SMS Giveaway Day

Welcome to my little place on the blogosphere, I expect to have a few visitors so I tried to tidy up and make it look pretty for you. Come on in and make yourself at home. Do you want a cuppa?
So how are you today? I’m so excited about participating in my first ever Sew, Mama, Sew! Giveaway Day, can you tell? I’ve always wanted to do a giveaway and this is the perfect opportunity. Unfortunately, I didn’t have much time to prepare since I only found out about the Giveaway Day two days ago.
So, are you dying to find out what you can win today?

This is it, your own Amy Butler Frenchy Shoulder Bag in her Nigella home dec fabric.

Of course it’s lined with my Amy Butler fabric too.
But that’s not all, you’ll get this Prints Charming one off hand printed fabric which has five of these flowers on it. These flowers measure 14 inches tall and about 8 inches at the widest point, so I had to cut around them to give you five intact flowers.
Do you want more?
Well, how about another Prints Charming hand printed fabric which I also picked up from their last studio sale. This panel has eight aqua leaves, measuring about 8.5″ long and 6″ wide, while the six white leaves are 6″ long and 4.25″ wide.
Check this out for some embroidery inspiration for these fabrics perhaps.

So, for a chance to enter, please give me some tips on traveling with a 9 month old and a soon to be 4 year old. We will be doing our first ever 12 hour road trip (could possibly be our last depending on the experience) to spend the holidays with their grandparents.
The giveaway will be open till the 17th December 2010.
How am I going to choose the winner? Let’s see, I’ll read out all the tips to my nearly 4 year old and if she likes it you win. So I guess the best answer wins.
And of course I’ll ship internationally.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you back, have a Happy SMS Giveaway Day.
Edited to add 18th December 2010: The giveaway is now closed, off to pick a winner.
This entry was posted by TheAccidentalCrafter on December 13, 2010 at 1:52 pm, and is filed under Giveaways. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0.You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.
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What a great giveaway….I love the bag and fabrics.
Tip for travelling with small children….mmmmm……. I do it every year with my kids and we always get a good story or music cd to listen to – this diverts them when you get stuck in a jam. I also have a bag of eating and drinking goodies in the front which I drip feed through out the journey – which keeps my husband happy too!!!
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Candy! Lots and lots of candy! (kidding but I had to think of something to speak to the 4 year old!) I think my best advice to you is to be prepared to take your time and enjoy. Don’t be in a hurry and you may be more sucessful. And though I hate to suggest it, movies in the car if possible for the 4 year old- that is a long drive!
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#7 written by Valerie Boudier 1 year ago
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Okay I will be first, now this is going to be a difficult one for me as…..I don’t have children LOL. But have to enter because I want the “frenchy” bag as I live in France!!!!! You could travel during the night….they will be asleep! Plenty of games for the 4 year old to play with and hope and pray the 9 month one sleeps and sleeps and sleeps…good luck….and remember…its only 12 hours and it will come to an end….Just pray there arn’t any traffic jams!!! Hugs Linda
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I unfortunately don’t have any kids of my own but I do have friends with five kids (under the age of 7) who make a 24-hour drive every year to visit family. They told me their secret is to start driving at night so that the kids can sleep through some of the long trip. After that they listen to music, play lots of games, and eat lots of snacks. They also plan extra time to make a few stops along the way to stretch and run around. This makes it fun family time and they actually look forward to the trip every year.
Hope you have a wonderful holiday! -
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#14 written by Stefanie Navarro 1 year ago
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#15 written by Shola 1 year ago
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#17 written by Heather 1 year ago
Haha!! Can I say lots of treats!? Go to the dollar store and pick out crafts, toys, and candies. Every hour let her pick something from the “special” box of goodies! She will look forward to that next hour to come up!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
h_freund@hotmail.com -
#18 written by Tina 1 year ago
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#20 written by little bird in a beehive 1 year ago
well i’m not going to win here as i haven’t ever travelled with kids of any age.. haven’t got that far yet
but i do LOVE this giveaway so i’m entering anyway with crossed fingers.. i would say though, just as a guess, have lots of little things for them to do, buttons to sort and colourcode, colouring, some lego bits, perhaps playdoh and acorns
etc
incase I do win
my email is ekswhyzed_@hotmail.com
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I would say get a hold of a portable DVD player. We just recently did a 10 hour road trip with our two-year-old and it was the lifesaver of the trip. We also had a bag of small toys like cars, interesting drink bottles and what not so that when things got monotonous we could pull out a new toy and that would keep him entertained for a good hour. And snacks. Lots of snacks.
Blessings!
erincomptondesign at gmail dot com -
These are beautiful gifts! As for your little ones, I would say to pack snacks that are fun and unusual (a special treat) that you can give at certain intervals along with a variety of coloring books, travel games, and a few small toys that will ONLY come out for that trip – this keeps them interested longer, as they are getting a special thing for that time!
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Your giveaway items are incredible!!! My tips –
Definitely try to drive at night if possible! For my kids this only works if we start driving in the evening and actually drive through the night. If we try to get them in the car in the wee hours of the morning my older two-three and 5- stay awakeWhen you are driving during the daytime, give yourself plenty of extra time. Estimate how much extra you think you need and double it! (really, I’m not joking here!) Stop every few hours for some activity time. A rest stop with a playground, or just open space for some crazy running keeps pent up energy to a minimum.
A DVD player will save your sanity – so will IPhone apps if you have one. I bring a combo of new movies and old favorites. Favorite songs and books on cd are a lifesaver too.
A tray or flat surface for the older one to color on or eat snacks on. We use the plastic trays that fit over their lap with small storage bins on the sides.
A “gift” bag of activities. Small new toys or games – things like lacing cards and coloring books, small infant toys/games that your older child can do with your younger one (puppets, stacking and sorting toys) dole out the gifts (yep, wrap them!) slowly or as needed to prevent major meltdown.
SNACKS! I give my older ones their own lunch bag full of snacks and juice boxes and bottled water for them to pick from whenever they want something to nibble on.
Good Luck!
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snacks, new coloring things, i have done embroidery also for my 4 yo. (the plastic shapes with the squares for holes and thick thread and a plastic needle), that is the easiest for that age to do without getting hurt. also you could find a lace kit, the pictures with the shoe laces that you weave through. for a girl, maybe a new baby doll with some clothes, bottles, etc.
good luck, i so know that feeling, having 4 kids. my kids do not play video games, so they read, color, do crafty things, etc.
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#27 written by Teddi 1 year ago
Great giveaway! I’m the mom of 5 kids (11 down to 3). For traveling – everyone has had such great suggestions about packing coloring books, books, snacks, etc. My idea: get a roll of coins for the 4 yr old and tell her that however many coins are left when you get to your destination she can use to buy something fun for herself! Use the coins to discourage whining, complaining and bad behavior (lol). If she goes 15-20 min without doing those things then put a coin in a special bag or coin purse for her and congratulate her on making it that long!
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Hi from Perth. What a BEautiful giveaway!!
I have 2 littlies and we have travelled hugely with our eldest especially so I was also interested in reading your tips. I love the one above about little presents – perhaps some little toys of theirs that they haven’t played with in a while?
In the past things that have worked for my daughter are: an activity bag full of lots of little toys – especially ones that do things. A magnadoodle/etchasketch is usually the favourite. Chupachup lollipops (to plug the hole and they are longest lasting
), button stringer, laptop with movies, stickers, popcorn and other snacks, bubbles.
Hope that helps.
PS I’m also hosting a giveaway – for Aussie’s only – so pop over and take a look
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#31 written by Krista 1 year ago
Wow, 12 hours!!? Ok, here are a few ideas:
*SNACKS!
* special toys that are only for the car–ones they are sure not to be bored with too soon.
* fun kid CDs–yes, you will have to suffer through this, hehe, but it’s all for the sake of non-whining/crying/sanity!
* i-spy games with the almost 4 year old—using passing cars, landmarks, billboards, whatever.
* I’d say a portable DVD player for the absolute last resort. This thing saved me on long trips when the above was losing novelty. -
I have young kids too and I joke that my favorite travel tip is to stay home! I have no great survival tips I’m afraid… ear plugs?
cynsaw2@yahoo.ca -
We played alot of guessing games, such as “what am I’ and I kept a large drawstring bag in lieu of a treasure chest where kids could pick out their Dollar store prizes and junky treats. Also stopping just to get out, running around the car and first one back in their seat got a prize…that kinda thing

Lovely giveaway! I’m swooning over that bag!!!! -
We’ve done lots of traveling with little peeps, but mostly flying. For car travel, we plan to stop a lot. That way we don’t get frustrated and rush them each time, we plan on the time. Also, I wrap up small gifts in tissue paper and we set the timer and if there is no fighting, we open a small gift when the timer goes off. If there is fighting, the timer starts fresh. I also pack bags full of lots of things to do, notebooks, fun pencils or new crayons, a special activity books, etc.
Mom also gets a candy bar, it helps me a lot!
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I recently made a travel book for my friends children and it is available for free download on my blog. Print on for each of your kids and they’ll be occupied…at least for a short time!
Here’s the link to the download…
http://www.emiliehandmade.com/2010/09/free-download-of-airplane-acitivy-book.htmlHope I win!!!
emilie_ahern(at)yahoo(dot)com -
Soooo, the four year old is picking the answer, eh? Hmm, how can I appeal to her lol. Well, I decided to ask my kitty, Mrs. Puff. She says tasty snacks and drinks are nice to have. It’s also fun to look at a map and pick a few sites to stop and see on the way. Sometimes it’s fun to stay overnight on the way and pick a hotel with a pool. DVD player with a new movie helps and definitely a few surprises all wrapped up for the difficult moments.
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#43 written by Erin Waters 1 year ago
Well, last Christmas we traveled 13 hours to spend Christmas with my in-laws & my kids were 5 & 3 (we’ve done the same trip when they were younger also). I read a few books to them from time to time, let them play with toys they don’t get to play with often, & viewed several movies on the van’s dvd player. Oh, and snacks that you don’t often let them eat are also a good idea. Good luck!
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When I was little my Mom used to wrap a “present” for each half hour of our trip. They were sometimes things like juice boxes, or little toys…but always something to unwrap. That half hour block just flew because you were excited to unwrap something new. Now I do it with my kids and they love it too. Sometimes I even make them a new backpack to carry it all in.
Thanks for the chance to win those lovely things.
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A great giveaway
I know I’m personally addicted to Prints Charming panels though they just seem to keep showing up in my stash but I never use them (except to pull them out and just stare at them).The best thing I have ever done when traveling with a four-year-old is to make sure I have fruit snacks stashed in my own bag. They seem to fix everything – from boredom to I’m hungry to the ‘are-we-there-yet?’ cries.
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Good luck with your trip — I’m sure it will be fine, and perhaps with all these tips, dare I say…fun? When we drove from NH to TX, my Mom put together a sack of surprises, and every hour or so, we’d get to pull a little trinket out of the sack! It was so much fun, and kept us well-behaved and excited!
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#52 written by Erin 1 year ago
What a beautiful bag! I don’t have a lot of tips for traveling with youngsters (but I’m going to be reading these to learn some!!). The most important thing I have learned about traveling with my 2 year old…have a space in the back of the car that can be easily turned into a diaper change area and keep a few toys/snacks in the front seat so that you can easily hand them to the kids in the back.
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It’s FREEZING here, so I’d love a cuppa! We travel 16 hours (each way!) every summer with my girls- the first time they were 3 years and 9 months and they’re now 6 and 3 and *knock on wood* we’ve not had any major mishaps! (Don’t read this part to the four year old) Have LOTS of surprise goodies hidden- snacks that are new and fun, coloring books, new crayons (sparkly ones! scented ones!) and break them out when things start to fall apart. (This part you can read out loud). Sing songs, have at least one sit down meal, have a cooler of snacks, make a special bag for car activities with fabric the 4yo picked out- Make the trip part of the fun and not just something to “get through.” Good luck!
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Hi! Just came across your blog for giveaway day, and looking forward to spending some more time on here! Thanks for the chance to win, your bag is amazing!
