Reply to Long car trip - just toddler and driver

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[quote=Anonymous]I did this many times with my kid backwards facing. The keys for me were:

1. Set up the car so there is lots of stuff in arms reach. I'd put her in her car seat with her water in one cupholder and a snack in the other. I'd also put something next to the car seat that would enable me to put a container with books and toys (see below for ideas) within arms reach. Yes things fall but if you have a selection, it's not a huge deal. Usually I'd put a cooler next to the car seat and then strap a little fabric sided box to it with the items I wanted her to have access to.

2. I never used screens. I'm not against them, I just found I didn't need them. We'd talk or listen to music, sometimes I'd put on a story podcast, or she'd look at her books. I also found some car games for toddlers. The two big winners were (1) a little LED device with a pen she could write on -- like an etch a sketch but easier, and (2) a little magnet puzzle set that came in a metal box -- very minimal issues with dropped pieces because everything was contained to the box and magnetic.

3. Plan to stop frequently. I don't plan exact stops in advance because you don't know when she'll fall asleep or for how long. As a rule, I would stop when she woke up from a nap -- she will need to get out and stretch legs, it's a good time for a snack, and also good time to reset in her car seat with fresh water and activities. Beyond that, I'd aim for every 90 minutes or so unless she's asleep. Stop before she gets cranky. Try to stop places with playgrounds if you can (look the route up beforehand so you have some idea of where these might be, pull over to find one if you're in any kind of town and don't know for sure). But even just a grassy area where she can run around is good. Bring bubbles or a ball to kick around.

The backwards facing was no big deal to me. My kid is forward facing now and while I know it makes a difference to her at this point (she likes being able to see me), it doesn't really change the dynamic on a long car trip much because it's not like I can interact with her directly beyond the occasional glance in the rearview mirror.

TL;DR: I don't think you are overthinking it but I also know this to be very doable. There might be some trial and error but it's really no different from any other day with your kid -- make sure she gets enough food, sleep, and you have a few activities planned, then just roll with it and be willing to take breaks when necessary. In many ways, a 5 hr car ride is easier than a 5 hr airplane ride because there are fewer variables in the form of other passengers, delays, turbulence, etc.[/quote]

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