I am going to NC for Thanksgiving to see my in-laws and we are driving, it is an 8 hour trip. I have a 2 year old and was wondering if any of you have taken road trips with toddlers and what I am in for. Also, any suggestions as to when we should leave and what to do to keep her occupied would be great. I am beginning to think that I am crazy for doing this but airfare for us was too expensive.
I hope that everyone had a great holiday! Thank you all SO much for all of the traveling tips. The DVD player was the best investment ever. I could not have asked for a better child on a long 10 hour car ride.
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You must get a dvd player - even a cheap one - they are lifesavers on big trips
R., For my family which consists of a seven and two year old, we drive to Missouri every year and I definitely pack their favorite things to get them prepared and talk about the trip to them and get to them more excited I have them help me pack their car backpack. I lay out several of each, their favorite toys, books, crayons etc... Then have them pick. Also I pack a lot of snacks and drinks as well. I do allow the portable dvd player in the car also but do not let them watch it all the way there. I like to leave before the sun comes up around 5 or 6am. So there are still sleeping and we make good time into another state before they are ready for a diaper change or just to run around. Try to stick somewhat to their schedule in the car like meals and play time. I always research where the rest stops are with either a play area or just a lot of grass. I also do a treasure hunt at each rest stop. Don't forget the familiar items blanket, doll and pillow. I hope this helps and you and your family have a wonderful trip and Thanksgiving.
Hi R.,
Traveling at night has always worked best for us when we go to TN. Our trips are about 10 hrs so we will leave between 1030 and 1130pm. By this time the kids are tired and fall asleep quickly and will sleep almost the entire trip (a three of them) and there is no traffic to battle and this get us through Atlanta before traffic gets bad (a huge plus). if possibe you may want to consider a portabe DVD player and some videos she will enjoy just in case she gets bored on the trip. Good luck on your trip and enjoy!
When our kids were toddlers, we did a lot of night travelling or early morning traveling. For instance, leave just after dinner, they have a couple of hours of being awake, and then they fall asleep while you drive the remainder of the trip. Driving at night is not always easy, but driving with a toddler who doesn't want to be in their seat anymore isn't easy as well. Good Luck
It will not be great for you and your husband, but you may want to consider leaving at or after her bedtime and driving through the night? That way she stays completely on schedule and will not be bored with the drive since she will be sleeping the entire trip. Perhaps you both can take a 4 hr shift driving. You will be tired the next day, but in my experience, I would rather be the cranky and tired one :-) Good luck.