I don’t have any kids, but when I was young my family drove from our home in southern Ontario in Canada to Florida (took almost 3 days!). My mom had made homemade bingo cards for different areas of our trip. She also made these fun work books that had colouring pages and puzzles. We played a lot of i spy in the car. And there was a bag of goodies that we could choose from each day and there was a new toy we had never seen before to play with. That and a kid friendly music playlist (okay it was a cassette tape back then, and i’m sure my parents were sick of it by hour 2) but we thought it was great to have our music on the whole time!
Good luck with your road trip! We always went to visit my grandparents at Christmas (it was a 3 hour car ride) and although it was sometimes painful, I will never forget those Christmas mornings!
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#57 written by Kara 1 year ago
I do dollar store gifts every hour for my daughter – totally keeps her happy! I try not to rely to heavily on the dvd player so we also pack lots of snacks and crayons. And idea I heard recently that I’m going to try in the future is to say that starting the trip they have $20 to spend at their destination, but that they lose a dollar every hour for bad behavior. Probably works better with older kids, but it sounds like it could be key!
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A dvd player is a must for a 12 hour trip. If you don’t have one maybe you can borrow one? Also, books on tape/cd are really great. You can listen individually or as a whole family. Thats how I got my kids interested in the classics. Tom Sawyer, Around the World in 80 Days — other kid stuff. Plus those crazy bendy sticks are fun in the car.
And never underestimate the power of a pack of cookies. Just saying.
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#61 written by Heidi 1 year ago
Beautiful giveaway! I LOVE that bag.
Traveling with wee ones will always be a challenge. My parents must have been crazy to take a road trip with FIVE of us in a van from Ontario to Alaska not once but TWICE!
A good mix of classic car games and modern technology could make the whole event run much more smoothly. I-Spy bags, simple puzzle books, crayons, and sugar-free snacks are good. A portable DVD player with a handful of Disney/Pixar classics would really help the time fly by. Just don’t forget the batteries!
Good luck with the trip and have a wonderful Holiday!
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#62 written by Sonja 1 year ago
I have four children and the first two are 11 1/2 months apart…it gets easier as they get older, promise! ;0)
The key to traveling with kids, at least for me, has been to pack plenty of distractions(things that they don’t play with everyday at home so they always feel new) and be willing to stop often to give the kiddos some stretching and wiggling time!
Good luck with your travels and be safe!
Sonja
sonjagreene(at)veryverdant(dot)com -
Ok, if this is all about the 4 year old picking the winner…here goes.
First, pack a bunch of awesome snacks like ants on a log and cheez-it crackers and chocolate milk.
Then, get some of those color wonder crayola coloring books. A new movie. A small bag of M&M’s…I’m hitting all the good things there little one?
LOL! Seriously, our trips I do typically buy them a new Color Wonder book from Crayola – only time we have them. I pack each kid their own lunch bag full of snacks and drinks they can get into as they wish. And we go to the library and load up on new movies for the DVD player. We too take 12 hour trips to the beach and that usually holds us for about 10 1/2 hours…good luck!
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When my children were small and we traveled to my parents we always waited to start driving until the kids bedtime. They slept, we talked (isn’t it rare when you and your spouse actually have time to talk when you have small children!) and when we arrived the grandparents were delighted to have the kids to play with while we went to bed and napped! The kids thought it was magical that they went to sleep and work up at Grandma’s. I love the purse! blessings, marlene
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#66 written by Gina 1 year ago
Well, I never traveled that far with children that young so I’m not much help. I do think frequent stops are necessary, for a breath of fresh air, a change of scenery and to stretch your legs. Keeps everyone from feeling too confined and bored. I know it lengthens the drive but it also seems shorter by having the stops to break up the monotony.
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#67 written by ryder 1 year ago
ok , have 4 sons no girls but hey i was one long ago, what works for them: a dvd player with lots of movies, a nintendo dsi (you must buy one for her, i really wanna win this, sorry), lots of books, i spy toy made by me, coloring books, books on cds to listen….when i was little my sister was my playmate.
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As a Mommy of twins (who are now 6), I can tell you, snacks are KEY! Whenever we’d make long car trips, we’d go to the grocery store and let the kids pick out what they want. We’d usually have an interesting mix – cereals, crackers, raisons, marshmellows. We let them mix it together and put it into ziplock baggies – the longer the trip, the more little baggies they could make up. They were so excited to eat their snacks – and they worked as a good bargaining tool for Mommy and Daddy!! If they were getting ants in their pants and getting cranky, we’d tell them if they calmed down they could have their snack bag. It always worked really well!
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Oh, we’re doing almost that number of hours too! I’d say…lots of yummy snacks (cheese sticks, bananas, juice boxes, goldfish crackers…rolled, diced, any which way) , a new little toy that can keep you company, several good books to listen to and maybe some fun new music (libraries are great!) to sing along with. Perhaps a new movie would help too. And don’t forget your blanket and sunglasses!
Now for Mom…travel when they’re sleeping! Make stops along the way to stretch legs – even if it’s a stop for the bathroom or to get some fresh air. Encourage looking for colored cars or if the little one can read, recognizing certain letters or numbers along the way. Hope your travel goes well!
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#73 written by Ruth 1 year ago
If you have a dvd player than it would help, you can get the snacks, and I would suggest some toy that keeps your kid busy, like an etch-a-sketch or something new and exciting, and you can play this game we always play on road trips, try thinking of something (anything) and the other person tries to guess what it is making yes or no questions, it could be your dog, a shoe, or anything, it can take you even an hour per game.
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Yummy!
Traveling with small children tip:
- Bring treats and toys!Being the adult traveling with small children tip:
- Bring yourself a change of clothes. Nothing is worse than sitting through a road trip after someone had an accident that you ended up with a mess all over your slacks or sweater or whatever. Bring some for the little ones, too, but don’t leave yourself out.
Happy Giveaway Day!
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#76 written by Jen S. 1 year ago
Wow! A 12-hour drive? Well, we haven’t attempted one that long yet, but we will be going 4.5 hours on Friday. I always pack each of my kids (ages 4 and 2) a bag of some of their favorite toys and books. My 4-year old has a Leapster as well; that definitely is useful and entertaining. Sometimes we bring our laptop and set it up with a movie, but this year we finally caved and bought a dual DVD player for the car (yay for Black Friday). We’re giving it to them as an early X-Mas present and I think it will help make our long drive less painful. Have a fun trip! And thank you for a generous giveaway! mj-and-co@hotmail.com
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#78 written by dana 1 year ago
Oh good luck! I hope you have a driver and are not a single parent, or these tips may not work.
If possible, start the travel about an hour before normal bedtime. The car makes everyone sleepy and that will buy you some nice quiet time. If that is not possible, still stick to regular meal/snack times so the wee ones don’t get grumpy. For rest stops (not at night) I suggest taking a ball. Here in the US there is usually a field and walking about area far from the cars. We usually get out for about 10-15 minutes, walk about there and throw the ball and run around. Use up energy and get some air. For in the car…I like the stitching cards with laces and holes in the cards. You can make these yourself of buy them. I also draw up a little list of about 20 things that one sees on the road, with about 5 of them being really obscure. Trees, cars, cows, whatever. Then give her crayons to draw the items as she sees them.
Good luck!
Dana -
#81 written by Morgan 1 year ago
Tell jokes in the car.
A joke from my 4 year old:
Why did the chicken cross the playground?
To get to the other slide!A joke from my 6 year old:
Why is 6 afraid of 7?
Because 7 ate 9!Then he made up this version:
Why is 4 afraid of 6?
Because 6 ate 10!And pick up a copy of the Barenaked Ladies CD for kids — called Snacktime. All my kids love it, even the baby. They Might Be Giants’ kid CDs are also fun. And lots of stickers. My kids put them on everything they can reach in the car. Keeps them busy for at least a few minutes. Thanks for the lovely giveaway!
Happy holidays! -
Lovely giveaway!
And nice to *meet* you.
I LOVE road trips.
I have four children, ages 19, 16, 12, and 6, and I have traveled with them on many, many drives, at all ages. And I still love them, and road trips… success!
1. get on the computer and in advance locate favorite food chains/markets along the way… you will know a good place you can stop for food/bathrooms along the entire route.
2. in advance, check for exceptional or unique playgrounds in towns along the way: anticipate stopping for a quick recess… it is invigorating for tired drivers and gives children a fun outlet.
3. my children appreciated having their own (simple) map, and tracking the progress, and again, anticipating what they can look forward to.
4. books on CDs, movies…
5. snacks are important, and I like to let them have a special treat, but I gotta say: additives = crankyness. I have noticed everyone lasts longer, and stays happier when we stick with healthier fare… this kind of takes me back to #1… add farmer’s markets and fruit stands to your stops for interest and good eats.
6. Frequent stops. My husband tends to think we should drive straight through and never stop, but I have converted him little by little. Even five minutes running around, or stretching, can revive everyone, and change the mood.Have fun! Stay safe! Enjoy!
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Snacks…DVD player…pick up some little toys that they’ve never seen before and stash them away. Oh and I saw this awhile back. Love the idea: would keep a 4 year old entertained for awhile!
http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/how-to/how-to-make-a-recycled-bubble-wrap-travel-game-121176Amanda
amandaandandy@yahoo.com -
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What great prizes! Thanks for the chance! My best advice is don’t drive; take a train. I don’t know if it’s possible for you, but we took a 12-hour train trip with our 7-month-old and it was the best decision ever. She could get up and move and visit with people and crawl and explore other cars–no cooped-up feeling!
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I’ve traveled by car with my now 4.5 yo DD ever since she was 6 months old. She loves listening to books on CD. We also get her sticker books and interesting snacks that she normally doesn’t get at home. As for a baby, it’s easier and more difficult at the same time. She used to sleep a lot when she was younger, and when she got fussy, I would just stop and play with her for a little while.
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Oh good luck!!! i only have one and whenever we’ve had to do 14hr drives we’ve split it into 2 days. We have done many LONG flights however so we pack plenty of distraction games, and she loves her playdough, great if you can rig her a lap tray for the car. lot’s of games like car bingo and I Spy perhaps, snacks and the portable DVD player! Best of luck to you and thx for sharing.
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#90 written by Catherine 1 year ago
My main tip for trveling is snacks. Have lots of snacks.
And new little toys to unwrap along the way are good too. Little things from the dollar store are great and you can wrap them in fun paper (unwrapping is always fun) and give them out periodically during the trip.
Fantastic bag too! Thanks for the chance to win. -
well, as a mom of four ages 6, 5, 3, & 4 months, who lives in rural kansas, going anywhere is a road trip! if you and daddy can stand it, we always play fun kids music (like they might be giants and justin roberts) and we all sing along. we listen to stories on cd. also good are leapsters. those keep my older two content. bring blankies and pillows, make sure to have plenty of snacks and plan out lots of rest stops, for diaper changes and stretching little legs. we stopped at target on the way to a funeral out of state once, to buy a dvd player for the van. my husband decided he couldn’t not listen to sports radio that long. good luck!! take pictures!
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#92 written by Beth 1 year ago
I’m not sure what to tell you about the 4-year-old (we haven’t hit that age yet), but we have done a 13-hour drive to see family *many* times with our now 20-month-old twins. One of those drives was when they were right around 8-9 months, and that was probably the easiest one. We left EARLY (out the door at 6am), and did the whole thing in one day, which was way better than when we’ve tried doing it over two days. We planned out ahead of time where we’d stop. Every three hours it was feed/change/play, then back in the car. Honestly, they slept most of the time… we’re blessed with two kids to love to sleep in the car
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I think most people have given my tip already- have a goody bag with a snack, a new toy, and something to do. You would need a couple of these for a long car ride though. My mom used to do this, and the nifty thing was, it doubled as a barf bag. Hope you won’t need that, though.
If you don’t want lots of “things” you can also write things to do on pieces of paper and put them in the bag. Let your daughter help you write some and then surprise her with others. It can be a game you like to play, a new one she hasn’t learned yet, a song to sing, someone has to tell a story, you have to make animal sounds of all the animals you’ve ever seen. That sort of idea.
Good luck! And take lots of diapers. -
#97 written by Deanna 1 year ago
My one and only tip is travel at night. We took a trip with our girl at 3month old and traveled during the day. She got days and nights mixed up. The next time we went she was 6months and we traveled at night. She simply slept the whole 15 hours! Well, she was awake once the sun came up, but then we only had 3 hours to go
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We recently took a 13 hour road trip with our 3 1/2 year old and 14 month old. Here are the vitals:
1. If you don’t have a mini-van – rent one! It’s worth it to be able to easily get to everyone and their food, toys, stuff etc.
