My husband and I are considering taking a vacation with some friends this May, probably a 7-10 day trip sometime during the last two weeks of May. My baby, Logan, will be six months old on May 7th. We will be driving from NE to San Antonio, and then on to Corpus Christi TX. The distance in hours from here to San Antonio is about 14 hours. We may stop in Oklahoma City to visit the memorial and maybe stay there. The details aren't definite. My friends have a minivan that seats 7. There would be seven of us...4 adults, our baby, and their two daughters. We have all ridden in there together before so I know we fit. However, I was thinking that due to space maybe my husband and I would drive separately so we all have more room. We can take turns riding wherever. For a while the guys can have the car while us ladies and the kids/baby ride in the van. Not sure. Tell me what you think about that part..one car or two? My real question is just about traveling with a baby that age. I know many people have done it, my cousin had a baby the day before me and when he was 7 weeks she drove from Kentucky to Nebraska, stayed here for a while, then drove to Arizona, and then back to Kentucky...in a car also with her husband and 19 month old daughter. So I know it can be done, but I just don't want to lose my mind doing it. Have any of you traveled with a six month old? What are they doing at that age? Will he be okay in the car seat that long? I mean I know for the sake of him, and the other little girls (ages 4 and 5) we will need frequent breaks. Will it be a huge hassle? Is it worth it? We really want this vacation, but we also want it to be enjoyable? Also for any of you in TX is the heat unbearable in May? I have been there many times, but always in October or March. Please give me ANY suggestions and advice that you think might help us make some important decisions about this trip. Thanks so much.
Aspen

It's going to be hard, but that would not stop me if the trip were important to me. I think I'd try to get him using a sippy cup or bottle or sport bottle w/straw -something else he can drink from besides me (if you are breastfeeding). It will help "get him by" for a little while until you can stop. Mine would drink from a straw at 6 mos, they really pick it up quick. Travel as much during sleeping times as possible. Stash some interesting new toys to take out as needed, things he can explore for the first time. Expect to set next to him a lot, most of the time he is awake. Keep diapers and wipes in the side pocket of the door, or something, where you can get to them very quickly. Take some plastic bags to dispose of them. During big driving days, dress him in layers to help keep him as comfortable as possible in heat or air conditioning. If you don't have them, get shades for the windows. When we travel, the sun always seems to be in the wrong place for the baby to go to sleep or street or headlights wake them up just as they are almost asleep! Very frustrating, so shade them well. Keep an old blanket with you, so if you stop at a park or rest area (or any grassy spot) you can let him stretch. When we've travelled with our kids that young, nothing settled them down better than a chance to be on the back or tummy, change them in the fresh air to "air out" that tired bottom.

And take a really big bottle of Excedrin -you'll probably need it LOL!

The baby will NOT be OK for that long - you will have to make numerous stops, depending on the baby! When my DD was about that age, my husband & I took a long car trip. We ended up with one of us driving & one of us sitting the the back seat with her. That kept her contented & let us make better time. I also remember her getting carsick, so make sure you keep a few towels inside the car & changes of clothes where you can get to them easily. Pack what you absolutely have to have & buy whatever else you need when you get there. You'll probably have to do laundry at least a couple of times, so you might throw a box of laundry detergent in the trunk of your car.

Warning - maybe YOUR husband is a big boy, but when we took our trip with our infant, he was just as bad. He didn't pack what HE needed (he thought I was going to do it - like I had time? duh!), so make sure your husband IS taking care of his own packing.

Have a great trip!

Prepare to stop at least every few hours. Don't have a rigid schedule- it'll just make everyone irritable and frankly, there's almost no chance you'll be able to stick to it with that many people.

Bring lots of car friendly snacks- a cooler with juice boxes, grapes, lunchables... that sort of thing. Try to get separate walkmans for the kids, and rechargable batteries. know anyone with a tv-vcr that can work in the car? we borrowed one for our last 15 hr drive to Utah and it was HEAVENLY. I'd highly, highly recommend it. kept our 3 yr old entertained for hours.

I bet you'll have a great time. :)
-sara

Plan some overnight stops and make sure you let the kids have some time to swim, and play during those stops. Game Boys, TV/VCR combos, walkmen (??), coloring books will all make for an easier ride.

Have fun.

Mommabear

Trish

Just remember to have fun and enjoy this time. They grow up so fast....

Now on to the reality of it all. I am an army brat...traveled overseas a lot when I was just a baby. Then I married military and I was the traveling mom...lol. 9 hour plane rides with infants....endless travel in cars....so the tips that everyone suggested are great. I would say take two cars. You may very well enjoy the 4-5 yr old girls NOW...but by the end of the trip...you may think otherwise. Taking two cars will allow you and your husband some time away from kids that may or may not drive you nuts. Also think of it as a time for you and your husband to spend some great time talking and sharing the ride.
Your lil one will probably sleep most of the time. If not, toys that attach to his car seat are a great idea. And yes, bring that blanket and let him stretch, roll around on his belly and you can work him out as well. Have him lay on his back while you gently push his legs to his chest and then straight again. Like a mini work out for baby...again the fresh air and the exercise will tire him out and off to sleep he goes. =) One last thing to remember....medication. It is always at this time that they find some bug to catch or a tooth decides to break through. So be prepared with the childrens cold medicine, tylenol and teething gel. If you bring the cooler....a cold teether is great entertainment and keeps him cool too.

The less stressed you are.....the better baby will travel. So be prepared and relax...it's supposed to be fun and enjoyable.

But definately have options available so that you are not "stuck" in a situation that you, your hubby or baby can't get out of. TAKE TWO CARS. LOL

And just say no to jeans and tight fitting clothes. I stop wearing jeans in April.

And six month olds are a joy to travel with. They can't say "are we there yet?" a hundred a fifty times an hour!