Driving Alone with 13 Month Old

If you do not have a DVD player for your car, get one! You can play his favorite movies and keep your sanity!

Go to Walmart and buy a bunch of new, inexpensive toys that he's never seen before. Every time he gets restless, pull out a new toy. This is advise my mom gave me when I was going to make a fifteen hour drive with my thirteen month old son, (who also cried a lot in the car) We were able to drive about two hours before he got really out of hand and then I pulled out a pinwheel I had bought for 88 cents and I was amazed that that silly thing entertained him for the rest of the drive! I was able to save the rest of the toys for the drive home!

i have a dvd player in my tahoe, she watches barney it is well worth the money. and i made a little snack pouch i have ribbon on it and it hangs around her neck the pouch is about her belly i put crackers in it and she eats and i offer her a drink every little bit my mom lives about 3 1/2 hours away so it makes it go alot smoother. she usually takes a nap then eats and watches barney she 15 months old hope this helps

Portable DVD players are a wonderful invention!!!!!

All i can suggest is to try to give him some things to do to keep him occupied while you drive, but at the same time not to let him distract you by crying or yelling at you because it may not be safe for you to be startled while you are driving. I can also suggest that you pray because prayer is powerful and you never know he just might not act like you think he is going to. You just never know.

HI!
My mom drove with us 10 months and 2 years from California to Arkansas back in the 80's! I don't know how she did it! Now we are lucky to have DVD's and electronic toys. So go get a cheap portable DVD player and some Baby Einstiens. Try to drive super early in the morning so he might sleep for a while. There are going to be times when you will just have to pull over and let him wiggle it out. Try to find some safe stopping points on your route before you go that might be good to get him out and wear him out. Maybe even a relative or long lost friends house to give him a bath or something to get him sleepy??? My daughter LOVED finger puppets and would obcess over them for hours. They were small plush animals that she could poke her fingers in. Also get him a small backpack or bag with a zipper and some smallish toys to put in and out and play with the zipper.
Please be safe! Good Luck and God Bless!

I think it is fisher price that has this tv lie thing that attaches to the back of the seat. It has sounds and lights that pretty much put my little girl to sleep instantly.

they have these dvd players that attach to the head rest on the back of the seat in front of them.. hope this helps

Try traveling at nap time or in the evening.

DVD player and some cartoon DVD's. If you don't have one, ask a neighbor to borrow it. I have been known to strap one on the back of my seat with bungee cords. Also, I know you aren't supposed to drive with a headset in, but alas - you 13 mo will probably not wear a headset, and unless you want "dora, dora, dora the explorer" tune going through your head for 6 hours, you should ipod it.
We do a 19 hr trip (straight through) a couple of times a year, so we like to leave around 8PM at night, and that helps some (except that I need to sleep for a whole day when we get there). Good Luck!

I agree. A bag of simple new toys, a portable DVD and Baby Einsteins videos. Awful, maybe, but these saved our lives when we traveled back and forth from Alaska with out little one. Oh, and lot sof snacks he really likes. If he doesn't eat like a health nut for one day, it won't hurt him and a good treat can buy you some much needed quiet time!

We have a DVD in our van, keeps both boys entertained.

If you don't have one get one along with his favorite shows. (Elmo, Dora the Expolerer, Deigo, Sesame street, Blues clues, Wiggles, The dreaded purple dinosour if you can stand to listen to it for 6 hrs, Disney movies, etc.)

At 13 months he will probably sleep for part of the trip, ours did at that age when going to one of their grandma's houses.

We made a 5 hour trip with our little one. Make sure you bring lots of toys/books to keep him occupied, and snacks. Also, make sure you stop after about 2 or 3 hours so you can both get out and stretch your legs (McDonald's with a play area was a good stop for us, to eat/stretch legs/use bathroom). Also, try to time it around nap time, or night/early morning when he'd normally be sleeping. If all else fails, you could give him a dose of Infant's Tylenol to help him get sleepy for the car ride (and hopefully take a long nap).

I may be awful, but we had several trips to a doctor 2.5 hours away and made an investment in a portable DVD for the car. That was truly one of the best investments we could have made. I don't like him watching TV all the time so we try to limit at home and we only use the DVD on trips, but it was definitely worth the money. We put his Baby Einstein videos in it and he was happy as a little lark. Might find a longer movie that he likes for a trip that long though! Good luck.