2. Portable DVD player – I was one of THOSE moms who was totally against this invention, but it saved us.
3. Stickers and a binder full of blank paper. I mean stickers by the thousands!
4. Silly Bands – for random rewards along the way.
5. If you’re able leave in the afternoon shortly after lunch. You will likely get a nap from the baby along the way and then they both go to sleep at night and you get a few hours of silence at the end of your trip. And you make it just after midnight so you aren’t totally exhausted yourselves and can still manage some sleep.
That was way too much info for a blog comment, but I can totally sympathize. The good news is…we’re taking another trip in a couple of weeks, so we must have survived the first one:)I’m hosting a giveaway too, so pop on over if you have some time…
belle-n-bee.blogspot.com
beckymac1@hotmail.com -
#104 written by Erica 1 year ago
I have a two year old and I have to say that I am very anti-DVD player in the car. We try to leave early in the morning so we get a couple of hours in while she’s asleep, we bring some of her favorite music, and we play car games. It’s not easy, but it can be fun sometimes! The hardest part is getting them back in the car after you stop for a break.
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#105 written by krystina 1 year ago
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#108 written by MollyP 1 year ago
Well, I am a big ‘ol goober when it comes to road trips. I love ‘em! So here are some ideas: leave early in the am, while the kids are still asleep, always pack snacks, I-Spy is an awesome game for any kid old enough to talk, I am a fan of books of tape (kids books always have good voices), take breaks at roadside parks so they can run around and get some fresh air, bring some good tunes the older one can sing along with, and sometimes, just getting down time to talk with the kiddos is a wonderful thing. Have fun and be safe! Thanks for the giveaway!
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I think making the long trip a part of the adventure, rather than merely a means to the destination, is key. Lots and lots of fun stuff. “I spy with my little eye” games, singing songs, if your 4 year old can identify the alphabet letters, have her watch road signs and find the letters of the alphabet (‘Q’ and ‘Z’ are tricky but they are there.)
My children are all now in their 30′s so it has been a long time but I did use to pack little treat bags that every hour they could have one item. They were little things…a dollar store is good for this. Having their own bags is great fun.
LOTS of rest stops as needed. It will run off their energy as well as help you regroup.
Finally…SING! Lots of fun songs. Let the children choose or make them up.
Have a super trip!
Jennifer -
I don’t think mine will be different than anyone else’s. My toddler likes me to sit in the back and read books to her. I made a CD from iTunes of super silly interactive songs and we only pull out that CD on long trips so it’s special. That buys us a little over an hour.
Since the 4 year old is picking, I’ll say slowly feeding him/her Hershey’s kisses one by one while dancing enthusiastically to his/her favorite music and getting all the trucks to honk as you pass.
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#112 written by Megan Presley 1 year ago
What a great bag! Thanks for the chance to win!!
My best tip for traveling that long is to start at night. I know it’s a little harder on you and/or your husband, but much easier on the kids. Get a good nap before starting and a nice big coffee….then head out. The kids will be tired and sleep much longer since it IS bedtime. Less stops and more driving equals less time overall. Anyway, just one idea of many – I’m sure!
sales4mp at gmail dot com
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#113 written by Kess 1 year ago
Well, I don’t have kids, but I remember driving two days to a family reunion. We got some travel versions of board games in advance, but I remember new coloring books, toys, and food. My favorite was my mom had put little toys and other fun things in a sack that she had up front. Every so often, my sister and I would get to grab something new out. She also made up lists for “I spy” games. Each had a different set of things, and so we could rotate through them so we were looking for more than just a few things the entire trip. And, of course, don’t forget FUN SNACKS! I loved to eat (still do), so that part was probably my favorite.
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about 10 years ago, we travelled across canada with our three kids..6, 4 and 1….it was so fun!! I packed them little surprise bags with goodies in..crafts, books, stickers and food…but if you are reading it out and eltting the kdis pick..tell them they can have alllll the treats they want….and you will stop at every playground!! lol…good luck!
Thank you and Merry Christmas! -
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#118 written by Toni 1 year ago
Been there too! I agree, snacks and DVD player and cute hand held toys for the 9 month old. And a paci clip. I hated digging for that thing. Car shades are a must and supplies for cleaning the car in case someone throws up, trust me not much fun to do in the middle of no where. Ear plugs or iPod
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#119 written by Liz Mouse 1 year ago
I’ve got 2 kids roughly the same ages. Here’s my advice. Let the older child pack a backpack with all their favorite things that they want to take on the trip. Then let them pack a bag for their younger sibling with things they think the younger sibling will like to have. Next you pack a “mommy’s” backpack with new toys from the dollar store, packs of stickers, notepaper and crayons so they can color pictures for grandma, snacks and *here’s the best part* wrap up every item in “mommy’s” backpack in tissue paper and maybe a bit of ribbon so that the kids get to unwrap each item during the trip. As they get cranky ask them if they want something new to play with from their backpack or mommy’s backpack.
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What an awesome giveaway. Your bag is beautiful and to have some Prince Charming thrown in is such a treat. I haven’t got children but when I did a driving trip around the US with my brother, his wife and 2 children of similar ages to yours I remember we ended up singing a lot of songs. We used to try to time driving to coincide with afternoon nap times too.
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I use to live down the road from the Prints Charming studio. It was so dangerous lol… I love all their fabric and your bag is such a generous giveaway!!
My tip is LOLLIES (sugar free) the kids get special treats with out the sugar effect. We throw them in our kids mouths on the train (we don’t drive) and it’s a crack up. Not sure about the 9mth old. Music is always our solution there!
xo Steph
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#128 written by Ashley 1 year ago
I took a 12 hour car trip by myself with 3 kids (5, 3, & 1) last summer. #1) you must have a dvd player! #2) I went to the dollar store and bought little presents that I would hand out about every hour or so if they had been behaving. Just something new for them to discover. #3) I also had some of their favorite snacks (healthy) and suckers (that take a long time to eat). Those were my lifesavers!
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#129 written by Tanya 1 year ago
We’ve taken my daughter to the US from Nova Scotia every summer since she was 8 months old, driving 7 hours one day and 6 the next. Splitting it helped, along with lots of breaks. As she gets older, we pack a bag with new markers, paper, bead kits, anything that interests her. Plus it has helped having my mom in the back with her
Knowing that she will soon be at a wonderful place at the end of the journey helps. -
We got home yesterday from a whirlwind weekend in Melbourne (we’re live Wollongong), so around 1000km’s. I have a 3 and 4 year old and we’ve been doing the drive down and back since they were born – about 3 times a year.
1. Use an in car DVD player. It will keep you sane. Trust me. And if they’ll keep their headphones on, even better.
2. For your 4 y/o, you can get one of those fold down tables (kind of like on a plane) so they can colour in etc…
3. Have some ziploc bags at the ready so you can pass back snacks.
4. Take the time to stop at places where they can play (ie Macca’s playgrounds). They’ll burn off some energy and will be happy to get back in the car in the hope of stopping at another playground on the way.And the good news… as they get older, the trip does get easier. Trust me
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Okay, so if your 4 year old is going to decide who wins … my advise is “Give your kids LOTS of candY!”

Okay, seriously … I have not done a 12 hour trip yet – “only” 7 hours. But that is quite long for a kid, too. Also it was “only” with one kid (at one time she was 3, at the other 4)
We did several things:
- listen to audio-books (worked GREAT when she was 4, not that much when she was 3)
- when we stopped we tried to stop at a “fun” place, even squeezed in a visit to a zoo
- I had a whole bunch of activity bags ready that I would give her at certain intervals – like every hour for example
- fun foodThe one that was THE hit with my daughter:
I had wrapped little “presents” that I would give at designated spots – either after certain time intervals or at certain spots of the route. The presents were nothing fancy. I had collected them for a while – like books on sale, or magnets, or pens, or drawing books, or a tiny toy. Most of them doubled as an activity – like drawing books or magnets, stickers …
You have to make a big fuzz though – like wrap them up so it takes long to open. (But make sure she can open them alone) Oh, and make sure you have enough for the back trip – your daughter will ask for them!
My daughter LOVED the presents! However, be prepared that you might have to do that on all long car trips once you started it ….
Thanks for the giveaway!
Come by my blog and enter my giveaway if you want to.
Love
Ms Muffin -
Well we went the the US with a 14 month old, I went to the $2 shop and got some new itty bitty board books and a few little toys like little cars and teddies then pulled them out at intervals.
We walked the plane alot and looked out windows alot. We had the phenergun just in case but DS is a people person so was happy to “chat” to passers by.
GET A BASSINET SEAT IF POSSIBLE for the baby!!! it was the best. DS could sit, eat and sleep all in the bassinet he had a ball waving at people from his high spot. -
hmm… as i’m expecting my first little guy in February, i’m curious to know myself! BUT, from my own experience as being a back seat passenger with my little brother on TONS of road trips i know the following has helped: snacks, stopping over night to split up the trip, lots of books in the back seat, we used to also play a game- try to find a license plate from every state in the united states (we never found all 50, but still had fun trying), and finally, my parents would seek out interesting restaurants or stops along the way to keep my brother and i interested and looking forward to the final destination. hope this helps!
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The things that have saved us on long trips are small little toys. Cheap stuff from the dollar store, chalk mats (these have saved my sanity on more than one occation), having games planned out ahead of time like i spy and if it’s a really long trip a mini dvd player has helped my 3yr old not drive mommy completely crazy. Good luck mama!
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Let me see. I don’t have any children so I don’t know how much my advice will help. I would make sure the 9mo is ready for a nap. And I would give the 4 year old (she’s reading this right?) ALL THE CANDY SHE WANTS!
No, I am just kidding. I always liked coloring books or some kind of interactive book on long rides when I was a kid. I have found that having planned stops helps in long car rides. I hope you have a great trip and I am wishing you all the luck that it goes smooth. -
Ahh…we’ve done a number of 1000 mile long trips with our little one already who just turned one.
First off, have a portable DVD player with favorite movies on hand and perhaps some new ones.
I sat in the back with our little one and could play with her when she was bored….I bought a few little toys for the right that would be new and interesting as well as her favorites.
Have favorite snacks available!
We’ve driven through the night and it was easier on the girlie but harder on us. She slept and we didn’t. LOL.
Listen to their favorite music that you love and your favorite music that they love.
Take a break when you need to!
and if all else fails, roll down the window…the wind is pretty calming for little ones. -
#138 written by Mary Jo 1 year ago
The almost 4 should get whatever she wants ! especially is she is picking the winner.
Seriously, take you expectations down to almost nothing, get plenty of rest and look at this as an adventure.You can always turn around and go home, you have credit cards for emergency matters and as long as you are all together -it will fun. ,maybe not the fun you planned, but fun none the less.
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#139 written by Amanda 1 year ago
I have two recommendations, since you have to drive there and back. On the way there, I would get everyone ready for bed near bed time, then pile them in the car with cuddly blankets, cozy pillows and perhaps some lovely music. Then, over the river and through the woods, you get to drive through the night. The next day, your little ones will be rested and ready to play and grandma and grandpa can take them out for lunch or a picnic while you grab a nap!
On the way back, since you may have to work the next day, I would drive during the day and wrap little surprise presents and treats such as coloring books and crayons, small stuffed dolls, any quiet toys, a new cd to listen to. Then set a schedule. If your little 4 year old can be good and quiet and plan ahead for potty breaks, she will get the next toy which she can play with for another hour. It doesn’t have to be anything expensive, just something fun. For the nine month old, I would just make sure there are lots of interesting snacks and perhaps a walk and a picnic at the half way point if there is anything interesting to see there just to get a break from the car seat!
Good luck!
Amanda -
#142 written by robin 1 year ago
Lots of yummy snacks that she likes.
A new sticker book that she’s never seen before.
Fun music that she likes to listen to.
Stop somewhere with a Play Place so she can have some fun along the way!
Maybe pick up some books on tape that are new to her.
And if you have a way for her to watch a couple movies along the way, that would probably help a lot, too.
