Road Trip

I have made several road trips with my children when they were that age. I had snacks and drinks at hand; a dvd player strapped to the back of the drivers'seat for back row viewing (I know t.v. is bad, but it kept them more entertained for longer periods of time than any children's music c.d.); and a basket of toys and books propped up to be within their reach. I was still breastfeeding at 8 months with each child; so, I pulled out the map and picked out cities where we would pull over to eat and stretch our legs (every two hours for both of my kids) (if, I may comment most of the Wisconsin rest-stops are very clean and nice for either nursing or pumping). I would suggest the Leinenkugel's tour in Chippewa Falls which my daughter loved at that age (I think it was the clanking noises). Finally, if we could, we would leave either just before nap time or bed time so that they would sleep most of the time.

At that age, my sons liked to sleep in the car still. So we left a little before naptime (or even nighttime and drove in the evening), so that they could "play" first and then fall asleep. Full bellies, clean diapers, a familiar blanket or animal from home, and they were good for at least 2-3 hours. We timed stops to coincide with meal times and diaper changes at kid-friendly places. (If you're traveling via Hwy 8, the McDonalds in Ladysmith has a great kids area; a play area for toddlers, a separate bathroom, and just generally much quieter than the rest of the busy restaurant. It's 2 1/2 hours from the Twin Cities--good for that first stop.) I agree that toys--maybe even new ones, a sippy with water, and some snacks that dissolve like Cheerios (so they can't choke) are good. Good luck!

We went out to Wyoming a couple years ago and did most of our driving through the night. We left about 6pm (our boys bedtime) and he slept through most of the trip. Then we had some new toys that we had bought that kept him entertained for the most part. I also mapped out stops along the way to strech all of our legs and for cuddle time.

I would bring snacks, snacks, snacks. Some quiet toys, pacifier, drink, and a favorite blanket and toy.

This past July my family and I went on a 12 hour road trip to see my parents. My very active daughter was 13 months at the time and things that worked for her were:
1) Spoons, cups, plates, practical things
2) Backpack full of toys & books. Trick is to rotate the toys one at a time...they think it's a new and interesting toy each time.
3) Travel during the night if possible while your son is asleep.
4) Sit and entertain your child. If there are two parents, take turns driving and entertaining him so you can have some sanity.
5) We stopped three times each way and let her walk around outside or for some fresh air.

Good luck and safe traveling to your family!

About the only things I can really think of to suggest is have someone sit in the back seat with him to ease in keeping him entertained, and stop every couple of hours. Good luck and safe travels! :)

He'll be fine! Just remember to take stops every couple hours, time stops around his nursing times and mealtimes, let him play a little and get out of the carseat. Since he's still rear facing, you and your husband could take turns sitting in the back with him while he's awake and the other drives to keep him entertained.

Bring small snacks like Cheerio's, crackers, small toys and don't forget his favorite blankie or stuffed animal/lovey.