I took a class when I was pregnant with my first child and they said on long road trips, or any trip at all...If your child in the backseat gets fussy, look for a safe place to pull over. Not the side of the road. And definitely do not try to reach back there. Keep you attention to the road and to turn up the radio to keep your focus until you find a safe place to pull the care over. My oldest child is 3. I now have twins that are 15 months and this actually works for me.

Yes, you are in for it! LOL This was suggested to us and it works. So much for too much TV being a bad thing...you need to invest in a portable DVD with a seat pouch and a few Wiggles videos.

I personally would stop every 2 hours instead of every three at some place where you can let him play. Buy a doodlepro and a portable DVD player with videos of things like the wiggles, dora, diego, barney, and thomas (a variety keeps them quiet longer). Ask your ped about something like benadryl or bonine to help him sleep and help keep him from getting car sick on such a long ride. New small stuffed animals that you can give him every hour or so will help too.

Have fun, and just relax, if he knows you're frustrated he'll only act out more.

Feel free to email me for more advice if you like...also, if you let me/us know where you are going we might could give you suggestions of places to come off the interstate where there would be entertainment for your son.

M. and amara 8/25/01

I've been driving alone with the twins since they were 3 months old, for 6 hour drives to my parents.
They are now almost 4 and it has become a bit of a challange, just because they don't want to take a nap. I've learned to bring lots of things they love to play with like Doodlepads, books, their favorite stuffed animal or blanket, bring lots of treats (Yogos, ceral bars, fruit snacks, etc.) and now that they are potty trained, they have a pull up on, but they do tell me they have to use the potty. We get an early start, around 6-7 am, and stop for lunch about half way (usually @ McDonald's) so they can stretch their legs. After lunch I tell them they have to "rest" and if they do that, then we will be at Granny & Pops when they wake up (which is pretty much true...they usually wake up a 1/2 hr before we get there). AJ does get car sick (just like his Momma), so I make sure we have a bucket, shades on his side, and he is nice & cool (I think he gets overheated and that is what makes him sick).
I'm fortunate that their are Rest Stops every 33 miles, so we can hit them if we need to. Even just to let them run around in the grass for a 1/2 hr or so...just to wear them out!!!
We just bought Sirrus for my car, so now they can listen to a different variety of music. Classical usually makes them very sleepy, so rest time, I put it on and within a few minutes they are down for the count. They love the Baby Einsteins (sp?) and have been to concerts, so they identify the different sounds as well. My cd player stopped working so the Sirrus is a godsend!!! We haven't got the portable dvd yet, but when they come home w/ their grandparents (after a short visit w/o us), they have one and love it. Keeps AJ's mind off getting car sick. Also keeps them entertained.
I've never had a problem with them in the car, so I feel for you. With two behind you screaming at the top of their lungs, is enough to drive you insane...so I feel for ya.
Hopefully all the advice will be helpful to ya.
The suggestion of finding out where rest stops are a good idea...so I'm giving you my route...we live off Interstate 10. Traveling east to Tallahassee and up to GA, so I know there is a rest stop every 33 miles. :)
We used to live in South Fl off Interstate 95, and drove the turnpike to Interstate 10...so the turnpike has rest stops every 1/2 hour...they are usually pretty nice and have lots of different food places to choose from.
Take care,
God Bless,
J. D

Proud Blessed Momma to Ash & AJ ~ 4 in April

Portable DVD players are great! We drove 23 hours one way and had no breakdowns until the last two hours. We took all of her favorite DVD's and rotated them out. Yes, we got very tired of them, but she was happy so that made us happy. We also made very regular stops. Happy driving!

A portable DVD player has worked for us since our oldest was 2 years old, she is now 5. And we will use it for our youngest who is 12 months on our next big trip.

Large bucket of toys/books next to you - hand one back as she throws/drops them. A portable DVD player attached to back of headrest with teletubbies or baby einstien. Toddler CDs to play and sing along with. When baby is asleep drive, drive, drive - make sure you have gas, restroom break before he falls asleep so you can keep moving. It can be done! Good luck!

I would start hiding some of his toys a week or two before the trip so when you pull them out on the drive they will seem like new toys. Or go to Wal- Mart or Target and pick up some of the cheep dollar toys. When my daughter was that age I also would wrap the toys in wrapping paper which made it a little more fun for her and kept her occupied a little longer. I agree with everyone else about getting a dvd player. I would also try to leave during nap time just so he can sleep. The night driving is a good idea if you know staying awake wont be a problem ( which is harder than you think driving by yourself and a sleeping baby). Good luck!