Have fun!
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So cute! Thanks for the giveaway!
As for how to deal with the offspring on a road trip….you are brave….the key is to go to the dollar store, buy about 20 different things, wrap them up separately, then hand them out every hour or so as a reward for good behavior or to generally keep yourself from going nuts. Add a bunch of treats, and if you have a portable DVD player and some movies, that works, too. I have 3 of my own, so I feel your pain! Good luck!
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#147 written by Jill 1 year ago
When I travel with my kids I take a treat bag/backpack and whenever they start getting bored I pull a special surprise out of the bag. I wrap it so they can have fun unwrapping their treat and then it keeps them occupied for a while. Also, if you are stopping for lunch I try to make sure it’s somewhere they can get out of the car and play for a while. Don’t forget to take a cooler with snacks and drinks.
Good Luck!
Jill
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#148 written by darlene 1 year ago
it’s always easier on the kidlets to travel through the night …. we always left later in the evening and were at least 7 hours on the road without *bothering kids* …. we brought the portable dvd player and movies (red box videos are returnable anywhere — rent in minneapolis, return in seattle … or wherever!) sitting in the back with the kids would be good, too …. lots of snacks and drinks and remember ….. LOTS OF POTTY STOPS …. it’s uncomfortable when we want to move on and say, *just another mile,* which, of course, turns into, sometimes, 25 more miles … i know you’ll do great …
my daughter and family drive from minneapolis to yakima, washington every couple of years — they have 6 kids, including a set of 5-yr-old (now) twin boys, and an infant … they also flew to hawai’i in feb (we met them there) from minneapolis … they had a great trip …. good luck ….
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#149 written by denise 1 year ago
I don’t have kids but when we used to go on roadtrips [which we did numerous times, plenty of cross country drives] – my parents would always give us a new, car friendly toy each at the beginning of the drive. A new doll, a book, etc. Something to keep us occupied that was new and not ‘eh whatever WHINEEEWHINEWHINE’ lol
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#150 written by Bec 1 year ago
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#151 written by Meadow 1 year ago
#1- Traveling is not the time for “tough love” this goes double (triple!) when traveling with others (i.e. airplane). Do whatever you can to keep that kid happy. Candy, movies, snacks, toys, whatever it takes.
#2- Jerky is a perfect traveling snack for young ones. Takes a while to eat, doesn’t have sugar and protien is good for quesy tummies.
#3- See number one. Whatever it takes.
Oh, and if you are going to try Benadryl, try it before you leave home. Some kids have the opposite reaction. Trust me on this one.
We have been traveling long distances with our kid since she was a teeny tiny baby and she is awesome at it (in fact, we are at the tail end of a Hawaiian vacation right this very minute, she is napping and I am interneting).
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We are military, so have done our fair share of long distance travelling to get home. I’m sure my tips have been mentioned already and I was so tempted to resort to some sort of bribery….like surprise her with a Bitty Baby to play with on the journey. Surely she’ll like that. haha!
We do use a portable dvd player and I’ve oftened surprised the kids with a new movie, something they’ve been wanting. I also get them their own backpack, a small one for little ones and that is their bag to pack all on their own. You should have seen some of the stuff my kids have crammed into their packs. I’ve also gotten treats that they don’t get very often or bake their favorite cookies and muffins, as a special surprise along the way. Another thing I’ve done is sticker books…a few might get around, but it’s something they’ve enjoyed. Now my husband is not a stickler for driving too much without giving the kids a break. He always takes a couple stops that are longer than gas and bathroom breaks. He’ll find a place to stop with some grass and run around with the kids, play ball, something to let them get some energy out and stretch. Of course, that is weather permitting too.
Love the giveaway….very generous. Thanks for participating. If you have entered mine yet, swing by my blog! Merry Christmas!
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When my daughter was little (she’s now 18) we did a lot of road trips – all the way across the country every summer. We used to play little games in the car. One of our favourites was the “name game”. You give three clues and the other person has to guess who you’re describing. We sometimes got pretty silly. Your 4-year-old would probably enjoy that. I also used to read aloud to my daughter. It’s very soothing to have someone read to you. My husband enjoyed it too.
Good luck with your trip.
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We travel fairly regularly with our 4-under-7, and whilst some of it depends on the child’s temperament, it is definitely do-able! (We are about to leave on a 9hr journey in a few days time…)
So, road trip…. 1. plenty of kid-friendly CD’s (music or books-on-CD) that won’t drive the adults round the twist with repeated play. Check your library for new ones. Sing lots of songs together, too, with ‘audience participation’ (eg I went to visit the zoo one day, I met a …. on the way – (asking for suggestions) – can change to ‘I went to visit Grandma one Day, I saw a …. on the way, too, adding stuff you’ve seen out the window. Also, ‘Old Macdonald’, with suggested animals and/or farm machinery)
2. Little ‘happy meal’ type boxes to hand out at intervals (to the older child, at least) – preferably with all items wrapped up, so they get the excitement of unwrapping stuff and it takes them longer
(eg tiny teddies, boxes of sultanas and a little toy – doesn’t even have to be new, old ‘forgotten’ toys are fine too)
3. For the 4yo – a blank book and a book of stickers. Hours of fun. Then later give them a few pencils, too.
4. Play ‘I Spy’ using colours, instead of letters, for pre-readers.The key is to dole things out at intervals, rather than them having a huge pile of stuff from the start.
Another idea is to give the older child a map of the journey (eg google maps), and put some coloured stars or something on the major towns, so when they ask ‘how far’ or ‘where are we’, you can tell them to look for the particular star to see(make sure you have a copy, too)
Good luck!
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I am not a big traveler. The most we do is a 1 hour drive to visit the in-laws. I recommend feeding the kids as much as they can eat before leaving, and a potty break. For the trip, activities that can’t spill or have little pieces. Magnadoodle types are great, and books. We’re pretty low-tech around here so our kids are happy with a few cars, a coloring book, and something to read during the ride…usually, if we time it right, they fall asleep in the first 15 minutes (for which I need to make them some neck pillows). I have a 4 year old, a 2 1/2 year old, and an 8 month old….all boys, very energetic. I say, reward good travelers as well.
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#157 written by cami stewart 1 year ago
hey there. Cute purse.
I´ve traveled a lot with my son.. usually flying. Few things that pop into my head. Have lots of snacks. Some books to look through. I always would buy stickers or a small coloring book or some small toy he had never seen before. So it was a surprise that I could pull out when he got bored. -
TIP:
**snacks snacks snacks
**my siblings and i were always well entertained with games like ‘i spy’ and ‘we’re on our way to grandma’s house and i’m going to bring a _____” (a memory game to see if you can remember all the objects mentioned before yours)
**rand mcnally makes some excellent travel books for kids. full of all kind of games/puzzles/coloring pages…along with educational information! -
When I was little, we used to drive from Maine to Illinois, and my grandmother would give us a little wrapped present for each state that we’d travel through. As soon as we crossed a state line, we could open the next one. It was so much fun. I’ve done that a few times for my own kids since then, and they loved it. (Not sure how that translates to your travel plans – but you could do it by county or number of miles/km, whatever.) Good luck!
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#161 written by violeta 1 year ago
I cannot give an advice because it has never happened to me, but I love your giveaway. Thanks
violet_bg1@yahoo.co.uk -
#164 written by Liz 1 year ago
Distractions! Lots of them!
Books, toys, lots of snacks, crayons and coloring books for the older one.Lots of snacks!
A sack of “presents” that are little activity books, new toys, little stuffed animals. When one looses it’s luster, time for another!
Good luck on your journey.
Love the bag! Beautiful!! -
#165 written by Marshall 1 year ago
1 – Toys and food! Anything to keep the children happy, because the children will determine just how enjoyable this trip is.
2 – Frequent breaks. Plan for potty breaks, time to stretch and unwind along the way.
3 – Sing! I often end up singing until my voice is hoarse to keep my daughter happy.
4 – Toys, right? A DS or movie player will do wonders!
5 – Be prepared to do some trouble shooting. On a 30 hour drive and a lot of crying, we discovered our daughter needed a light on in the car. It took us stopping and going 5 times before we realized what the issue was.
I’ve traveled with my daughter quite a bit and that’s what works for us.
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#167 written by Kim McM 1 year ago
Take lots of things to do- my daughter had a Barbie steering wheel that she loved. She could pretend to drive and listen to “radio Barbie.” I used to sit in the back seat with my kids too, so I could read to them, or draw, or just talk with them and keep them entertained. Snacks and juice are absolute musts- anything to keep them happy. How about a joke book? How does a dinosaur get out of a pool? Wet!
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I have 3 boys. We don’t travel much but when we do I always make sure we have plenty of snacks, a movie (we take our laptop and they watch it on there) and something to draw with. If you don’t want color in the car, take a magnadoodle (the smaller ones are perfect for her little lap). Oh, also, DON’T leave in the morning, After lunch is best so they are a bit tired and if you are lucky, they will nap for you

Good luck!!! -
My kids (2 and almost 4) would love movies, snacks (besides candy of course, they love freeze-dried fruit and crackers), playing look and find from the car (I see a cow, I see a firetruck), playing loud music and singing/dancing in their carseats.
The longest car trip we’ve been on is 3-1/2 hours. We planned our leaving time for just before their usual naptime, so they spent over 2 hours sleeping, which eased the restlessness a bit.
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#171 written by Amanda 1 year ago
Take snacks! Lots and lots of snacks! lol. I like to got to the dollar store and pick up lots of new little toys. Give them one, and then when they have worn it out, give them a snack, then a different toy. It’s like a little bit of Christmas in the car! Just don’t let them know you have more, or the 4 yr old will want them all at once. lol
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LOL. If your 4 year old can listen to all these comments, then she’s a marvel!
I would bring any lovey or special comfort item. Bring movies & a DVD player. Bring snacks and candy and coloring/activity books for the 4 year old. Maybe the 9 month old would like stickers, too.
Oh, and my sister drives through the night, so her kids will sleep. I don’t think I could do that.
Thanks for the very fabulous giveaway.
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#174 written by Beth 1 year ago
Believe it or not, these are easy ages to travel with! When my boys (now 11, 17 and 20!) were young, I would create small paper bags of little goodies. At each break we took (or if the kiddos were getting cranky) they got a bag. It might have a treat like a cookie, or a small puzzle, or a coloring book and crayons,
If kiddos get car sickness symptoms, make sure they eat well before leaving, and bring along ginger ale and ginger snaps. Most pediatricians frown on any medications, particularly at such young ages.
Apply the 3 P’s: Preparation, patience, a positive attitude, and you’ll have a great time!
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#176 written by victoria 1 year ago
Hmm, wowza, that bag is smashing! Love it! My advice-from a mom of a 21 year old…travel at night and let gramma take over when you get there. They will sleep while you are goin’. Otherwise, play some sing along cds, and pack the video player. Chuckle alot and count cars, lots of fun games out there to play!
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Find 12 little gifts, toys or activities and wrap them up. The little one gets to open one each hour that he/she is a pleasant companion. Stickers, colored pencils, notepads, coloring books, magnet boards were always popular with my girls.
We also played endless rounds of “I’m thinking of something”…which was our version of 20 questions…but you have to keep guessing and asking questions until you get an answer. (One round when my daughter was about 9 lasted several hours because she picked something from a nature show we’d seen months previously called “snot-tites” drippy looking stalctites.)
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#182 written by JenniferB 1 year ago
I don’t have any little ones mine are older now- I would always have books, audio and cds with songs – dvd on each side for them to watch fun movies, snacks, lots of those. Take rest breaks and let them get out of car to stretch. Toys that are interesting. Their favorite blanket and small pillow for their head. They should wear comfortable clothing.
Hope you have a great road trip.
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I LOVE these items and I hope i win!!!!!!
We JUST traveled 12hrs one-way to visit my parents last month with our one-year-old! The way there was AWFUL and the way back went much better. The only thing we did different is listened to audiobooks (Chronicles of Narnia).
My tips: lots of SNACKS, and audiobooks!
