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Driving solo at night with a baby?

11 replies

sinkorsplash · 22/11/2021 10:13

Hi
Any tips on driving when after dark with a baby on your own?

I need to drive 30 mins up the motorway (so little stopping opportunity) with my 4m old, after 4pm...
Do you just keep the back seats light on so you can keep an eye on the baby or keep it dark and trust they're ok?

Only driven in daylight before, or with my DH in the car so one of us has sat in the back with DD

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Seeline · 22/11/2021 10:15

I never kept the internal lights on. Hopefully baby will just go to sleep. 30 mins isn't really a long time.

EightWellies · 22/11/2021 10:17

Oh bless 😊 You just drive the car. Don't put internal lights on, put on some child-friendly music and don't give them a toy to hold, because if they drop it you can't pick it up.

GAW19 · 22/11/2021 10:20

I do a 35min journey to see my mum regularly with a 2.5yo & a 8month old.
9/10 times they'll both go to sleep or the baby just babbles to herself, she has one of the toys that twists around the handle too.
The toddler, we just have a chat or sing songs
Dont over think it op, baby will be absolutely fine Smile

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LakeShoreD · 22/11/2021 10:20

Eh? You just drive the car… maybe get a car seat toy if you’re worried they will get bored.

jemimafuddleduck · 22/11/2021 10:22

You're overthinking it. Just do the drive as normal, it will be fine. The worst that will happen is that they'll cry - but if you can make sure they are changed, fed and (if possible) ready for a nap before you leave they will probably just fall asleep.

minniep · 22/11/2021 10:22

If it's dark and you are driving fast on the motorway then chances are they will fall asleep so it's like you get a break to listen to the radio or some music or a podcast or whatever. So enjoy it

InTheLabyrinth · 22/11/2021 10:23

Dont put the light on, it's distracting to you and other road users.
Put baby in seat, and drive. I used to put the sun shades up over the side windows, as DS2 hated the lights, and would scream the whole way (2.5hrs).

Tee20x · 22/11/2021 10:25

30 mins isn't long at all. Just treat it like a normal drive. Don't keep the internal lights on.

If you're concerned just don't have any music playing do you can be more aware of breathing, vomiting sounds etc if you're concerned.

Shrewoodle · 22/11/2021 10:48

I drove alone with DS from about 6 weeks, I couldn't see him from the driver's seat, no mirror etc. I'd do the odd 1-2 hour drives but just pull over every 30 mins or so to check his position (he had a tendency to slump when he fell asleep). 30 mins is fine, the baby will probably have a lovely nap!

buckingmad · 22/11/2021 20:42

I drove 240 miles last week with my dog and 16 week old in the dark on my own. It didn’t even cross my mind to worry about it!

sinkorsplash · 22/11/2021 20:53

Thank you all.
It was fine.
No idea what I was worried about.
Baby had 2 great naps there n back and I got to listen to a podcast.

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