Tips for long drive alone with 5 and 1.5 year olds

[Anonymous]

I have a 10 hour drive with these two coming up. It will be my first time doing it alone. I'm nervous about keeping them entertained, particularly the 1.5 year old who is rear facing. Can anyone share any tips? Should I leave early or late? Split the drive into 2 days and stay at a hotel?
Any tips for how I shower in a hotel with them? The 1.5 year old can reach door handles, and he will try to get out of the hotel room. The 5 year old will try to stop him, but I could see fingers getting smashed in the door. The little one can jump out of the pack n play, so I can't keep him contained in there.

Thank you. I have so much anxiety about this trip.

[Anonymous]

Shower with them or when they're asleep or just skip the shower for one night.

I would probably start an hour before nap time and hope the little one sleeps. Drive 6-7 hours then stop and do the other 3-4 the next day.

Give the 5 year old a basket of the toddlers toys so he/she can hand them over when the little one gets cranky.

Be prepared for lots of breaks. More than you want.

Try to breathe and know that being anxious won't help. You'll get through this.

[Anonymous]

Pinterest has a lot of tips for long car trips with kids.

[Anonymous]

Do as much as you can after bedtime.

[Anonymous]

Thank you PPs. I'm going to check Pinterest, and I never wouldve though to give the older toys for the younger.

[Anonymous]

Deadbolt and flip lock on hotel door should prevent the toddler from opening the door.

[Anonymous]

make sure all electronics are charged and you have a charger with you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:make sure all electronics are charged and you have a charger with you.

I actually forgot the iPad last time. The 5 year old thought I was kidding. I'm going to try to put the iPad on the headrest for the toddler.

[Anonymous]

I would fly. Seriously. I do NOT drive any farther than two hours with kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would fly. Seriously. I do NOT drive any farther than two hours with kids.

I would if I thought I could get two kids and car seats installed in a rental by myself.

[Anonymous]

Portable DVD player with one of those extension cig lighter plugs.
Zip loc bags of Pirate Booty to be doled out in exchange for silence.
LOTS of clean wipes and paper towels and a handy change of clothes just in case.
Book hotel room with bathtub.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would fly. Seriously. I do NOT drive any farther than two hours with kids.

I would if I thought I could get two kids and car seats installed in a rental by myself.

You can totally do that, and it will be easier than driving. How far do you have to drive once you reach your destination? (Could you cab?)

Pack all your stuff in one suitcase. Check the suitcase and bring a backpack for carry on. Bring a stroller and a carrier for the toddler.

Bring a regular car seat for the young one, and a booster for the 5 yo (you may even be able to slip it into your suitcase). If it were me, I'd also check the car seat.

Baby in the stroller, backpack on your back, for transit within the airport. When you get your luggage, put everything on the cart, including the stroller, and put the baby in the carrier. Pick up the rental car. Sit the 5 yo in the front passenger seat and strap the toddler into the stroller while you install the baby seat. Strap in the baby, put the big kid in the booster, then once the kids are safely strapped in, load up your luggage.

And yes, echoing PP, most hotels have deadbolts on the inside, or safety chains.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would fly. Seriously. I do NOT drive any farther than two hours with kids.

I would if I thought I could get two kids and car seats installed in a rental by myself.

You can totally do that, and it will be easier than driving. How far do you have to drive once you reach your destination? (Could you cab?)

Pack all your stuff in one suitcase. Check the suitcase and bring a backpack for carry on. Bring a stroller and a carrier for the toddler.

Bring a regular car seat for the young one, and a booster for the 5 yo (you may even be able to slip it into your suitcase). If it were me, I'd also check the car seat.

Baby in the stroller, backpack on your back, for transit within the airport. When you get your luggage, put everything on the cart, including the stroller, and put the baby in the carrier. Pick up the rental car. Sit the 5 yo in the front passenger seat and strap the toddler into the stroller while you install the baby seat. Strap in the baby, put the big kid in the booster, then once the kids are safely strapped in, load up your luggage.

And yes, echoing PP, most hotels have deadbolts on the inside, or safety chains.

If I ever have to fly, I'm definitely doing this thank you.

[Anonymous]

Car seats & boosters can be checked for free... no baggage fees on them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would fly. Seriously. I do NOT drive any farther than two hours with kids.

I would if I thought I could get two kids and car seats installed in a rental by myself.

I just did this! Watched you tube videos. Practiced& let kids play in the back of rental as I installed. Feelin proud of myself. Was hard