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Well, we have a 5 yr old, 3 yr old, and 2 yr. old and do a 12 hour trip twice a year to Florida. At first we thought it would be easier to break it up, but for us, it is easier to plan it like this:
Leave a little before lunch and pack your food for that meal. Then eating takes up some time. Listen to some fun music, and then it’s naptime. The non-nappers played with playmobil or had books, but it was quiet while the 2 yr. old slept. Then it was snack time, and then a book or two on tape, and then it was dinner. (Do you see how food is the theme here?) We stop for dinner so they can run around for about 15 minutes, change them in their jammies, and by then it’s dark. Stick a movie in the laptop/dvd player, and after that it’s bedtime (and another snack, if you prefer).
The other tip for the 4 yr. old- String some large beads or make a garland of some kind, with one bead representing each hour. We did this for our last trip two weeks ago and since our kids can’t tell time, but they can do a little simple math, they never asked if we were there! It was great…they knew we wouldn’t be there until all the beads were gone.
Happy trails- great giveaway! -
My 3 year old gets a kick out of being able to pick 3 things out when we travel…3 is significant of her age…so, 3 chocolates, 3 songs to sing, 3 books to read, etc. You get the picture. Let your 4 year old do the same…perhaps she’ll think it’s as special as my itty-bitty did…she thought it was a special privilege. And we only allow it during our travels. Let’s hope she’s not traveling with us when she’s 30 ;P Ha ha! Just kidding – thanks for the chance to win!
catherine s.
imaginethatdesign (at) yahoo (dot) com -
Oh wow, it’s been a while since traveling with such young ones, but snacks, movies, little gifts to open along the way such as new crayons or coloring books. Remember to interact with the kids along the way. I always get so sidetracked looking out windows I forget that I can be pointing all the cool stuff out to them. That can keep them interested for part of the ride.
Make sure to be able to access extra changes of clothing. For some reason, traveling was always the time a child either threw up or had a blow out. I hope you enjoy your trip! I always enjoy car trips with our boys and I hope you do to!
Thanks for the awesome giveaway! I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
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#191 written by Tricia 1 year ago
I am full of these, as I just made a (count um up) 32 hour drive with an 8 month old and 3 1/2 year old.
For the 9 month old:
have a little basket of items reserved for the fussy times. (any items that are chewable, not just toys. Mine loved exploring a few new things, like a lotion bottle, clear water bottle with jingle bells and colorful things in it, etc)
invest in a boon- a baby spoon with a container attached basically. You can feed baby food by just squeezing a little out, instead of trying to manage holding a jar and spoon in a moving vehicle.
Mine also loves it when her older sister and I sing to her, or play pat- a – cake, this little piggy, etc.
4 year old:
movies, snacks, a few favorite toys, and if you have an iphone buy some apps for preschoolers! Also, try your best to make meal stops at McDonalds with play lands! Mine would just play during the whole stop and eat her happy meal in the car.
Hope that helps! Best of luck on your trip- it can be done! -
#193 written by Jessica 1 year ago
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#197 written by dianne mclean 1 year ago
I can’t offer anything new but I will say, the most successful young moms travelling seem to be the ones prepared. I have seen them pull massive amounts of little bags filled with treats, new games,toys, washcloths, books, etc out of diaper/travelling/backpack type bags. Apples/oranges were precut, games picked out with their child in mind. Hope this helps. Thanks for the giveaway.
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#199 written by christy 1 year ago
pack great snacks….a clipboard with pencil and crayons so your 4 year old can make a travel journal…..play that fun game where you look for fun things along the way (get the 4 year old t help with large items…ie. red car, cow, blue house, river, bridge etc)…when list is done you get to stop for a smoothie (or some other delectable treat)…that is the key I think…plan to go slowly and stop often — for food, for bathrooms (but do not stop at gas stations……stop at all the fun playgrounds you see along the way….you really won’t see too many and your kids will love directing you to stop when you do!!)
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#200 written by JennE 1 year ago
I love this blog! Amy Butler, Prints Charming, what’s not to love?
Traveling….my go to is whatever junk food keeps them happy (candy, gun, chips, etc) and portable DVD player.
For the 9 mo. old, a special blankey or toy, and maybe a paci or 2. I have also taken my ipod and put lulaby music on it with the headphones not the earbuds.
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#201 written by Laura W. 1 year ago
Oh boy, love roadtrips!
I’d say to bring lots of snacks & drinks, coloring books & crayons, play “I Spy” while looking at the beautiful scenery, a few breaks for stretching and visiting the bathroom, a warm blankie to snuggle with when feeling tired, and maybe a portable DVD player for a nice Christmas movie. -
#206 written by Sandra 1 year ago
wow, that’s gonna be interesting

We’ve traveled by plane a lot when our kid was 6 mo and 1 yo and shorter road-trips after.So – bunch of small toys, “I Spy” bags (you can also play “I spy” with everything around, CDs with their fav music, coloring books, WATER and yummy snacks. Oh, and my little one LOVES flip books, so I always have few new for a trip.
Don’t forget to bring wipes!
And I wish you a pleasant and stress-less rip
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For the car ride, I recommend having what I will call a magic surprise pack. Here’s how it works: take a small, but awesome present and wrap it up. Take another awesome present, wrap it around the first present. Repeat this process, adding at least one new present for each hour of the trip (size permitting). Then instruct your little lady that ever hour on the hour, (if she remains on Santa’s NOT naughty list) she gets to open one of the presents. This is a fun way to pass time and leads to great travel for all. I also recommend lots of rest stops on the way, and weather permitting plenty of red light/green light and tag to stretch the legs. If you have a DVD player in the car or a laptop you could bring along, the occasional (or non-stop) movie or cartoon also does wonders. Lastly, don’t forget snacks and drinks! The 9-month-old will hopefully sleep in the car quite a bit, but remember your 3 b’s: breast (or bottle), binkie, and burping.
Thanks for the chance to win!
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#211 written by deahna 1 year ago
I have an almost 4yr old and another one due in a few weeks. My three old says “bring princess stuff to play with, good music, movies like mermaid or strawberry shortcake, drinks, and a pillow pet”. For the baby i’d say lots of food and toys, comfy clothes for everyone! And to remember to get out and stretch and let the kids play for a bit.
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#213 written by annie c. 1 year ago
When we took our kids on a road trip to Disneyland I packed a “surprise” for every hour we drove. These items were healthy wrapped treats, activities and games to play in the car, and assorted crafting/art supplies or little toys. I made each one a special tote which they decorated before we left including a matching pillowcase to use too. Took a bit of preplanning but was fun for all.
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Make a bunch of small bags filled with little toys or books. Each time they start to get really fussy break out a new bag and they’ll be distracted away from their moment of frustration. Take breaks and let them stretch out a bit.
we just moved 3000 miles and we just had to tell ourselves to stop once in awhile and let them run! or drive at night. -
#215 written by Brittany 1 year ago
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#219 written by Emily 1 year ago
I pack a bag full of small surprises and edible treats. The most popular item on our last plane adventure was a stacking doll (matryoshka). If we’re in the car, I try to plan our stops around places to play… which for bad weather, is always a large book store — train table, clean bathrooms, chance to find a new book for the trip, and coffee for mom & dad!
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#220 written by Dianne Lovelock 1 year ago
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I make up a game/activity/snack bag…
every half hour we switch actities.
snack time is the most favorited because I buy special snacks and candies I wouldn’t normally.
some of the activities are fun ones too that make us stop and get out of the car for a stretch!
good luck!I think this is a GREAT giveaway!
Merry Christmas! -
#222 written by ty-blimunda 1 year ago
Enjoy your trip! I suggest you start telling funny stories about the places you’ll drive through to the kids before leaving (like: we will see the best gelato place ever, the funniest park, etc), and then stop by to such places for a break. oh, and of course take cookies and their favourite toys and sing their favourite songs
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thanks for the awesome giveaway!
ty-blimunda -
Great Stuff! ok now to the road trip. You want “Model Magic” for your 4 year old, its sold at Walmart probably other places too. Its like playdoh but its not, it does NOT make a mess, or get sticky, its non-toxic. We used to buy this for our kids when we would travel 21 hours to get to my in-laws, seriously no mess but the kids could make all sorts of things out of it!!!
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We have traveled a lot with our children. Some of the best things we have found are 1) stop for lunch at a place with a play area. It is amazing how much happier they are if they get to run around for 30 minutes. 2) Have some treats in the car but try to stick to slightly healthy and less sugary. Like crackers, goldfish, oranges, apples etc. Although they love candy, it makes them onery an hour later when they have no way to burn off the sugar rush. 3) Play games with them along the way. It keeps them super happy even if the game is boring if Mom or Dad are playing along. We can play the find a red car, find a green truck game for hours
Good luck, and have a happy holiday!
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Pack 2 days before you leave. On the day you plan to leave: wear the kids out. Go to a park, go to the zoo, go to a children’s museum, eat at a fast food resturant with a play place. After dinner, pile everyone in the car and head out. I promise they’ll be asleep almost before you hit the interstate
Oh, and carry tons of hush food and toys
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#226 written by michele 1 year ago
Go with the holidays in mind (for your 12 hour drive): The 12 Days of Christmas! Place 12 items in a Christmas bag that your daughter can carry with her in the car. Every hour take out one of the items to occupy her until another item can be removed! Mystery, fun and holiday spirit wrapped up in one (car ride)! Good luck! Thanks for the giveaway! love the fabric print…
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i like sitting in the back with the four year old, and getting daddy in the back too, makes it different, singing to our favourite music, clapping and noisy games, you can also make up a small photo album of different things that she can help poke into the sleeves in the days leading up to the trip (while you’re packing) and do it like an “i spy” its a bit technical, but my 4 year old says “i can do this cause i’m four!” its using scissors and ruining all your old mags but its fun. you might even get a special pack of stickers to stick on the pages of things she has found during the trip. Have a great holiday!
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#231 written by Stacy 1 year ago
Traveling with little ones takes much patience and extra time. The 9 month old should be fairly easy, give a few toys in her car seat and stop for cuddling and to feed frequently. Now, the 4 year old will be trickier being stuck in one place for 4 hours. Before a long road trip, I make sure that I stop at a discount store and purchase some new toys that can be played with in the car. I hand those out at intervals when I sense that they need a new distraction. Play some car games with her. Is she learning her ABC’a yet? Maybe you could work on those or have her find something outside her window that starts with each letter of the alphabet. The same with counting (find 3 red cars, 4 trees, etc). Car bingo is a popular game here, too. Ours is a Melissa and Doug brand, if you can one of those, or some other brannd, or just make your own on the computer. Make sure that you take plenty of snacks and drinks, both healthy and not-so-healthy options. Coloring book, paper, and crayons are helpful and fun if she likes to color and draw. You can get one of those padded lap desks for her to use in the car. Make a stop before at the library and pick up a stack of new and intersting books. Suprisingly, our little guy, who is also 4, loves the “Where’s Waldo” and “I spy” books and they help to occupy him. (They do make the “I Spy” books in prereader editions.) Fun music cd’s so you can sing to them. Books on CD if you think that she would like that (borrow these from your library). If you have a portable DVD player or laptop that can play DVD’s, bring it along with a stack of borrowed DVD’s that are new to her. We do not like our children to watch a lot of television, but it has been helpful when you just feel like you can not take the whining, “are we there yet”, or “I’,m bored” for one more minute (or would that be mile?). Take along a travel pillow for comfortable naps and be sure to have her favorite blanket and lovey right beside her. I know that it sounds like you are going to pack more for her than yourself, that is because you are
Good luck with that trip and just remember to shower her with love because it is not easy to sit still that long yourself, so think of how she must be feeling when she has probably three times your energy! -
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Hello, For the 4 year old have a bag of goodies – snacks or play things, sing along, and match…for the 9 month old, i found the hanging from the handle toys very useful, you can find them with the velcro straps and interchange them every time you stop…so when the baby isn’t sleeping they can be playing with different items.
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#235 written by kathy h 1 year ago
When we traveled with our smaller children, we would usually have a bag with treats that would be given out every hour. I would have small toys, new books (their favorite) and lots of little snacks, wrapped individually so it was like a present. Or put them in little containers that you don’t usually use. We had cassette tapes (my kids are much older now!) that we would include and then we would all sing along in the car (disney being their favorites) The baby would like the songs too . GOod luck with the trip, the best part would be when they would sleep and we could talk. SOmetimes we would miss our exit!
