Keeping 14 Month Old Occupied on 10 Hour Car Trip

Believe it or not, 14 month olds are able to watch tv. We bought a small television with a DVD player and make long trips with it. It works.

keep a bag of toys and/or books in the front (along with easy snacks and drinks). Be sure to think of the trip back, the trip back will seem much longer than the trip there! 20 - 25 things he would be interested in. Get his favorite toys/books and gp to the dollar store (new things are always an attention getter). Bring a ball and stop at rest areas to run and play for 10 - 15 minutes. I've driven to St Louis twice with my girl, who is currently 2 yrs old and once with my 1 yr old. You can add an 1 hr to the road trip and maybe even 2 on the way home. We also have a dvd system in the car, but it's the new toys every hour or so that keep them entertained.

K., there are a few toys for a car seat usually in the baby section of stores,also get a lap tray some non toxic crayons and a coloring book, even if the baby can't color, they will wonder how to use the crayon and paper, and usually out of determination they'll learn to color and keeps them entertained

A portable DVD-player. Worked fine with our 7 month old on a 20 hour trip by plane (3 flights and some downtime at the airports)

K., I would recommend that you travel a portion of the trip either very early in the morning, or into the night, so that your 14 mo old sleeps during that time. We were going to drive a 15-hr trip with my 18-mo old, but caught some good airfares instead. We have travelled overnight before, leaving at 9pm, then arrived at my parent's house by 11am. The 3 older kids back then slept the entire trip! However, being concerned of the risk of falling asleep, I then have considered doing a partial overnight, depending on how good the driver is about not getting sleepy. Consider driving, where you would arrive, perhaps 2am, or consider getting some rest, then leaving 4am. This way, your baby might sleep a good portion. For activities, I always have a DVD player ready to play movies, or kids' shows. Hopefully, you will have someone in back with him to give him the things to do. My 18-mo old loves to draw, and loves books, so these would keep her busy for a little. Just think of the things he likes at home that keep him occupied, and try to bring them along if possible. Of course, bring plenty of snacks/drink that will keep him busy & happy, too. Another thing to consider is breaking your trip up a little, to take stretch breaks. Hope some of this helps. Good luck!

We took a trip when our daughter was a year old. Luckily she slept most of the way. Try to bring things he likes, book, stuffed animals, etc, and any snacks he can easily eat by himself. Prepare yourself for an extra stop or two to help him burn off some energy.

Hi K.:

I have a 2 year old daughter. Her name is Mia and when she was 1year old we took her to visit her gradma in Colorado Springs. A 18 hour trip. We left around 6:30PM when it started to get dark so she culd sleep the whole trip = It worked!!! She woke up only 2 times and I gave her food and she went back to sleep. So I will suggest that you leave later in the day so your baby boy can sleep for most of the trip. I also took some of her favorite toys just in case if she needed one. Good Luck and enjoy your trip!!! Happy Holidays!!! Sincerely, S.

We drove to Chicago back in May with very active 9 month old twin boys. Went very well. Stopped every 3 hours or so for about 30-40 min. We always stopped at La Quinta hotels because they were the only ones who would allow us to change pampers, eat our snack/meal, and get some exercise. We actually had a negative reaction from a different chain. I suggest new toys, books, and a portable DVD player with Einstein or Veggie Tale DVDs. We also like concerts like the Eagles, U2 etc... Good luck and be safe.

We will be doing 9 hrs in the car with our 2 1/2 yr old boy and 15 m old girl. Dreading it, as you are. We figure the only way to do it is to feed them dinner and then get in the car right after that. They will probably not fall asleep at their usual bedtime (7:00) but should within 2 hrs of being on the road since it will be dark. A quiet drive with no need to entertain them.... that is my suggestion for you

We travel allot and for long hours. I hang several stands of links from the loop hanger aboove my daughters car seat. I hang mini mirrors (baby einstein), McDonald toys, lullabye pull music toys, anything that I could hang. A little noisy sometimes, but it keeps her entertained. Also a small magnadoodle comes in handy. I also got a tall rubbermaid container, seatbelted it in the seat next to her & everytime we made a stop I would pull out a new toy(s) 7 put them on top, so she could reach them or I could traid it out with the one she currently had in her hand.