
Parenting Toddlers (1-3) Support Group
This community is focused on the joys, challenges and concerns faced by parents of toddlers (1 to 3 year olds). The major areas of child development include: physical development, perception and sensory development, communication and language development, cognitive development, emotional development and social development. Join to share your stories and get advice.
12 hours is a long ride though, if you're driving during the day you will for sure have to stop a few times and let your little one have some time to stretch and bounce around.
Good luck, I don't envy you! lol
I have mapped out all of the state parks and other areas of interest where it is cheap to get out and stretch legs. Between here and Chicago. When I was still nursing I found all of the Babies' R Us stores close to the interstate so I could use the mother rooms instead of the car every feeding. Between here and my parents (5 hrs) I know where the mall is with the cool playground.
Just be prepared for frequent stops and sometimes long stops. Find places she can crawl of walk around in. Even if it means walking around in Wal-mart for 30 min. Be prepared for your trip to take much longer than 12 hours and break it up over two days if possible. I just wish hotels had playgrounds!
We also got a DVD player, but not until he was 18 months. If she is rear facing, I don't know if you would be able to set the DVD player up safely. I have to turn the DVD off too when I want him to sleep.
Oh buy a really cool toy and don't give it to her till she is the car. Or if you know her favorite toy, hide it until the trip.
The last thing we did for coming home from Thanksgiving was to leave the Friday after. You avoid more traffic that way. The last thing you want is to be stuck in a traffic jam with a cranky 1 year old.
Also make sure you can reach and hand her drinks and snacks. It may keep her happy until you can find an exit to stop at.
Best of luck! I'll be doing the long car trip with 2 year old + 2 dogs at Christmas.
The car seat is so important to safety, so fight the battle if you have to.
Making it easier: The portable DVD is the way to go. Build in playtime when you stop for meals. Encourage your little one to nap on her regular schedule (put away DVD, play quiet music, as much of her normal routine as you can). Keep a bag of toys and books in the car for a break from the DVD. If it's feasible, get some NEW items for the trip. They will be more likely to hold her attention.
Good luck!