Long drive with 13 month who hates being in the car.

[danpige]

We are off on holiday in 2 weeks and this involves driving for at least 6 hours to get the the caravan site. My DD who is 13 months just hates being in the car. 30 minutes is kind of her limit. She is usually a good sleeper but in the car no more than 45. Anyone have good tips on how to entertain her. I can't really sit in the back for too long as there is not much room (5 year DS is also in the back) and I get travel sick in the back. Could DD have travel sickness. She has never been sick so is just wondering?

If they have travel sickness, they do usually chuck up at some point.

you are properly right....

Is her seat forward facing? Is she comfortable - is it one of those reclining ones, perhaps it doesn't need to recline so much? I have to spend a while making sure DS isn't too folded in half when in the carseat iyswim. Also sometimes the seat straps can be a bit tight around the shoulders.

Perhaps loads of books she can look at. You can also get mirrors so she can see the driver (if she's rearward facing still).

Also can your DS entertain her? perhaps play peekaboo etc.

We're doing a similar trip and no idea how DS will cope! He usually grizzles like mad and never sleeps well. I sometimes give him a dummy to play with - he's worse when he's teething as he can't be easily distracted. We're also going to schedule a few stops so it's not too long.

My DD2 hated the car but she also hated lying down in pram, prefering more upright position in sling. She improved a great deal going forward facing and not too reclined also she seemed worse on a full stomach when we drove anywhere. It may be a stomach thing? She is now much happier and likes to snack and drink in the car.
Entertainment - some kids tunes to sing along to can help - this was our last resort!
Things wrapped up- tearing the paper off was so exciting even if an old toy or book was inside- messy but worth it for calm journey
Lift the flap books- Dear Zoo etc..
Interactive sort toy with zips etc..
Consider doing a toy swap with a friend so you can have some toys which are new to them for the journey?
Good luck!

She is facing forward, she has been in a few different seat and still hates it. (Train not an option)
Playing with her dummy is first on the list. Good idea about wrapping things up and was thinking about getting some lift a flap book. DS will most likely end up entertaining her but 6 hours is quite a long time for him to babyentertain. Lots of snacks are also on the menu!

Phenergans?

as in drugs?

It's an antihistamine so acts as a sedative. It used to available over the counter. If DD is very difficult in the car then I would consider it. Worth discussing with the pharmacist.

My DDs suffered very badly with travel sickness so I had no concerns about using whatever was necessary to achieve a pleasant journey for all.

DVD player for the car, best £80 I ever spent we easily do the 6 hour car ride with it on and dc (1 and 4) staring comatose at it!