Traveling with a Baby

My daughter does well in the car. She does fall asleep most the time but during long car rides it seems that she only sleeps during nap times if she has toys that stimulate her. Her naps in the car do tend to last a little longer and I do wake her up sometimes. Make sure if there is a certain toys that he enjoys take those in the seat by him and rotate them out or get some new ones that you think he might enjoy to keep him interested. Also I put a mirror up so she could see herself and make faces. Also if need be have you or dad sit by him and keep him up. I hope you have a great vacation!!!

Good tips so far. Both my kids loved the mirror so definitely pick one up if you don't already have one. Also, if your little guy is crying, one of you can always jump in the back seat to play with him. Sometimes they just get bored and want to see your face. Don't worry about his schedule too much while you are traveling, just let him sleep as much as possible. The good news is that this is actually a good time to travel (hard to believe I know!) because once they start crawling/walking they just want to move. Good luck and enjoy your trip!

Stop frequently when he's awake to stretch, feed, change, etc. Let him sleep for as long as possible though; don't wake him for a scheduled feed or whatever...or you'll just have a cranky baby on your hands.

Bring lots of different toys and books to look at and, if possible, have you and your husband take turns riding in the back with him to keep him company.

Dress him in jammies and keep the temperature comfortable. Generally speaking, babies hate to have the windows down. Use a sun shade to keep the sun out of his eyes.

If he (for whatever reason) ends up screaming the whole way, just remember that you'll be home soon.....and give him a couple of days before you plunk him back into the carseat, even for a quick trip.

at 6 mths ( and please dont judge lol) we had a dvd player in the car for my son he was addicted to mickey mouse clubhouse already by then he loved the bright colors and i traveled alot and it was a life saver. Any movie w colors and shapes kept him happy on trips

If he sleeps, he sleeps. I find that since you need to stop for changes and food (a good time for food and potty breaks for everyone else, too), it will take a little longer but he should be fine. My little one is the best traveler. When she's awake, she actually has about a 5 hour radius so we plan long trips for a lunch or dinner break in the middle.

We did travel with one of us (or a big sib) in the back some of the time, so don't pack the car to the gills. If he's eating solids, you can offer him a snack in the seat while someone else drives. 14 hours is a long haul anyway, so you should use the necessary baby breaks for stopping somewhere fun for you. Maybe find what's on your route and not just stop at every travel plaza.

Oh, and a bag of soft and quiet toys is also a good thing. Cloth books to chew, balls to squish, etc.

We never used the mirror because we were told by the carseat inspector that it's a projectile in an accident.

Six months just basically requires all of the things he needs at home, maybe bring some pedialyte in case he gets cranky or even a little carsick & doesn't want to 'eat' his normal food/breastmilk/formula. On the ride home make sure you have something to 'shade' his area of the car.

Try to not 'fuss' with one another, if you are happy he will be happy as a rule. Nice singing and/or soothing music will alwayz help. Remember that he is in the car when he is awake, turn around & make him part of the conversation.

Don't stress! It's all good with him generally as long as it's good with mommy & daddy! :)

Happy Vacation! Enjoy!