Keeping a 1-year-old happy & content on a long roadtrip?

As my other post said, we’ve got a 7-8 hour car ride next week. I’ve done it before with my oldest daughter, but am drawing a blank now.

What things can I buy and/or bring to keep my 1-year-old content in the car? With my oldest, it was easier because I could sit in the seat next to her when she was restless, read her a book, etc. But now with #2 there, I have no where to sit (esp since the car will be filled with luggage, etc)…so that idea is out now. Do I just face the fact that when she’s really cranky & restless we either ignore it or stop and stretch?

We don’t have a DVD player, and my DH doesn’t want to use one anyway (don’t ask!). Thankfully the girls can see each other (baby is still rear-facing) so they entertain each other a bit, but not for 8 hours obviously!

Anything worth getting?

Re: Keeping a 1-year-old happy & content on a long roadtrip?

We always keep a big magnadoodle in the car for long trips... but DS usually falls asleep as soon as we hit the highway!

Re: Keeping a 1-year-old happy & content on a long roadtrip?

I was just going to suggest a magnadoodle! Good one! Bella loves hers and it def keeps her occupied!

Re: Keeping a 1-year-old happy & content on a long roadtrip?

we just did this.

best thing is plan your drive as best you can.

we left about an 1 hour before sch. nap time...he'll usually be good in the car for an hour before he looses his mind..then I give him his milk and he'll sleep for another 2-3 hours.

then, we break for a meal and get him out the the car...

then we give him toys, water, sing, pray

maybe make another stop. and somehow we made it home alive.

I think having your other dd is going to be a HUGE bonus for you. we sing, play games and stuff. so the time passes.

have fun!

Re: Keeping a 1-year-old happy & content on a long roadtrip?

Thanks, we have about 5 Magnadoodles in our house, so that's good!

Re: Keeping a 1-year-old happy & content on a long roadtrip?

I hope it goes well bc we will be doing the same thing in august with our 1year old and 3 year old. We joust did a two hour drive and the only sanity saver was snacks. So long as she's eating she's happy. My oldest watches a movie and is usually entertained by books and music. My one year old really doesn't like anything about the car so I'm hoping to figure out something besides snacks for the ride next month.

Re: Keeping a 1-year-old happy & content on a long roadtrip?

I am doing a 6.5-7 hour drive with both boys in 2 weeks without DH. I opted to travel overnight so the boys sleep. I plan on leaving right at bedtime & will arrive in the wee hours of the am transferring the boys to their beds at my parents house. I know my noys would only sit still for limited time despite having the dvd player in the truck.