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#236 written by Jennifer 1 year ago
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#238 written by Amanda 1 year ago
I saw this idea that would be good for your 4 year old
http://www.crazydomestic.com/2010/11/road-trip-travel-trays.html
The 9 mos old beats me. we sang to our son the whole time he was in the car. It was the only thing that worked for him. There’s a chance he might like a dvd player, just to have something to look at even if he doesn’t understand it. -
#241 written by Jane Bakker 1 year ago
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#242 written by Erika 1 year ago
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#244 written by Candace Henderson 1 year ago
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#246 written by Tiffany 1 year ago
I would recommend maybe a good book on CD. I am not sure what age range the Harry Potter book, is but the reader does an excellent job, you can image yourself being right there with Harry. If this is for an older age, you can always ask the librarian and they should be able to recommend some more in the age range. Oh and don’t forget snacks! They are very important.
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#247 written by Sara 1 year ago
We recently drove 20 hours straight with a 5 year old and a 2 year old – here is my advice:
If you can, one parent adjust his/her sleeping schedule and just drive straight through the night. They’ll sleep. It’s easy.If not, then buy a bunch of little thisses and thats that the kid likes, but that are cheap, and dole one new thing out every few hours or so.
If you’d like to enter my giveaway as well, it is here: (I’m giving away some fabric coasters and a bit of Heather Ross!)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ananemone -
#248 written by deborah 1 year ago
things that will be fun for your four-year-old:
*make a travel journal – buy an inexpensive notebook and fill it with maps, printed napkins, ticket stubs, photos and memories you write about your trip!
*bring a few new books for her to read.
*bring a basket of snacks! juiceboxes, milk, raisins, crackers, cereal bars.
*make a mix cd together before the trip – or a bunch of them – and listen away on the road!
*stop every hour or two and take a photo with a favorite doll or stuffed animal wherever you are – historical marker, kitschy pit stop, whatever! later you can add this into your travel journal.
*buy postcards at gas stations and have her color on them in the car, then mail them to friends and family!fun for your 9-month-old:
*blue electrical tape – it will fascinate her! and it doesn’t leave any sticky residue so she can put it on just about anything.
*puppets
*new board books
*quiet book or cloth i spy game
*if someone sits next to her and helps her, maybe a magnetic drawing boardgood luck – thanks for the giveaway, i would love to win!!!
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#250 written by Emily 1 year ago
Oh fun! Our 3yo does surprisingly well with road trips – but we’ve never done more than 6 hours. My advice – break it up into two days if at all possible and plan for lots of potty stops. Another idea is that, even though they are probably about to get a ton of gifts – bring a “surprise bag” with wrapped presents in it – at least enough for one every hour. Little things that might entertain like some new books (I get mine used at the library book store), maze toys or little things from the dollar store. I would personally bring extra, or keep a special good gift for when patience is running out. We also get books on cd from the library as well as cds with new music on them. I also highly recommend those Crayola color wonder items! Safe to play with markers in the car! Oh good luck to you!
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I went on lots of road trips with FOUR little boys and we had the best fun! We had books, pens, pencils, paper, games….surprises given out whenever it seemed like a FUN time for a surprise! Lots of little juices and snacks in baggies! I liked to read to my kids, too…and that helped them go nappy! Enjoy your trip! Have LOTS of FUN! Be sweet to each other and look around…you never know what you will SEE!!! ???
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#254 written by Leah 1 year ago
For the 4 year old. I pack a few small bags with surprises in them and give one bag when needed but not let it be known that you have the bags nor how many you have. I’d put some kind of simple snack…raisins, pretzels, cookies…etc and a “new” toy or activity. I find that stickers work really well for keeping little ones happy for long stretches of time. Yes, there are lots of stickers to clean up afterwards, but it is worth it. We’ve even stopped along the road to buy more stickers because of running out.
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#255 written by Tara 1 year ago
I’m taking my 1.5 and almost 3 year old on a 12 hour car ride for the first time at the end of the week. I’m bringing lots of snacks and juice along with our DVD player. I’m also bringing crayons/ coloring books and etch-a-stretches. If things get really bad then I will have emergency candy. Good Luck!
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#257 written by Sarah 1 year ago
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#259 written by consuelo 1 year ago
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#260 written by Candace 1 year ago
4 year old…definitely a bag o’ surprises she/he gets each hour or so for good behavior, lots of snacks, if they enjoy a particular show maybe have it on a laptop, ipod or whichever device you may have and plenty of breaks for let stretches at interesting places. 9 month old…hmmm…bottles/breast, music, toys to kick and grab, something new perhaps! Good luck. I hope it goes well and happy holidays.
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I have 2 boys 1 is 3y 4m & the other is 23 months I find that a few stops help but portibal dvd player on the back of the front seat playing in my case fireman sam thomas the tank engine and buzz light year!and filling them up with nice treats…. rice cakes fruit ice pops maybe the odd biccy the youngest should sleep a lot though? good luck on your travels mummy x
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#262 written by SabineC 1 year ago
First of all, I wish you a pleasant trip!
Here are some ideas that worked well on our long road trip last summer (3 kids aged 5, 3 and 1):
- first of all: stop often (if possible, slightly off the highway)! Like every 2 or at least 3 hours, so you can all have a little snack, stretch your legs and take care of diaper changes and the like.
- like other people already suggested: prepare little gift bags and hand out one every 60 minutes (or so, depending on their attention span). It doesn’t have to be big, just a little something, like a drawing book + a few pencils, something like an old “Viewmaster” (vintage from my own childhood
)- videoscreens on the back of the headrests connected to a DVD player works nice, but a) they cost a lot of money and b) if your kid suffers from motion sickness, this is not the right “toy”… A better option are audio stories, like fairy tales told on cd (you may find them at your library). Or children’s songs.
- do you know whether your kids have motion sickness? We found out on our 3-day-long trip south that the eldest duffers from it… NOT the best moment. Here at home, we never noticed as we drive only relatively short stretches. So perhaps you can talk it through with your family doctor or your pharmacist about how you can safely guide a young child through it (beware of medicine that is only okay for adults).
- take enough water
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I don’t have children. But I think your 4yr old may enjoy her space in the car being decorated with a princess theme, pink blankets, some neat paper cut outs hanging and the car ride is her “princess carriage” taking her to see grandma & grandma. I hope you are lucky and your baby enjoys sleeping in car trips. I used to love napping on car trips as a kid
audio books on cd for kids are great too!!! Have a safe trip! -
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#265 written by Paloma 1 year ago
We’re getting geared up for a long road trip as well with 8 and 2 year old. I agree traveling at night helps, as does having a generous supply of snacks. My kids also really enjoy listening to story cds or their favorite music cds along the way. Mess free magic marker pads are great too (the ones where the pens have clear ink that activates with the paper to produce colors. We also try and keep some small surprise gifts up our sleeves to dispense along the way. And even though we like to drive straight through as much as we can, when we need to stop, we do. 15 minutes of running around at the rest stop can do wonders.
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This is the most generous giveaway i’ve seen! Prints Charming is so expensive! Thanks for the chance, enter mine too.
I say travel at night. Leave an hour before bedtime and drive as much as you can while they sleep. It takes forever if you drive during the day, adds about 30% to the trip b/c they want to get out and play.
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Yikes! That’s a long time in the car. I don’t know about the little one, but for the 4-year old – I have good memories of road trips when I was little because my mom would alway pack a goodie bag full of surprises – little toys and games to play in the car. These were different than what we had at home and kept us quite busy. Also, she wouldn’t give them to us all at once, just one or two things at a time. Good luck!!
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#270 written by Lindsay 1 year ago
I remember when I was little the best things my parents did for us on long car trips was the leave really early so we slept for the first few hours at least. And we also stopped at certain rest areas (my favorite was the park at the VA welcome center). It was nice to get out and stretch our legs as well as have a nice little picnic.
Lindsay.forgette at gmail dot com
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#272 written by jenny 1 year ago
Wow, what a great giveaway, you have no idea how much I need a beautiful bag like this in my life right now, lol! My advice for traveling with little ones, is keep lots of little snacks on hand for them and books to look at, and my kids love to play with magnadoodle boards in the car, especially my 3 year old. Also, make a list of all the nursery rhymes and dorky kids song from your past cause those long rides are a great time to sing together! Good luck on the road trip and thanks for the chance to win!
okiedokiemama at yahoo dot com
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Great bag and beautiful fabric! Since I don’t have children yet I can’t give you advice on traveling with little ones, but we do take our dogs with us everywhere we go. We tend to take the “scenic route” and like to stop to take pictures, which gives the dogs time to run around and stretch before loading back up again.
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#275 written by Robyn 1 year ago
As Sarah has already said try to drive through the night. There’s so many things to see out a car window in the day that small people can’t process it all and it makes them cranky. Plan ahead for a nice stop in a park/leafy tourist area when the sun comes up, take something light and easy for breakfast and a rug to sit on. Try to avoid takeaway food as it hypes kids up too much. An hour for breakfast, a play in the park (ball kicking is good if there is no playground equipment) and you should all be refreshed and ready for the next section. Do what the ads say and stop, revive ,survive as my experiences have taught me that 2 hours maximum is definitely enough for anyone under 5 and parks are always good stops. Good luck and happy travelling
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You’re very brave to try that trip! I’d recommend : bribery, games and music. Maybe some of her favorite songs that she can sing along to – or music from her favorite movie or show. I remember car trips with my parents – I liked games. We played Ispy Bingo (depending on the trip we had cards with city life, farm life, freeway, etc), and the alphabet game. Finding all cars of one color, etc.
For little baby – drinks, snacks and books. Road trips are always hard – but seeing grandparents at the end should make it worthwhile!
Thanks for the giveaway chance – and good luck on your trip!
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Just a few things that I see our daughters using when they travel with little ones:
- kids CDs to sing along with
- little snack boxes and bags
- books on tape or CD
- a new little toy to unwrap and investigate
- travel during naptime
- getting out often to run and play at playgrounds or parks
- a cookie sheet with magnetic alphabet pieces or magnetic ‘paper’ dolls
- wipe-off clipboard with dry erase markers and a sock brush
Have fun – travel safely!Thanks for sharing such beautiful fabrics and that gorgeous bag!
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#284 written by Kelli 1 year ago
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#285 written by anna violette 1 year ago
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#286 written by Julie 1 year ago
A couple of our best tricks are packing special fun snack mixes in zip lock bags to pull out as needed. I keep a little lunch bag full of them in between the front seats for easy access. I also buy some fun cheap presents and wrap them up to pull out as needed. I try to vary movies, gift, snack, music, book reading, nap plan. Good luck!
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Food, drink, crayons, food, drink, toilet non noisy toys, food. Then repeat the cycle every 5 – 7 minutes for your entire journey. Try and enjoy the highlights, and remember the journey is part of the fun. Regards, Alison
alisonvonbibra@hotmail.com -
It has been a while since I had such little ones but all kids like drawing so lots of paper and pencils or crayons. We also like to have talking books borrowed from the library. Oh and lots of stops along the way checking out the parks and playgrounds enjoying the journey not just rushing to the destination.
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#290 written by StephanieS 1 year ago
Special toy bag just for your 4 year old. No sharing necessary. Snacks and maybe movies too. I have only driven 10 hours with a 19 month old at most recent and I had to tell stories from his favorite books from memory (since I was driving) and sing songs he knows over and over again to keep him happy.
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#291 written by Caren 1 year ago
I’ve traveled with my little ones before, and I have a few ideas:
Bring plenty of snacks. If it’s not to cold, bring a ball to kick around at rest stops. It really helps if baby can hold his own bottle, that way you don’t have to stop to feed him. Crayola makes a “color wonder” lap pad that has invisible markers that turn the paper different colors (NO MESS for you, lots of fun for your daughter!). Let your daughter pick out her very favorite toys to bring in her own travel bag – she can play with those in the car and the trip will seem quicker (for all of you!). Or how about a “big girl” travel game? Take a sheet of paper and draw several color of cars and trucks and she can circle all of the ones she sees while on the road! And lastly, as with everything else you do with your children, give yourself plenty of time. If you could drive it in 12 hours with chaos, or 15 hours in peace, which would you choose?