I've tried the "breaks thing" when driving with babies under 2. They get happy when we get out of the car....we stay out for 30 min. to an hour...as soon as we strap them back in...the crying commences again. It works better for us to try & make only 1 stop on a 6 hour trip. At about 3 hours to eat & take a bathroom break.

What we use is a portable DVD player. Pack all the fav. movies..so there's a selection and you don't have to hear the same one over & over. I have 2 in my vehicle. It's been a life saver on trips ....and errands.

Good Luck!

Try to tire him out real good before you head out on your trip. If you are leaving early, get him up extra early and have him play something that will tire him out. (If you possibly have the time) HA! Also drawing is a good activity. Get several kinds of paper and pens, ect. You can play the I-Spy game, classic. Get a c.d. of some of his favorite songs that ya'll can sing along with together. Snacks, snacks, snacks!! :) Most importantly, PRAY!! Hope you have a safe and peaceful trip!! S.

I am a single parent of 4 girls. When my first child fussed in the car I noticed that she would quiet down if I resited stories to her from her favorite books. I memorized 3 small board books and she brought them with her everywhere she went. She thought I was reading to her while we were driving down the road.
Good luck

I have made more than one solo trip with a little girl the exact same age. If you have the ability to have someone babysit your little one while you sleep all day, drive at NIGHT. It is SO much easier. I had twelve hour drives when my mother-in-law was in ICU from Tampa to New Orleans...whew. They are little enough to get a great night's sleep if you make their car seat nice and comfy. Be safe. Well lighted gas stations. Make sure you have AAA or a comparable safety net. Good luck!

My kids still talk about their little surprise bags I would fix for them for a trip. Your son is a bit young, but you can still have something for him. I remember listening to stories and songs on tape......and singing songs. you can have healthy snacks in cooler or sort out things in zip loc bags. Do anything that makes it a "special" experience and then ....................Keep your eyes on the road. :) It will be fine. Anticipation can be a lot worse than the actual trip. Maybe you could stop somewhere and have a "PICNIC"..............
GOOD LUCK!

Hi M., all the advice given is great, except snacks! Please don't give him snacks if you are driving alone!!! Just maybe some of the liquid yogurt in the sippy cup. He may actually get choked on snacks! Good luck!

Make a special activity bag or box just for the trip. Ration out the toys one at a time and don't give him the whole thing at once. This will keep a "surprise" element in the "travel bag". Include snacks, drinks, and special toys. Also check into some of his favorite audio cassette tapes or cds with childrens music on them. Remember children at this age have a short attention span. I would try to plan my trip as close to nap time as possible.

If this is the first time for a long trip, you may want to talk to the pediatrician. Sometimes riding in the back seat will make a child car sick and you should be prepared if that happens. Your pediatrician can make some helpful suggestions.

Leave 1 or 2 hours before his bedtime, that way he can spend most of the trip sleeping. If you will be visiting family they will be more than happy to watch your son while you catch some winks from your long drive. Otherwise you sacrifice some of your sleep peace for a quiet ride.

It's all about the timing! Plan your trip around his sleeping schedule. That can at least buy you a couple of hours. For his awake time, plan activities. DVD players for cars are getting more and more affordable. My little ones always enjoyed a flash light. Stop at rest areas and let him run. Pack special drinks and snacks. You can make the drive a fun experience for him!

I suggest putting the "6 hours" part out of your mind. Trips with children will be incredibley frustrating and stressful if you try to keep to a time schedule. Listen to the cues that your child gives. Take advantage of breaks and let him stretch his legs and get a little exercize. You would be best to stop for meals and go inside rather than hitting the drive through. A restaurant with a playland offers a great change of pace for your little one. As for toys, I usually focus on the ones that don't have many parts. Also, children's music will often help entertain. If he has a security blanket or other object, keep that handy. I usually pack several small containers with cereal and/or some other snacks and some drinks. It can take a long time for a toddler to pick up and eat Cheerios and it is good eye/hand coordination - just be prepared to clean out the car later. This is also a great time to point out interesting things in the environment around you as you pass different scenery. Say things like: "look at the red car!" "Do you see that dog?" "Look at that boat on the water." "Do you see any birds in the sky?" "Look at the yellow flowers." Your child is beginning to develop language at this stage and this is a great time to describe everything you see and do. You are participating in the development of your child even if they don't repeat what you say right away. Good Luck!

