Tips for travelling

[Maggiesmum]

Hi everyone!

We are off to Melbourne tommorow for the weekend - our first family holiday! Melbourne is only about 3 and a half hour from where we live and Maggie usually travels pretty well (the longest Maggie has been in the car is half an hour) but I was wondering if anyone had any tips on travelling in the car for long distances?

Also anything I should remember to pack for her? I've got clothes, nappies, towels, toys ect but is there anything you would recomend i don't forget???

Thank Maggiesmum

[Snugglepot]

We have travelled a bit with DS, he does pretty well at it now! This is what I have found helps;

It is important to stop half way for a break, have pleanty of toys around, DS likes to look at a cot bumper I have drapped across the car seat (he is 4 months old)

We always leave after his feed and play time, so we know he is ready to sleep. When he starts to grizzle I get in the back with him. He is so much happier to see a face and chat to me. It gets him through the last hour or so of the trip.

It can get hot or cold for them, so ensure you can take off/put on socks and tops etc

I hope that helps a bit,

[MonMic]

Yep Kez your onto the good stuff there.
definately leave after she has had a good feed and a play and is tired so that she will sleep for an hour or so at least.

we found sitting in the back was pretty essential too, they are alot less grissly and feel involved in converstaions etc.

Maybe take some kids music to play?

and don't forget the snacks! (for you and them)

M.

[Peaceangels]

I'd like to think of myself as a bit of an expert on this subject, as we have just returned from a car trip to QLD.
Here is what worked for us:
* Not having any time limits set (ie - getting to the destination by a certain time)
* Stopping every two hours (for at least 1hour), somewhere they can move around and release some energy - parks worked for us
* Having lots of snacks for the kids (and adults too)
* A few new toys for the car only to keep them amused
* Kids CD for the car
* Leaving at their sleep time (or driving for a bit then stopping for a few hours and continue driving at their sleep time).
* Singing songs together
* Not everyone can do this, but we took along GRANDMA (my mum) who insisted on sitting in the back with "her boys" and she single-handedly extended some of our travelling times amusing them.
GOODLUCK and have a wonderful trip! :D

[LucyE]

Can I hijack this thread and ask what people found to be 'indulgent' for adults on long drives? I'm trying to think of a practical christmas present for SIL who will be driving from Brisbane to Melbourne after christmas. I want it to be something for the adults that is both useful (limited car space) yet luxurious.

Thanks.

[Maggiesmum]

LucyE that's fine Hijack away! We've been and are back home now anyway!! I must say I over packed and Maggie slept the whole 3.5 hour trip!! And was absolutly fantastic the whole time we were away!