10 Month Old in Carseat for 5 Hours

When our son was 10 months, 12 months and 2 yrs, we took him on 18-hour car trips. And we've regularly taken 4+ hour trips with him. The challenge is trying to time your departure so they get optimum sleep time. The rear facing seat is great, so they don't get uncomfortable. He enjoys music, so has fun with that. I pack a bag of toys and board books and keep it within arms reach along with plenty of snacks and drinks for him. Beginning at12 months, he had a "computer" he loved to play with for extended periods. We bring along a dvd player with a couple of dvds for him, but I won't break that out unless in dire need. And plan on a stop about halfway to break it up. She'll probably enjoy a stretch, a fresh diaper and change of scenery. You'll be ready for a break by then too. We don't make too many stops unless he really needs, because it can get difficult to get them back in the seat if they're bored with the trip. Just keep her busy and try to anticipate her needs and wants. Make sure you keep everything handy. And I'm one of those that gives the running commentary about what we're doing, everything we're passing, where we're going etc. He really seems to enjoy that too. Have fun on your trip.

2 moms found this helpful

First of all, if at all possible, start the trip right before naptime if your daughter does well sleeping in the car. That will hopefully get you through part of the trip without her even realizing it. Secondly, find someplace to stop halfway so she can get out for a while if she's getting fussy. Even if it's just for a snack, letting her crawl around at a playground for awhile may help. Lastly get some fun kid CDs for the car ride and some new toys and picture books that she can play with. Break a new one out once in a while to keep her busy...and good luck!

2 moms found this helpful

We successfully took our 12 month old across the country and back for a summer trip. She did great (and we refused to buy one of those DVD players for the car). When she wasn't sleeping, she was singing along to children's CD's and watching the scenery. We did a lot of the driving during naptime hours. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

Here is how we have succesfully survived car trips:

- Plan on leaving soon before bedtime or nap time so she will spend part of the time sleeping for sure.

- Make sure you have all the necessities on hand.

- Break out (or buy) toys that you usually don't use. Of course, for us this usually means my cell phone.

- Plan on stopping more often and getting her out of the seat.

Don't freak out and she won't! Well, not as much. And good luck! I spend an hour and a half stuck in traffic in Vegas (we had already been in the car 3+ hours) and spent it singing stupid songs and making animal noises in the mirror.

Oh, another thing I did. If you don't have a toddler coddler or other head rest, take a bath towel, fold it in half the long way, then roll both ends, leaving 5 or so inches in between the rolls, then put the flat part behind her head so there is a roll on either side. More comfy sleeping!

1 mom found this helpful

A couple of weeks ago I did a 5 hour drive with a 3 1/2 year old and a 12 month old. Best advice I have is to bring toys for her to play with, play music that she enjoys (my kids love music so it helps pass the time) and stop and take a break about half way through. Both of my kids slept for a large portion of the trip. Hope this helps.

1 mom found this helpful

When my children were infants we traveled by car a lot and we would leave around 4 am so by the time the children would wake up, it was time to stop for breakfast. So then basically we would only have a couple hours of awake time.

1 mom found this helpful