I hate to admit it, but the portable DVD player was a savior when our son was that age. By the time my son turned 18 months, I had a DVD player installed in my car. Some will suggest I am a bad parent, but it makes the long car rides so much better. He loved Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Blues Clues (still does). It really helped keep him calm. Good luck! :)

Hey M.,
Ok it's simple...
Just leave 30 minutes before his bed time and he will sleep..
When you have to stop for gas just take him out feed him and I had these great opra cd for babies I dont like it but man did it sure work for my son..

We went on a trip from Fl to Tn.. It took us 12 hours He did ok but he was also 17 months.. Big difference. Good luck! you will be fine. My son then was still a boobie baby, He did great your son will too...
However if you cant leave during the night, Just bring like 20 different toys and sing songs and make sure to stop about every two hours.. Oh ya bring lots of snacks!!!!!!! Dont freak out if hes screaming, He will feed off your energy..

I will say a prayer for you, God knows when you will be going on the trip.. He will take care of you..
C., Mama of 4

Is there any way you could go at your child's naptime or bedtime and you be able to stay awake for the trip. My kids are a little older (6 and 4) and my husband is a night owl, so when we go see his family, 7 hours away...we leave when we know they will be going to sleep shortly. That way...we dont have to entertain them the entire 7 hours. Although they do have a dvd player (don't know if your child would be old enough to watch a movie part of the time? or if you are ok with that), but it does seem to help on our 2 hour drives out of town. Hope this helps!

IS there a particular television show that your son likes to watch? With my daughter, she loved to watch elmo, so we got a portable DVD player and a few elmo dvd's and it kept her entertained. Granted, we got a little tired of hearing "la la la, Elmo's world" but it was worth it if it kept her from crying and fussing! Also, be sure to take a lot of snacks and drinks! I hope this helps! Good luck!

Hello, I also have a son. We took a 12 hr trip when he was about the same age and I was driving alone. Some of the things I did that really seemed to help were....
Purchase a mirror so you can see him in the back seat.
They are in the auto or baby department at walmart. This is fun for the baby too because he will be able to see himself.

You can also get (sorry I am not sure what they are called) it is a divided pocket thing that you put over the back of the seat in front of the child so you can put toys in it. He will be able to reach it and play.

Movies are always good on a long trip.

Lots of snacks

Childrens music also has saved the day.

I hope this helps you. Good luck!

I bought the Fisher Price car mirror that played music for my daughter so she could entertain herself. It seemed to work for her and it had a remote and I could turn it back on. I also took kids CDs and stories on CDs with me. I keep a bag packed at all times with car toys and little board books. My daughter unpacks and plays with what she wants...mostly an old cell phone that I keep charged up for her. She likes to pretend with it and push the buttons. Now that she is older I am considering a portable DVD player since if she naps on a long drive she doesn't sleep at night! If you could take another adult or older child with you at all I would suggest that--like a niece or nephew or cousin. They can sit in the back to help entertain your child. Also don't forget sun shades for your windows! My daughter screams when the sun is in her eyes. SoOmetimes her blanket has to be used to cover her window if the shade is not enough when the sun is setting!

I highly recommend a DVD player for the car to play movies etc. It helps tremendously. I am not a mom who plugs in her kids but on trips it is a neccessity. Good Luck!!

Make up a traveling box with toys and snacks for him. Put the box beside him so he can reach in it easliy. This is what I would do with my son when we traveled at that age. It helped out a lot. I would also make sure when I stopped to let him stretch his legs right along with me. I would change him and let him run around for a while. That helps him get rid of some of that energy. Hope this helps.

S. jane

Try playing music while in the car & talking to him. Don't forget to stop frequently...they get tired of sitiing in one position! Take some of his favorite toys to tie on the carseat bar w/yarn...short strings..so if he drops he can "reel" them back. You staying calm is also a key...they can pick up on your feelings too...have a great trip...!

no advice, just know it's gonna be more like eight-ten hours because you'll be taking lots and lots of breaks to keep him happy and to keep you from driving off the road trying to attend to him. bring his favorite daytime music and some to naptime music too. that'll help. maybe you could bring a couple of the activity stations for carseats and change them out for him as he gets bored.

I planned my trips around nap times when my daughter was that age. I know he won't sleep that long but it seems like they sleep longer when in the car than when at home. Also, have his favorite books on CD or a DVD if he watches any of those yet. And, plan breaks to get out and run a little. It's tough but my sis-in-law is the queen of travel and she made 10 and 14 hour trips with my nephew while my brother was overseas with the above plan! You can do it, just plan and be well rested yourself. Stay safe!