Today we are going to be making a long 12 hour drive to Ohio to see my family. Will everyone keep us in your thoughts and prayers today?
Now the question:
I have made this trip tons times, but I am more worried about it this time because my "easy" baby just turned 2 and had morphed into a tantruming little diva. We have a dvd player in the car, which will entertain my 3 1/2 year old. The 2 year old is still rear facing so I think she is going to get bored and cranky quick. I am bringing a few of their favorite toys also. I am not bringing snacks because we don't eat in our car. So will will be stopping for lunch and dinner and lots of bathroom breaks. Anything else I am not thinking about?
I think long road trips warrant flexibility in certain rules, such as no food in the car.
I'd even consider turning her seat around just for this trip. The way I look at it is that when a child is screaming in the back it is very distracting to the driver and could result in a crash.
Make sure you have something to block the sun from her eyes. Any chance that she gets motion sickness? If so you may want to pick something up for it.
I'm hesitant to even suggest turning your car seat b/c you've obviously thought about this and I know that doctors are recommending to be rear facing for longer now, but if she's already cranky and beginning with tantrums, I would keep it as an option in the back of your mind. I certainly have my things that I'm not willing to budge on and maybe this is one of yours, so I'm not judging, just suggesting an alternative, because i know my sanity would be taxed to have to keep my 21 month old rear facing for an hour, much less 12!! If you've done this trip tons of times then your kids are probably used to the no-snack rule, but hopefully you have some new toys. If not, maybe I'd let them pick something out at the gas stations you stop at just b/c I've found that new things entertain them for just a little longer! Stickers are also a good idea if you have any laying around. The two year old might be entertained just peeling them off and on her fingers. Good luck!
When I was little there were these things called colorforms... You could put them on your window and they would stick. Since you are asking this question about today for today... it's not llike you can order anything that will be delivered in time for this trip but I have to say that I suggest taking a sheet and putting it on the seat before you go and reconsider snacks. Maybe just marshmallows or cherrios that couldn't be too messy?
Praying for ya!
You may have already left for your trip so not sure you will be reading this . . . we just got back from a 14 hour road trip with my two year old son. We have actually already turned him to face forward because he got too big/long to face the rear. We had LOTS of movies and snacks for him to keep him entertained. We also stopped every 3 hours or sooner to stretch and use the restroom. We took crayons/coloring books and a few other toys but he stayed fixated on the tv which was great. Don't get me wrong, this was a rough road trip and I have no intention of doing it again anytime soon :) Good luck!
Something to draw with? Our kids love coloring.
Honestly? I highly recommend doing a drive like that through the night. It makes it easier on everyone & the kids will sleep through a large part of it, eliminating most of the whining, complaining, etc.
I also agree about not counting out, turning the seat forward facing just for this trip. Would you want to be in the back seat of a car, facing the seat back, not being about to see anyone or much of anything, for that length of time? I know I wouldn't.
Obviously, it's your decision, but 2 of my 4 children were absolutely miserable in the car until we turned them to face forward. They were much happier in the car after that.
Have a great trip!! =o)
If she is used to riding backwards and you feel its a safety issue, dont turn her around on a long trip. The change in direction can make some kids car sick the frist few times. Its a long miserable trip for a kid strapped into a car seat. Confining for 12 hours is punishment and you are asking for trouble. I will just assume you will stop every hour for 15 minutes or so and let them run and squeel and have a snack, and drink, and then get back in the car and go another hour. Not eating IN the car is a decent rule, but take stuff along and let them have some outside the car when you stop every hour. It would have been better to split the trip up in 2 days, but thats not always possible. It would have been better to leave in the evening and travel in the night when the kids would normally be asleep anyway. But you didnt so, you get the fun of 12 hours with a "tantruming little diva". Have fun. I will be praying for you. (o:
