We invested in one of those portable DVD players for the car, which is a lifesaver. Watching TV is a treat and so it will keep my daughter entertained for a couple hours (The Wiggles are her favorite)

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

We take turns who who is in the back seat with my son playing and entertaining. We tried the drive at night to get from Alabama to Chicago. Leaving here about 6 pm, my son didn't fall asleep until Nashville (about midnight) and would wake up every time we stopped. SOmeone had to be in the back seat with him for him to sleep. Needless to say that was the only time we drove at night.

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.

Oh the dreaded car ride. I know some people tha thave sucess with the night travel, but for us, we are too tired to be driving safely. We had the portable DVD which helped, lots of books, new toys even ones that you take away now and don't get back out until Turkey day will seem new! I agree, if she is a walker, try to stop every two hours to let her run for at least 15-30 minutes. Yes it does make the trip longer, but much more manageable. IF she's sleeping when you should be stopping, keep going until she does wake, no need to wake a sleeping baby unless you two need to stop. Good luck, keep her rear facing for extra safety during this long car ride, plus it's easier on our necks when we can look forward to "see" them!!!!

My daughter is the worst in the car. This past trip we borrowed a travel DVD player. What a miracle worker. The only time she made a sound was when the movie was over or if she was thirsty/hungry. Good luck. :)

We have also traveled at night with our son. He slept fine. Unfortunately, after being up all night, our immune systems were down and got wretchedly sick. I sincerely hope this doesn't happen to you! Try to rest yourselves.

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!

Thanks everyone, as always, great advice from all! The night driving will be ok, I work all night, I am use to it, I am really more concerned for the trip back during the day. We shall see, lots of rest stops and stretching those little sweet legs! Thanks again!

I have to agree with the portable DVD player. My daughter just turned 1 and we went on a 8 hour trip. We left at about 5. We were hoping to have a lot of sleep time without having to travel late at night. I found a toy on clearance at Freddy's for $10. Its called pixel chix. It is way advanced for her but it had small buttons that made the screen light up when she pushed them which was nice because we were driving in the dark so she could see what she was doing. Plus it made enough noise to entertain her but not so much that it annoyed the other passengers :) Callie hated getting back into her seat after taking a 20 minute pit stop every couple hours so maybe take a few crackers to distract your 1 year old with while you put her back in her seat. Good luck!!