Car Travel Tips for 10 Month Old

We did the drive to the bay area when my 1st was little, we stopped at a park in Santa Barbara, and then the next stop was hard-because it was pretty much Modesto. And, nothing to do, and then we hit bay area traffic. I think that 4 am idea sounds good.

In my opinion I would not turn your little one around until he is one. It's not save in an accident as for the wip lash is hard on their little necks. Also center seat is best for little ones. I put my 10 month old in the center next to his 3 yr old sister and he watches her and keeps him entertained a bit. Also think of putting a mirror in front of him so we can watch the baby einstein through the mirror somehow if that can work. When we traveled in June to San Jose the baby slept a lot of the way and still slept at night. You'll be suprised that they are still tired at night from the travel. We did make some stops, let him crawl and get his energy out. Music CD's are good entertainment as well as hand passing Cherrios! Good luck!

When my kids were babies,my in-laws lived over 3 hours away. We left between 3 & 4 a.m. so that they slept the first 3 -4 hours of the trip. Around 7 a.m. just before we arrived we stopped for breakfast and then just had a little bit (30 mins or so) of driving left with them awake. It worked well. The one time my husband left with them at 9 a.m., by 9:45 they were asking if they were at grandma's yet (they were about 4 yrs old at the time.) We never left again unless it was very early. Also a couple of times we left at 8 or 9 pm. However for a 6 hr drive I'd prefer to leave in the a.m.

Good luck.

Well, I don't want to "underalarm" you, but I think your trip will be just fine. We travelled with my daughter (at age 2) crosscountry 3000 miles travelling 8 hours a day and she was happy shaking a TicTac box watching all the unique scenery go by. Remember those days before videos? I think it is actually entertaining for the kids to look out the window and see some of the unique things. Granted freeways can be boring so having the video for a break in the monotony will help. I might suggest buying some little inexpensive baby books or little toys just to give her something unique to look at every hour or so. Other than that, I'm sure she'll be fine. As for naps, unless you plan on entertaining her for the whole trip, my guess is she'll fall asleep during part of it.

RELAX and enjoy your trip! Have fun!!