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When i traveled 10 hours with my boys (at the time 1 & 3) they loved playing with toys that just fit their hands….and they loved snacks, like goldfish crackers or cheese its…i skipped the sugary snacks & sugary drinks, since they had to be strapped into a car seat for a long.
To make the trip a little better on me, we left the house at night time, so that they’d sleep for most of the trip, which means very little stopping at rest areas for potty breaks and the kids knowingly spend several hours in the car verses 10-12 hours.
I hope you and your family have safe and fun-filled trip!!
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#293 written by bonnie 1 year ago
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I’ve traveled LOTS with small children — including 3 international trips. (One was 36 hours long and is on the top of my list for worst 36 hour time period of my life.) Before each major trip, I get lots of small and interesting things for the kids — toys, objects from around the house that they haven’t noticed and will find interesting, books, a fun food to try, new movies, whatever. Then, every hour or so, I’d hand over something new. This, coupled with the portable DVD player makes the trip much nicer! We actually try not to stop too much…. it’s really hard for small kids to get back in their car seats.
So, lots of fun new (cheap dollar store) toys, fun food, and movies! GOOD LUCK with your long trip! You can absolutely make it!
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#295 written by Cinnamon 1 year ago
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WOULD LOVE to win this bag and prints. Tell your girl my advice is ice cream and chocolate and lots of it…..
But seriously my girl is only 2, but on a trip of that length I would either a. look into hiring a camper van or b. split the journey and stay over somewhere if you could. Your 9 month old should be fine with a few pit stops and chances to get out and crawl about. The four year old may be a bit more challenging. Play games with your daughter – ‘I spy’ and ‘Red car/blue car’ are favs with us. Red car – touch your nose, blue car – pat your tummy, etc …yellow car (or some uncommon colour) next stop = Ice Cream.
The only trouble with giving toys is the whole expectation thing, but you could involve them in the whole adventure of the road trip – do a bit of research and find some monuments or parks of free interesting pits stops along the way. Take photos of your daughter’s favourite dolly or teddy at that place and let her make up a story to go along with the pictures- let her tell the story to the grandparents, trust me it will be priceless!
I do think if they are getting really crazy being coped up 20 mins at a park somewhere along the way will pay dividends. Best of luck and enjoy your Christmas.
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Honestly, when I read your question, my first thought was – read ALL these ideas to your daughter while traveling, that should keep her occupied
) Besides that, I remember when I was little, my parents tried to travel at nighttime with me – so I was just sleeping in the car. Tahnks for the giveaway !! -
I have 4 children and regularly travel over land and sea to visit family in the UK (I’m in Ireland). Sometimes up to 12hrs. We have a little portable DVD player for when things get very bad…and snacks…and drink bottles filled and ready. Also lots of stops to stretch legs and feed the baby and change diapers. Get some kids music to play in the car also…it will drive you crazy but they will love it!
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Ah, a girl after my own heart!
Amy butler, Prince Charming and road trips with little people.
My tips ( I have 4 children) is be happy and delighted to stop often. In fact plan to stop about twice as often as you need to. Run them silly!
For the 4 year old pack an activity pack up…. stickers, drawing things, snacks, books, a travel spotto type game, toy cars or figurines (buy some new things that they haven’t seen before)…. but don’t give it to them all at once. Give the items out one at a time in about half to one hour intervals. They will want them sooner, but make them wait. By about the third one they will make the activity last the time.
For the 9 month old, find a sleepy music CD, but only put it on at nap time. The ABC shop will have some. CD’s that is.
Hope your trip is lovely!
Ally
P.S Thanks for doing a give away. -
Oh, travelling with young children… My daughters got used to it, but we always tried to make a part of the trip by night so they slept… And never forgot the DVD player with some cartoons in the car for them ! And of course, we try to stop often, to sit for lunch, to have them play and run when we go off the car… Music is not bad, and I always have a cookie packet and they eat when they want. And, when they are still, one candy comes… It helps ! Good luck, and thanks for the chance !
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#307 written by KT 1 year ago
Great giveaways! We have done a lot of road trips with our kids–we always pack lots of snacks, music CDs, and small toys for me to pull out and give them when needed. We also plan for more stops, with time to run around (we play tag or frisbee) to get their energy out before the next leg of the trip. Good luck!
ktyoung1(at)gmail(dot)com -
#308 written by theresa 1 year ago
You need to build a jewel covered horse drawn carriage that will fit your whole family. Sprinkle it with magic glitter and hook on the flying unicorns. Make sure you have all the secret compartments filled with coloring books, stickers and games. Everyone has to wear their favorite dress up outfit for the trip – even Mom and Dad. Good luck and happy travels.
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#310 written by Cammie 1 year ago
Movies and yummy treats! I never give my kids melty treats in the car around town, but on a road trip we play ispy games (letter finding, object finding, 20 questions, etc) and they get a few m&m’s when they find the ispy object out the window, or when they participate in the question part of the game.
For the 9 month old, new toys, 2 or 3 and space the delivery of them into the car seat.
Good luck, traveling with little ones can be a riot, good or bad. -
The best advice I can give is to bring a portable DVD player–”Despicable Me,” “Finding Nemo,” and “Toy Story 3″ are all great movies for them to watch. Also stopping along the way to have a little “silly stretch time” is wonderful. Don’t forget the snacks and the toy bags as well. And the most classic time passer of all: playing “I Spy!” And I would love to win that rockin’ Amy Butler bag. Thanks for the giveaway and the opportunity to win! Merry Christmas, and safe and happy traveling!
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#312 written by Shirley 1 year ago
For the 4 yo could you have a timer go off every hour and have a little treat? A notebook and pencil one time and some stickers to put in the notebook another time. And other things like that? For the 9 mo put a pillow or bag under his feet to fill in the space on the floor so it is easier to reach down and pick up his toys without having to search around all of the empty spaces.
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#314 written by Erin 1 year ago
I love the way Meg over at Sew Liberated approached a similar dilemma — http://sewliberated.typepad.com/sew_liberated/2010/11/a-toddler-backpack-bag-of-tricks-for-airplane-travel.html She made a travel backpack for her little guy (he’s about 18 months) and put some new favorite things in there to reveal at various points of their trip. My father did this for me (sort of) when I was around 6 and we were making a multiday car trek from North Dakota to New England. He wrapped surprises for me, one for each day. They were little things; puzzle books, new colored pencils, a viewfinder (it was back in the day), but they would hold my attention for about a day and then there was a new one. Totally worked and I remember that trip fondly.
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#315 written by Ginger 1 year ago
We’ve done lots of road trips with little ones (we drove all the way across the United States, from Maine to California–and back again–when my twin boys were 5). So here are our top five secrets.
1. A surprise tasty treat every hour on the hour! (chocolate kiss? gum? lollipop? popcorn?)
2. A kid-friendly map of your trip, with markers and stickers to decorate it as you drive along!
3. Super funny CDs/audio books to listen to!
4. Everyone makes a special “trip hat” before you leave. Then you wear it during the trip. When the bell rings, everyone switches hats!
5. Stop once an hour to get out of the car and play hopscotch (bring the sidewalk-chalk), or toss bean-bags through the open car windows (from the outside to the inside!), or walk backwards for 25 steps, or play follow-the-leader. Then have sips of lemonade before you get back in the car.
Have a great trip! -
We have done a lot of traveling with three children. We have only recently started taking a DVD player along.I used to take lots of fun new stickers along and some cute little books and pencils and let them scribble and stick stickers to their hearts content. I also let them pack a little travel bag with things that they thought would be fun to play with on the way.
Hope you have a lot of fun!
ajoyufulnoise @ live . com
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#317 written by robyn 1 year ago
I don’t have kids, so I don’t know what real advise to give you. But if a 4 year old is picking the winner, I will say bring lots of candy and snacks and let them eat as much as they want. Also, bring lots of DVDs, games, toys, music, coloring books, etc to keep the kid occupied.
Thanks for the giveaway! Robyn (dot) Geddes (at) gmail (dot) com
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Such a cute bag and nice fabric!
I am having a giveaway too, so if you have time feel free to stop by! http://hendrixville.blogspot.com/
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Variety is the key – plenty of activities. Crayons and paper/coloring books, snacks, regular stops to stretch legs and use the restroom. Also, I rely very heavily on electronics like a portable or in-car DVD player or an iPod where they can watch movies, handheld video games, etc.
Thanks for the giveaway!
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#320 written by Megan P. 1 year ago
Traveling has always been successful for us when we’ve packed lots of easy snacks and drinks, and also a travel bag filled with books, music, coloring books and crayons, and her favorite doll. We’ve also learned for our young one to bring a pillow (we like the doughnut pillow for her neck) and a blanket. Thanks for the awesome giveaway, and good luck on your road trip!
megancparsons(at)gmail(dot)com -
Let’s talk. No, seriously. E-mail me. We are doing 12 hours next week with our 2.5 year old and our 4 month old. The following day, it’s 6 more hours to my parents’. Phew! But, that’s not all! This past summer, we did 36 hours EACH WAY from Virginia to Montana. Are we crazy?! Yes, maybe a little. That one was without the baby, though, as she wasn’t here yet.
But … tips. (esp. for the 4 y.o.) Toys, books that he/she hasn’t seen before. When things start to get a little whiney, you can pull something new out. Stickers worked for us. If you can get one of those little lap desks, that will give your child a work surface. Do you have access to a portable DVD player? Or those leap frog tag books. The 9 month old will be a little tougher, but will presumably sleep more.
I spend a lot of time in the back seat with the kiddos while my hubs does most of the driving. Leave early. Like way too early. We are up at 3:30 and out the door at 4am. That way you get at least a few hours where the kiddos are still sleeping. When I was a kid, my parents would leave for trips like that at midnight and drive through the night, but my DH is anti-that. Make sure are completely packed the day before.
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WOW that is a hard question and an even harder trip. For you I would suggest bringing a huge (duffle size) bag of toys for the four year old… and baby. And lots of snacks. And maybe something to knock them out like sleepy med… just kidding.
And to impress the four year old: you should pack lots of candy and lollypops and gumdrops and fun.
good luck. Thank you for the chance to win!
simply.simon.sisters(at)gmail(dot)com
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#324 written by Charlotte 1 year ago
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#325 written by Emma Kinsinger 1 year ago
Hey enjoy the fun,on traveling with little ones,I like to have sippy cups so that they don’t spill the liquid,then put different kind of snacks in small baggies ,plus toys of course.the ones my children like are books that sing .and magnetic doodle boards,and be sure to take the little ones out at every rest stop, so they too feel like sitting again.children cd are also a great pass time
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I have a 19 month old that we travel with quite a bit. We bring lots of snacks and books for her to look at, along with her favorite stuffed animals. Since you’ll be in the car, I would suggest getting her a few presents to open along the way. Little things that’ll keep her attention for a while and be something new for her to play with. Coloring books, crayons, playdoh, doll accessories, little stuff like that. Good luck!
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#332 written by Kathleen 1 year ago
By now your 4 yo is probably tired of listening to what all these stangers are saying, but here goes:
Try traveling early in the morning, when they are still sleepy and may sleep for at least part of the trip. If you have a DVD player (either in your car or a portable one), use it. Let the 4 year old pick out three movies for each way (six total). They may be a bit young yet, but School House Rock always did well for us on trips. Let them pack a Busy Bag with coloring items. A Snack Sack is great too, filled with juices and healthy treats. You may even consider a few small stocking stuffer-like toys/treats to be given out at time intervals. Let them bring a travel buddy (usually a stuffed animal) and a beach towel or small blanket to snuggle up with in the back seat. Up beat music, especially sing-a-long type songs help pass the time as well.
have fun!
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#334 written by Cherie 1 year ago
Well, we always liked lots of fun sing-a-long music, plenty of toys (I let them bring as many as would fit in a shopping bag) lots and lots and lots of yummy snacks. (I would prep everything into bite size and into zip locks).
And it always helps to make lots of stops along the way to stretch and run around a bit. The McDonalds that have play areas are great. Mom and dad can get a cup of coffee.
Good luck! -
#337 written by Brenda 1 year ago
I gave my 4 year old grandson my ipod that I had put stories onto (scholastic, from the library) and the books that went with some of them. He really concentrated on listening to them. For the baby, any car time that is nap time is a good time. Don’t try to hurry; take time to stop along the way. Make sure the little one has dry diapers. I’m not in love with food in the car for little ones but it does pass the time. Music is great for all of you.
