[Meplusmoo]

Hi, I am going from Perth to port Lincoln (2400 ks) in a few weeks and just wondering what I could do to make the trip a little easier for myself and my 4 month Old DD.
She does love the carseat so that's good but this last week she has been so clingy and starting to teethe so think it may be a long trip.

Any tips and/or advice would be much appreciated.

Thankyou

Oh and to just add my mum and sister and her 2 kids will be in another car but always just in front or behind.

[pinkcupcakes]

im sure this is nobrainer stuff, and not to make the trip any longer than it needs to be, but when dd was little we would:
*whenever possible, start travelling in the evening.give her a feed, make sure she has comfy clothes, fresh nappy, and any comforting security items ( blanket she usually sleeps with that has a familiar smell, teddy, dummy, etc). she would have a little whinge then go to sleep, meaning we'd usually get a stretch of at least a few hours peace and happiness.

*every time we'd stop, just refresh. (ie, nappy change, make sure she has all bed stuff, plus feed again.) also a little play in the fresh air, just sitting on a park bench or stretching legs for a 5 min walk seems to make a big diff. (our legs, not hers, just to clarify!)
i know this may add a little time to your trip but it's well worth it if bubs is well settled. hope it all goes well for you!

This post has been edited by pinkcupcakes: 07/12/2012, 11:45 PM

[Kucingcantik]

I haven't done such a long drive with my DD, but I would do this:

1. Time long stretches for when she is due for a sleep.
2. If you know she will likely be awake, maybe get your sister, your mum or one of the kids to go in your car and entertain your DD in the backseat.
3. Stop frequently enough to meet DD's needs, but not so much that you are constantly getting her in and out of the car.
4. Take it slow and put in as many overnight stops as you can!
5. Buy some soothing music CDs if you don't already have some.

[luey08]

Car seats can be really hot so dress in singlet nappy / light suit, cover with a muslin wrap if need be (can also be used at windows, as a towel and to wrap her)
Have a shade over her window. The sun really bothered our DS so we would block it with a silver sunshade too if need be.
Have room for you to sit in the back if necessary
have a blanket/ towel for her to stretch out on at stops also for nappy changes also useful if you have to change her in the car.
Disposable change mats are invaluable and. Have all nappies etc easily accessible - a nappy cahnge mat like the GR8x one was good - fits in lots of nappies and other bits and pieces.

Pack all drugs, teething chew toys, bonjela etc

If you are breastfeeding keep your fluids up. Remember to move your legs etc to prevent clots

toys attached on a chain/ dummy clip - prevent projectiles and easier to find.

A mirror so you can see her. PErhaps a musical one? I have heard that they don't like it dark at night so my friend used a dvd player. Might be why my son whinged on night trips . You could try using a small 'red light' as long as it doesn't interfere with the driver/ other travellers.

You can always fly home