Keeping 19 mth old awake in the car

[mimmymouse]

We've had a real struggle getting our 19 mth old DD to sleep well. We've finally just about cracked it. There has always been one exception: the car. She will almost always fall asleep.

Aside from the obvious answer of not travelling in the car (!), or travelling at nap times, we do need a few ploys to try to keep her awake. I've tried feet tickling, keeping the car cool, radio blaring..... What else can I do?!

It's mostly on short journeys (less than 30 minutes) - she seems to think if she has had 10 minutes sleep, then she's good for the day. We do try to plan longer journeys around nap times and allow her to sleep.

TIA

Sing songs? Play Simon says?

A little diddly box of raisins might keep her occupied...?

Having just driven through France with an almost 19 month old who usually falls asleep as soon as we hit the motorway, I can highly recommend a travel dvd player. DS happily watched for about 2 hours while we were travelling, without falling asleep at all whilst it was on. Might be a bit too much of a faff for short journeys though.

All good suggestions! Thank you. Raisins are a favourite, so certainly something to try. The travel DVD player might be a faff, but might also be worth it. She's still a bit small for games, but something for the future.

Thank you all. Very grateful.

Snacks are the only thing that works with my 18mo DD.

I'm with you on the snacks. Works for my 20 month old.