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I have a 1 year old and almost 3 year old, so for road trips we take a lot of car friendly toys and snacks. We also bring the kids favorite music to listen to, and plan to make lots of stops for sight seeing, leg stretching, etc. Best of luck to you all on your upcoming road trip, and thank you for the chance to win such wonderful prizes!
woodlandrabbit@yahoo.com -
#339 written by Deb Cameron 1 year ago
Ha, we have a two and a three year old and just took a three hour plane trip…they were incredibly good. We took food, special treats in special containers that they had made; pens and paper; a few special cars (they are boys) and DVDs. The youngest ate and then slept most of the way and the oldest was keen to do activities from his activity book and then watch DVDs whilst telling me what he could see out the window…clouds, clouds, clouds, the sun, a bird (sure at 36000 feet??). Anyway, food and DVDs at that age seem to be the best, if you are lucky the car will rock them to sleep for awhile.
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I’m not sure if your little one will like this suggestion but the best thing I ever did with my two on a road trip was to put the cooler between them in the backseat and then stack pillows and blankets on it up to the roof. They couldn’t see each other or touch each other. So, no “She touching me!” and no “He’s looking at me!” Desperate times call for desperate measures! roflol
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What an amazing prize, I love this to bits! And travelling with kids…isn’t it hard! I’ve got an almost 4 year old and an almost 2 year old (with #3 due in Feb too) and to be honest, I find travelling with them stressful at the best of times. The best trips we’ve had is when we haven’t banked on the kids sleeping and have stopped whenever they get restless and found somewhere to let them play, eat, pick flowers – whatever…but the trips are SO long. It’s stressful though when we assume they’ll sleep at the normal time and be refreshed when we get to the destination – it never happens!
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Have done long-haul travelling with 12mo & 3 yo. Def. hop in th car not long before bedtime for smalls. Take along a well-stocked bag of food and drinks all prepped in litle bags or baottles so they can be easily passed over to eager hands. Favourite music or audio books and best of all? Take a bag of surprises. Wrap one thing for every hour you will be travelling/awake (pack of cards, small toy from the toybox, etc I always used stuff that was already to hand)and give it out at an agreed time. Once they get fed up with playing with it you can make a guessing game out of what might be coming next.
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#346 written by Ru 1 year ago
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#347 written by Kayla 1 year ago
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We leave just after work and have supper as our first stop, our next stop is for jammies and then we travel through the night. Snacks are a must! For the almost 4 year old here are some ideas: A pack of pipe cleaners, a stack of post it notes, books or magazines, fill an old sock with randoms and have them put their hand in and what they are pulling out, kids book on tapes, play eye spy, drawing pad and crayons, stickers, a cookie sheet and magnets
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#350 written by Morgan 1 year ago
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Travel through normal sleeping times, or bring lots of entertainment and snacks! Loose, non-confining clothing is also a great help, since little ones will be trapped in car seats. I’d pack coloring books, crayons, and maybe even a disposable camera for the 4-year-old. What better way to invest him in the actual driving of the trip than to allow him to help take photos for the photo album?
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#353 written by Sarah 1 year ago
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I have twin girls almost 3 years old, so I can’t help you with the 4 year old, but as for the 9 month old, my best advice is to seriously limit the fluid intake of the other passengers. There is nothing worse than having a baby scream for an hour only to fall asleep just as you realize that you have to pee.
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#356 written by Deborah 1 year ago
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#357 written by Edwina Shwedyk 1 year ago
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travel at night…bring dvds, books, crayons, blankets, comfort items and pray that your little ones sleep through the whole drive!!
please take a peek at my giveaway, if you get the chance…
http://crissybell.blogspot.com
crissybell17(at)gmail(dot)com -
#359 written by Beth 1 year ago
Having traveled alot with a 3 year old and 15 month old, I think we may have it down to an art – at least for our children! We have the dvd player in our van, and we like portable chalk boards. The chalk gets a little messy (which the kiddos love) but is quickly wiped off with a wipe, as opposed to markers and crayons (crayon is hard to get off windows!) So thats my advice. Traveling at night is nice too. Nap time!
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#365 written by Carol in E TN 1 year ago
If you can travel during the night, sometimes that is good for the kids. And then if your family can watch them after you arrive, you can go to bed and get some zzzz’s. Otherwise, take some soothing music, put in a video, if you have one in your car, preferably with headphones!!! Have some snacks and plan a stop at least every 3-4 hours. And take along some things for the 4 yr. old to do, or play a game in the car like asking he/she if they can find something red, blue, etc. I hope you have a great trip. We have raised 6 kids and have had lots of road trips. We didn’t allow any big time fussing in the car and they new not to do it!!!
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#366 written by Mary 1 year ago
As kids we used to take long trips to visit my grandparents too. My parents would get kids books on cassette (it was awhile ago…) and sometimes our neighbor would pack us each a goody bag with little individually wrapped gifts, games or snacks and once an hour we could open one. On a separate note, your giveaway items are awesome!
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hi there! my first baby is on her way to us right now (due in march) so i have no experience to share with you besides what i remember from my own road trips and because i live in the tip of europe and my parents tooks us by car everywhere (once we made it all the way to hungary and croatia and such) let me tell you i had lots of road trips. my parents used to start the trip in the early hours of the day because of heat and also because i would be sleeping for a big part of the journey. by the time i woke up i was already far from home, hence more interested in the unfamiliar territory surrounding us. besides breaks for eating, toilet and taking pictures (we used to document each trip so to keep me interested, i always dreamed of being a reporter so it did the trick), we would play games. like, guess which colour the next car would have or each choosing a colour and if it was the colour of the majority of cars you would win, stuff like that.
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Hi Sweetie 4 year old:
Tell your mom to bring a new toy for you (maybe a new doll or a coloring book) so you can play during your trip. Also your favorite snacks would be nice, both for you and your dolly. If you like songs, tell your mom to bring a new children’s CD of songs you like. A favorite pillow with a soft and colorful new pillowcase for the trip would be good for napping. And don’t forget to dress in your most favorite outfit for the trip! Enjoy your trip with all your favorite things!!!
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#373 written by Danielle H. 1 year ago
Oh my I traveled this summer alone with my 3 year old and then 6 month old. it was bad. I missed the 6 month old’s nap time and instead of sleeping he screamed the entire time. so definitely travel during the baby’s nap times!
Though here are some things that did help a bit (more with the 3 year old): a travel dvd player that she held in her lap! I bought her a couple movies and that really kept her entertained. We also have a color game that we play of find something in a color. that can keep her busy for awhile. (we pick a color and take turns finding something in that color. ex a red car, a red sign, ect)
oh and good music. I suggest Baby Caspar Pants cause he’s my favorite kids artist (he is Chris from Presidents of the USA) Get his CD’s and you will have fun singing along.
Ok thats all I can recommend. I hope you have a good trip! We’ll be making one of those soon because my hubby is moving to Canada (we’re following in a few months which is a good 9 hour drive (without the kids, with the kids I estimate 12 hours or more)
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#374 written by Kat Hardisty 1 year ago
Haha, what an awesome prize, and what a great question!
Keep things different and interesting. One tip I heard was to leave early in the morning, and keep the kids in their pajamas until you get an hour or so down the road. Then you stop for breakfast, teeth brushing and getting dressed – breaks up the trip, and the first two hours are an extra exciting adventure coz they’re sneakily traveling in their pajamas!
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#375 written by katie 1 year ago
if you can bring movies in the car (as long as you don’t get car sick) I remember when i was a kid the best trips were when we made various stops along the way. A break at a mcdonalds to play in the play area, stop at a playground (if it’s not cold) or visit a local site. it may take a little longer to get to your destination but they will have a better memory of it and that will make it worth it
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#376 written by MoeWest 1 year ago
Thanks for the great giveaway and Merry Christmas to you. For the 4 yr old, you need an activity bag of little things you can do while sitting in a car seat. Go to the dollar store and pick up a couple of new things to make it fun. And don’t forget the favourite stuffed toy as a travelling companion. For the baby, the favourite stuffed toy, a cloth book, a cozy blanket. And everyone needs yummy car snacks!
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#379 written by Anne 1 year ago
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#380 written by Manda 1 year ago
I did a similar trip (from VA to Alabama) with a 4 year old, 2 year old, and 8 month old! A 14 hour trip took us two days!
You need to plan to stop every 2 hours. Plan stops ahead so that you can stop at places with play areas. Chick-fil-a is our favorite! Consider buying an I-spy bag or Find it! game. Good luck!
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#381 written by Tara A 1 year ago
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Lovely bag! My tips on travel are to bring lots of things for them to do. I have a 6-yr-old and a 4-yr-old and we’ve traveled with them every year on numerous long trips. We have a DVD player in the car that they can watch movies with or without headphones on. I carry snacks of different kinds(fruit snacks, pretzels, fruit, candy, etc.) and books. I also take them each a pillow and a blanket and a stuffed animal or dolly. A good idea is to not give them lots of choices at first, but give new things throughout the trip so that they are not overwhelmed at first and there is novelty throughout the trip. Books on cd are also a great way to keep them entertained. Mine LOVE books on cd. And stop every so often for a break…running around those little legs always seems to help!
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#387 written by Mandy 1 year ago
I just saw something called a busy book…so cute…easy to make on your own..a little fabric book that has a few different pockets and crayon holder section (she used elastic!) of little things to keep little hands busy! OR a goody bag filled with fun toys and books from the dollar store. OR Benadryl. KIDDING!
hahamandy(dot)ueda(at)gmail(dot)com
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Here are my tips from my personal experience with traveling with kids:
-Pack plenty of snacks! (Plenty of quicksnacks like granola bars, cheerios, and other yummy, tasty snacks! Also, if you are able, pack a cooler with drink items to meet both of your children’s needs. This also will cut cost as you won’t have to purchase such items EVERYtime you stop at a gas station! This will make a great alternative to those expensive snacks and drinks sold at the convenience stores on the road that are not so convenient!)
-Pack each child a big bag of “fun items” that are suitable for the car. (For example, for your 4 year old you may choose to pack coloring books, crayons, and non messy toys that are appropriate for their gender/age. Also, for your 9-month year old you may choose to pack teething toys, and sensory toys that will help them in their growth! Why not help your kids become smarter individuals on this long trip! –Words straight from the mouth of an educator — I teach in North Carolina!)
I hope this helps & I hope your 4-year old likes my idea! Oreo’s & toys!?! I don’t see why not! I mean I would be heaven (on earth) if I was given both of these, and I am in my 20′s! Haha!
Thanks for the terrific giveaway! Merry Christmas!
cthompson4 at liberty dot edu
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Hmm…well, I don’t have much experience with children, since I don’t have any of my own yet. But when we were growing up we played lots of word games in the car, and always had plenty of audiobooks to choose from when we got bored of the games. I don’t suppose the 9-month-old will be interested in either, but the 4-year-old likely will.
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#390 written by Jeannie D. 1 year ago
Hmmm, let’s see…try to win over a 4 yr. old or give great advice? OK! 4 yr. old it is!
Well,your mom said she’s thinking about taking your favorite TV character along on the trip to keep you company in the backseat! You can have all the candy you can eat and then, when everyone else gets really sleepy, YOU get to drive the car! Sounds like FUN, huh? Have a nice trip, sweety!
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#391 written by Beth T. 1 year ago
Four year olds are fantastic–interested in the world, lots of fun, lots of ideas. Bring along notebooks and pads of paper as well as crayons and pens, so she can draw and write about what’s happening outside the window. If you listen to audiobooks on cd, she can illustrate them. She won’t just be keeping busy, she’ll be creating keepsakes. Have fun (and pack your sense of humor.)
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What a fabulous and generous give away! My suggestions for travel entertainment: ART! Coloring pages and crayons, some blank pages for more creative expression, maybe some sort of extra exciting medium too – like glittery crayons! A disposable camera to take pictures of the road trip and things along the way. a cd full of fun songs, all those silly memory games (plus they don’t take up any extra room in the car). a bag of cookies – one cookie every hour. and maybe hand or finger puppets.