8+ hour drive with a 9 mon old?

[Anonymous]

We are planning a week long beach get away in June (DS will be 9 months by then) and one destination came to mind is Myrtle beach, SC. According to google map, it's about 7.5 hours; with breaks and stops, will this turn to a 9-10 hour drive? We haven't done long trip with the baby, but he started wanting more attention and entertainment in the car now. Is the drive doable in a day? Also, if you have a choice between infant car seat and convertible, which is more comfortable for the baby for a long trip? Thx for any advice or tips!

[Anonymous]

When we took a long drive at that age we would do it at night so the baby slept the whole time. It was tough for us the next day but we gave each other breaks to take naps.

[Anonymous]

My first would have been fine, with breaks for BF and diaper changes. My second didn'y want to get back in her car seat after our mid-trip pit stop and cried all the way to OBX.

[Anonymous]

I did this with twins around that age. I agree with PP that you need to plan driving around that baby's nap and sleep schedule. We drove to Florida and survived, I think Myrtle beach will be fine. Another idea is to bring a bag of little, new, interesting toys. Each hour or so, you can pass a new one back to keep him entertained.

[Anonymous]

Or one of you can sit in the back with him and keep him entertained.

[Anonymous]

This means 2 out of 7 days will be travel. I would go to Bethany and stay in Sea Colony East on the beach. Nice strollering and pools. Relax.

[Anonymous]

Totally agree with driving at night. Start around dinner time, then let DC doze off.
We did this when DS was 1, worked like a charm.

[Anonymous]

We've driven to Boston and back with our 2 yo and baby a few times a year so 10+ hours and have tried to leave at every time of day. Best scenario for us at your DCs age was to leave around 4 and drive to 6'ish. Stop for dinner, let DC stretch, change diaper, put on pjs, warm a bottle and give a bottle in the car. Then we would only stop for gas/coffee, etc and one old stay in the car and take turns. The next day can be tough, but we do what we have to do. Good luck and enjoy your vacation.

[Anonymous]

We've made 8 hour trips with children around the same age. We had to stop more often than normal for the diapering and feeding, but other than that, things were fine.

[Anonymous]

We drove to Florida when ds was 9 mos old. Did the first leg down to SC/GA border in about 12 hours. Lots of quick breaks to nurse, stretch, change diaper. The last hour from 5-6pm was rough, but we made it. Got up the next morning and did another 7 hours.

I get why people suggest driving at night. Personally, I'm not comfortable with it. Too paranoid about nodding off. And I feel like I lose a day anyway recovering from the night before.

[Anonymous]

Yes, you are smart to overestimate the amount of time a car trip will take when kids are involved. I am with the other poster who suggested finding a closer destination...if you hit traffic or have some other delays it could turn into an ugly and uncomfortable trip for all!

Have you searched for any good deals on direct flights? I'd actually prefer to fly with a 9 month old than risk driving and getting stuck on a long drive.

[Anonymous]

The trip to Ocean Isle Beach (a little bit north of Myrtle Beach, in NC), has taken us about 9 hours. We did it at 10 weeks and 14 months. 10 weeks was easy. 14 months actually went ok--I think easier on him than me.

The last time was with a rear facing convertible carseat. I think the seats are all pretty comfy, but the rear-facing is hard. I found that it was much easier to be in the back seat with him. We are looking forward to turning that seat around before our next trip, so we can see him and talk to him from up front.

Peekaboo, songs, little toys...the funniest little things are sometimes the most successful in keeping the little ones entertained.

[Anonymous]

we've been doing 500 mile road trips to visit my family 2x per year since our twins were 6 mos old. When they were younger, it took us around 9 hours with more frequent stops. Now that they are 5, it's closer to 8 hours. Dh and I go easy on coffee and other beverages during travel days to limit our need to stop. Our rule is that if kids are sleeping, you keep going, even if the adults are starving or have to pee badly! As long as you are prepared to stop as needed, you will be fine.