ones to use as a distraction when he gets bored - books, Hot Wheels, plastic Easter eggs, etc. - things from the $1 section at Target. Sing songs, watch a little bit of the DVD if you have to, but just interacting with him will help. Looking for things outside - our 2 yo loves to watch for buses and semis. If you can sit in back with him, that will make it easier for him, too.

I worked for years developing early childhood enrichment programs and now work as an integration therapist for people with developmental and learning problems. It is important to understand the developmental needs of a child this age. Toddlers have a variety of developmental reflexes which compel them to move, and that movement is important for developmental purposes. The impulse in a 2 y/o to move frequently is not an impatience on their part. It is as natural and as strong an impulse as hunger. So, the dilemma before you is not just how to keep his mind occupied, but how to allow him adequate opportunities for movement while strapped in a car seat.

Videos that are interactive and encourage movements that your son can accomplish within the restraints of the car seat are ideal. I highly recommend that you ride in the back seat next to him and play along to help him keep focussed on these activities. But, really let yourself be a kid and really play and have a genuinely good time with him. You want him to feel like this time together is a special together-time with you. Kids know if you are really WITH them or if you are simply providing them with a variety of stimulating activities so that your attention can be elsewhere. Plan this with your husband ahead of time and plan for the driver to be the one that can listen to something to keep them stimulated while the other parent joins the party in the back seat. If your son is enjoying time in the back seat this way, it should be far less difficult to get him back in the car when you stop along the way.

Think about what your son plays with the most. Some like to organize things or build things. Some prefer character toys and like to make stuffed animals interact with each other, etc. A cookie sheet or a serving tray made of the right kind of metal makes a great playground for magnetic toys and puzzles and numbers and alphabet pieces. CDs with songs that require hand movements can be helpful.

Also, keep in mind that he will likely doze off a lot in the car and then need to be up and moving when you stop. So, plan to get food you can eat at a rest stop or park where he can really move and plan for a good amount of play time before he goes to bed. Remember that you should doze when he dozes so that you can be up when he needs you to be up.

Another important thing to remember is to have enough variety of activities that you can always offer him two choices to choose from: "Shall we do this next, or would rather do that?" At this age, it is not helpful to allow more than 2 options at a time. This allows him to make choices so that he is more likely to stay engaged. It also allows you to manage variety so that he is less likely to become bored with the activities you have prepared.

At this age, it is normal to need to change activities every 3 to 5 minutes. So, I would be prepared with about 15 different activities. This way, you won't have to repeat any activity within a one hour period unless he wants to. That may sound like a lot, but keep in mind that a one hour Sesame Street video will likely provide at least 10 activities. Not all activities requires toys or materials. One more thought: If you plan to bring books to read to him, make sure you can read in the back seat without it causing motion sickness for either of you. Many of us need activities that keep us searching for things outside of the vehicle. Games that keep track of the colors of other vehicles, or compare the number of trucks to the number of cars or motorcycles, or looking for specific letters on signs can keep some kids engaged. Guessing games like, "I see something you don't see and the color is..." can be a lot of fun at this age.

I saved the best for last: Brain Gym. If you have time to learn some of the Brain Gym movements, they can be tremendously helpful on a long trip with a child. You can learn a bit about them at http://almostmonday.blogspot.com/2009/09/brain-gym-moveme.... You may need to search the web a bit to find actual demonstrations or you may want to take at least a beginners class. This is something I wish they would teach everyone in high school so that all new parents would be more aware of the benefits of brain gym exercises for the developing brain. You can find more info about the organization at BrainGym.com.

Have a great trip!

I have three kids all under 4. We have been taking drives from CT to FL (28hrs w/kids) since each of them were about 3 months old. I would say we have done this about 15 times since the first was born

First...leave at 3am. They are awake when you put them in the car in their jammies.. but fall asleep in an hour or two -- giving you peace and when you finally get tired of driving you have been on the road 5 hours already! . When they awake, stop, change them, eat breakfast. Drive for 4 hours.. stop for lunch and play tag.. or have them run. Drive for another 4 or so hours and eat dinner and have them run again. After dinner they should fall asleep then you drive till you can't go anymore. stop at a hotel and do the same the next day.

To keep the kids busy, a dvd player, music, a bag of little toys (like 3 fisher price people) that you keep exchanging for another bag of toys... and little baggies of food for when they get hungry. and, honestly, they just sit there looking out the window and playing quietly. There is no need to entertain them every single second.

