how to keep 1 year old entertained on a long journey without using technology!!

[cloudhands]

I just thought i would start this thread so anyone interested can share what worked for their kids. I think it's common knowledge that using technology in the under threes is just incredibly bad for their brain development, and my own anxious mummy brain wouldn't allow me to give my 1 year old an ipad even if it's just temporary.

i'd love to have a range of suggestions to choose from when we are travelling at xmas.

for me in car journeys singing worked in the past, when my DD was a bit younger, and a nice baby massage, to relax her when she was in her car seat.

also games that make her laugh, like throwing things on the floor and me getting annoyed.

She loves books so I'm sure a few of them will keep her amused for a little while.

anyone else have some good suggestions?

[hokeycakey]

Girlwiththemouseyhair you must not have an "anxious mummy brain" and to be honest I think you're better off without it

Don't sweat it and yes it was a bitchy op

[mammmamia]

Do not agree at all with OP re technology as others have said, but try the travel Aquadoodle - good for car journeys.

[SneakyBiscuitEater]

Thread about a thread?

[GirlWithTheMouseyHair]

Faith in MN restored

Hugz'n'kisses BFFs 4eva
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[MrsMerryMeeple]

Have nothing against giving DS the ipad for a few minutes, but don't have any way to attach it in the car, so have so far not given him high tech in the car.

We have a bag or basket full of toys that are safe for him to play with unsupervised, preferably new or have been hidden for a while. He keeps himself entertained for a bit, then if he starts fretting I drop a toy over to him. When he drops that and gets bored, the next one goes over.

Board books that are not so precious it matters if they get chewed on, rattles, plastic containers, duplo or little people figures, things with lids that can be put on or taken off, busy books, fabric toys with fasteners, links, anything from the toybox that fits the above description.

Each time we stop I collect all the toys from the floor/seat and restock the basket.

Snack pots also help. Rice cakes, baby biscuits, corn puffs etc.

[attheendoftheday]

The only way I can stand the 6 hour drive down to my mum's is to set off at 6pm with dd in her pyjamas. It is the only way!

[ChiefOwl]

Put the dc in their pj's and set off just before bedtime - its the only way! this is still my preference and my youngest is 5!

[BellyBean]

DD loved a couple of pots, one open, one with a hole and Pom poms to transfer at that age.

[RiverTam]

At that age, traveling at night is the best option.

But DD is now 7 and we have done a good number of long car journeys with no tech other than an old iPod with audiobooks on it (our old banger doesn't have a CD player, otherwise she wouldn't even have that).

We fill a bag that sits next to her with a variety of the following (some obviously age dependant):
Small world toys
Paper and pens
Stickers
Picture books
Activity books
She got given this brilliant magnet scene book thing, with loads of magnets to make your own scenes
Magazine

Though I've just seen this is a TAAT. Poor form, OP.

[ragged]

Z O M B I E

[2014newme]

How long is the journey? Agree travelling when asleep is best.

[2014newme]

ZOMBIE ZOMBIES

[ragged]

Seriously gals... (I am too much of a wimp to post a scarier pic)

[tinypop4]

2 hours or less- kids sing a long music. More than that and we travel in the evening so they sleep for the majority