Keeping toddlers awake in cars

[TerrifiedMothertobe]

We normally time our journeys so we don't leave around tea time which may coincide with a dip in energy, but today we had no choice and ds1, aged 2.9 fell asleep at 4pm for an hour.

He's only just settling now... At 10pm.

So, how do you keep the monkeys awake on a hour ish journey? Chocolate before hand? iPads?

He was shattered as is am early riser, 530 this morning, but now we are really scuppered!

Windows open seems to help as do cold drinks and cooler clothing. Sometimes I sit next to DD (18mo) and entertain her to help her stay awake - but this is harder with 2 DCs obviously.

iPads, air con, stick your hand back between the seats and wiggle their feet.

Endless loud singing of the wheels on the bus and old macdonald. Breadsticks also help.

I believe nothing works if they're tired! I've been wiggling and shaking feet before to no avail. And now I know he can sleep through his baby sister screaming at full volume, I know nothing will stop him sleeping if he wants to :)

I feel your pain though. It's a nightmare when they sleep that late.

cbeebies album on full blast. Running commentary 'ooh, did you see that concrete lorry, and that breakdown truck, wow' etc.

But this still doesn't work after a busy day of scootering and objecting.

I make her sing, sing with / at her and keep pointing out inane things that we go past, asking whether she saw it etc. If she's really tired though, it doesn't work and nothing will!

I give mine raisins or a small pot of dry cereal - something that takes ages to eat!

Ipads? for a toddler? Playing I spy or singing massively inappropriate nursery rhymes that makes them proper belly laugh usually does the trick for all of mine.

You're all braver than me letting your kids eat in the car. I never dare in case they choke (real choking is silent and every second counts).

As others have said, if they're tired, they'll sleep. No amount of chocolate and foot wiggling will help.