Make it fun... into an adventure... I have done this drive with my three by myself and with my husband in the car... either way all three kids do well. They have their moments, of course... but they do very well. They are actually looking forward to the next trip in November! (they get excited about getting in the car in their jammies in the middle of the night)

First off, we usually travel a lot at odd hours, leave at 10 p.m., 12 a.m., 3 a.m. so they will sleep a lot in the trip. Then, take also cars, action figures, snacks, flash cards.

We just got done with a trip from KC to Seattle/Portland...26-27 hours each way. We took our time getting out there but on the way home only stopped for an overnight. I just chose to bring the things that my daughter loved. I brought a doodlepro instead of crayons, her favorite books, a couple of stuffed animals, her favorite doll and a car or 2. We made sure we had snacks and tunes since she loves music. She did great. We made sure to point out the cows and horses along the way and anything else she might of found interesting. We were really pleased with her and she had enough to keep her occupied while she wasn't sleeping.

Hey there! We drove to Buffalo WY with a 14 month old. We made it a two day trip as well. It's not too bad actually. You may have to make a few more stops so he can stretch and play a little. We would get lunch and then go to a park for 30 minutes or so. I would take lots of books and a portable DVD player if you have one. We took our own snacks, milk and juice for her sippy cup. My sister lives in Houston and although that's only 12 hours away, my husband will stay up all night and then sleep the whole next day and we will leave at bedtime. That way he can drive when they are sleeping. Unless that will mess up your family stops. :-) Good luck and have a safe trip!

actually - you'll be surprised how well he does with the vcr player playing his favorite movies. just make sure you plan on taking MANY stops and letting him RUN. books would be another good idea. we drove a 24 hr drive with my toddler son and he did surprisingly well. i highly recommend when you do stop to make sure it has a large play area (mcdonalds) or track down a park. and plan on your stop lasting at least 30 minutes if not more. that's how we did it. good luck. it'll be a fun adventure you won't forget. :) oh - and if someone can sit in the back with him part of the time that will help entertain him too - even if you just play patty cake or sing songs.

there's those travel magnadoodles which my daughter really likes in the car. the big one keeps her busy for quite a while in the car too. I go to the dollar store before leaving for trips and just walk the aisles and just get a bunch of stupid little things that will be new to my daughter. I've also gotten a travel lap thing that clips onto the car seat from toys r us. i sit in back with her and let her play with playdough. she likes rolling it into balls and then trasferring the balls in between containers...that's probably the best time waster. and the tray is nice for snacks too. stickers are always good. the wee sing cds are great too...the one we have comes with actions to do with the songs that are great for 2 year olds...finger and hand motions. my daughter just turned 2 and loves it. good luck!

First of all, you aren't driving 22 hours at one time...you are driving two intervals of 12. That's not so bad. I would definitely recommend LOTS of DVD's/VHS (whatever you have)...kids LOVE to watch the TV and this is the one time you will allow them to do it non-stop. The TAG book is a great idea (provided he doesn't drop it) as are books on tape (my kids love their MP3 players (which I might add my youngest was just 3 when she got hers). I don't suggest the dry erase board because 1) the obvious open marker, 2) there are still wipe off stuff that comes off the boards from it. Instead I'd recommend the MagnaDoodle...same concept except MUCH cleaner and you can get either the large version or the smaller hand helds. If you're willing to sit in the back with him, you could read him books or work on simple games like I SPY (work on the colors or shapes which him). Another thing you can do is sleep deprive him before he gets in the car so he will sleep some of the way...when we took off for our 20 hour drive last summer we left at 4 am and didn't stop for breakfast until 8...so son and I slept the first 4 hours (darling daughter kept daddy wake...LOL)....at any rate, if you deprive him some, if he DOES fall asleep, it won't skew the sleep schedule so much and have him up at all hours when you arrive at destination a or b and you and hubby wanting to crash (that's the pits!!!).

Also, google parks and restaurants along the way...McDonald's web site will tell you which locations have play places (a REALLY good way to make them run off pent up energy...you eat, let him play, and let him eat once you get back in the car...therefore, no down time for you all on road)....We also found that the free standing Chic-Fil-A's down in TX had play places...don't know if it's that way going east but certainly something worth looking into as an alterternative to McDonald's. Hope the suggestions help...just try to schedule bathroom/leg stretch breaks every 2-3 hours or you not only will have a grumpy kid but you will have one that is most reluctant to get back into a carseat anytime soon! BTW-make sure you keep a blanket close by him in the car incase you all are warm and he gets cold...;)

We just did a long trip with a two year old, about 3 1/2 days in the car. I agree that coloring books and puzzle dont really work in the car. We do have a DVD player in the car and that helped alot. My son is really into cars so I filled a box with new hotwheels and other cheap toys and slowing gave them out to him during the trip. This seemed to keep him busy longer because they were new toys. I think we spent a total of $30 on the box, but it was well worth it!

