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Original poster

Need ideas for toddler in car for 1.5 hours

35 replies

MunchMonster · 08/03/2023 21:41

Hello, so I'm dreading a car trip that I have to take at the weekend. I'll be with my 6 year old who will be fine and my almost 3 year old who has very loud tantrums when he doesn't get what he wants.

How can I survive a 1.5 hour journey with him? I don't have anything he can watch something on and I really don't want to stop off anywhere. The only thing I can think of is lots of snacks.

There must be other things? Any ideas?

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Original poster
MunchMonster · 09/03/2023 07:42

@Soontobe60 it doesnt sound dangerous at all. What is dangerous is having a tantrumming toddler in the back because he is bored. That's way more distracting than being really prepared with toys and snacks and passing them over when needed.

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Original poster
MunchMonster · 09/03/2023 07:43

Thanks so much everyone

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LittleBlueBrioTrain · 09/03/2023 07:47

Best thing you can do is a good run around at the park (or similar) beforehand.

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NewMum0305 · 09/03/2023 07:57

If you have Spotify, there is a playlist called Disney Storyteller with audiobook versions of Disney. Some are 10 mins but others are about an hour and include the songs from the films. We always play through the car on long journeys with my DD (nearly 4) but my primary age DSS enjoys them too

NewMum0305 · 09/03/2023 07:58

NewMum0305 · 09/03/2023 07:57

If you have Spotify, there is a playlist called Disney Storyteller with audiobook versions of Disney. Some are 10 mins but others are about an hour and include the songs from the films. We always play through the car on long journeys with my DD (nearly 4) but my primary age DSS enjoys them too

*Disney films

HollyBollyBooBoo · 09/03/2023 07:59

Invest £100 in a portable DVD player, job done.

HelloViroids · 09/03/2023 08:02

On a recent trip from London to Scotland, the biggest hits were a spinner with a suction base that stuck to part of his car seat, and a CBeebies magazine that came with loads of stickers (which he covered his legs with!)

cocksstrideintheevening · 09/03/2023 08:46

We drive to France regularly with DTs, 14 hours door to door. When they were that age Julia Donaldson and sticker books. The stickers always got stuck the the doors / windows but kept them occupied for ages. 1.5 hours really isn't a long time, can you time it over a nap time if you're worried?

roseopose · 09/03/2023 10:43

MunchMonster · 09/03/2023 07:42

@Soontobe60 it doesnt sound dangerous at all. What is dangerous is having a tantrumming toddler in the back because he is bored. That's way more distracting than being really prepared with toys and snacks and passing them over when needed.

Yep that's how I see it. I would find DD screaming and crying a hell of a lot more distracting than a well timed momentary hand off the wheel. I mean ideally we all just wouldn't drive with toddlers in the car for extended periods but life doesn't always work like that and you have to make the best of it.

AliceTheeCamel · 09/03/2023 14:43

LittleBlueBrioTrain · 09/03/2023 07:47

Best thing you can do is a good run around at the park (or similar) beforehand.

Definitely this! Makes a huge difference.

We use audiobooks and sing-a-long songs as well.

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