Good Luck!!

C.,
I have to admit, I haven't even looked at your other responses. But I wanted to let you know that at the end of May we took our 2 year old son and 5 year old daughter to Disney World via the car, with out an over-night stay on the way down. They did great! We took the DVD player, and a few of their favorite books, and Color Wonder markers etc to play with.
But I think the biggest life saver for us was that every time we had to stop the car, for gas, to get something to eat, whatever. I took the kids and found some grass for them to run, jump, spin, whatever to get rid of some energy! When we stopped for gas, my husband pumped gas and the kids and I found a place for them to expend energy, then he drove over to us, we loaded up after they said they were ready (usually just about 10 minutes). If we stopped to eat, my husband would go get something to eat, while I found the kids an area to get rid of energy! We ate, they played, then they ate in the car!
I don't know for sure, but we had a no fuss trip down or back. Hope you have a great time!
Happy, safe traveling, J.

Lacing cards (make your own or buy some more durable ones, like ones from Melissa and Doug) a sticker book, a Magna Doodle? My son loves his. I know they sell trays that you can hook on to the carseat, so maybe little things like cars won't fall off. A CD of kid's music to sing along to? Stop at playgrounds for lunch so he can blow off some steam. I'd probably be hitting the Happy Meals pretty heavy so he could be amused by the toy afterwards...ha!

well stopping in TN will help split up the trip. Last year we drove from KC to NC with a youth group of 17 people and made it in 21 hours with a ton of stopping which my kids aren't used to. On our regular trips we usually stop for gas every 4 hours which is bathroom stops and eat whenever it is regular meal times for about 20-30 minutes. This year we drove from KC to Orlando in 23 hours and met the rest of the youth group that flew.

We are used to taking long trips and have done this since the kids were babies as we were military and anytime we came home to visit family it was a long drive. The longest was 36 hours straight.. from CA to Indiana and our kids were toddler/babies on that trip and didn't even have a DVD player. We don't usually get hotels because the kids sleep a lot and aren't tired at all when we stop so we drive straight through and sleep once we get to our destination. We usually don't plan anything that first day of arrival and rest/sleep that day. I prefer driving over flying any day. I actually get sick when flying and feel awful upon arrival for at least 4 days so driving is much better for me so unless we are going overseas more than likely I will drive.

The DVD player will keep your kid occupied for several hours. Magna-Doodles work great for ages 2 and up. The color wonder books are great. No mess because they write clear on everything but the special paper. We only buy these for trips as they are a bit pricey but very fun and even the older kids enjoy them. I would take a few of his favorite toys especially to play with upon arrival at your friends and family. He will probably sleep a lot on the trip so you will probably be amazed at how well he will do. Everytime you stop at a rest area or eat just make sure you let him walk around a while. Some of those rest stops have playgrounds and would let him play at least 15 minutes. Pack some favorite movies as well as some new ones. Plan to stop at normal meal times so he doesn't get cranky from being hungry. I don't let the kids eat and drink a lot in the car as they will get car sick or have to go to the bathroom more often. They only eat 3 good meals a day at home they don't need to eat more just because we are on a trip. If you do have snacktimes in his schedule have a few snacks and maybe eat those along the way but during normal snack times. Talking to him and telling him stories along the way can help especially if he starts to get fussy. That will be giving him some attention but also get his mind on something else if you are talking to him.. singing can also help and may get him involved in singing along with you.

After you arrive to your destination see if a friend or family member will keep an eye on him so you can sleep a while. That always helped us a lot so we would be rested up and ready to visit and not be wiped out all week from not catching up on some sleep.

Enjoy your trip!

I think you're on the right track, & I like the answers already posted.

My addition would be: at most ages, the kids love to open presents. On our road trips, I would hit the Dollar Store & stock up on goofy little prizes. I also added in special food treats- I even wrapped up the mini boxes of raisins & other basic food items! Once boredom hit, we would open a present. This always bought us time! & to encourage observing the surroundings, we would tally up the McDonalds (or WalMarts or red cars,etc) until we could open that next prize. For the older kids, I actually made BINGO sheets & Treasure Hunt papers...& that lasted for hours, too. (Just had to add that one in for when your child is older!) Have fun!