DVD player in car for 2 1/2 year old?

[bks9581]

I was wondering what everyone's opinions are regarding DVD players in cars. I've always been against them, but with a toddler that hates her car seat and a 9 hour drive to Disney head of us, I'm wondering if it's crazy to not have one for the trip. Just wondering if there are still parents out there that haven't caved to the in-car DVD player and what coping mechanisms they use for a toddler who's had their fill of the car seat.

Thanks!

 

[snoopy5386]

We have a 2 1/2 year old car seat hater and a DVD player. Best thing ever. Has totally changed our car trips for the better. So much better.

 

[bks9581]

I'm starting to think it might be necessary, but my hubby is not convinced. But then he's not the one that has to entertain her when she decides she's had enough.

Maybe Santa will bring her one for Christmas

 

[maxiesmom]

Nine hours is a long time to expect a small toddler to sit still, with little way to entertain themselves. I would definitely use a DVD player for the trip. You can always make a rule that you only have it in the car for long trips.

 

[bks9581]

Thanks for the thoughts. We usually end up caving and giving her an iPhone to play with, but if she's watching something, she invariably hits a button and we have to restart it for her. I figure, if we're already doing that, why not make it easier on ourselves and just get the DVD player.

Now time to begin - Mission Convince Hubby. Wish me luck

 

[rwdavis2]

Get the DVD player. You're right, he's not the one trying to entertain the toddler. Although, you could offer to drive while he does it.

 

[ccgirl]

I was wondering what everyone's opinions are regarding DVD players in cars. I've always been against them, but with a toddler that hates her car seat and a 9 hour drive to Disney head of us, I'm wondering if it's crazy to not have one for the trip. Just wondering if there are still parents out there that haven't caved to the in-car DVD player and what coping mechanisms they use for a toddler who's had their fill of the car seat.

Thanks!

I do not have the in car DVD, I have the portable DVD. My opinion is that is exactly what they were made for! We drive 18 hours to Gatlinburg, TN. I have DD9 and DS5. As you can imagine, they do not like the same things so I have a dual screen DVD player that can either play the same movie or two different ones. I don't really hear a peep out of them. Our "policy" is any drive over 4 hours and we bring the DVD player. As far as coping mechanisms for a toddler who's had their fill of the car seat, we take breaks for snacks/drinks and to run around. We keep a little ball in the car so we can play catch at the fast food place we stop at. I also bring a bag of "new" toys. Even the $1 can be a great if they have never seen them.

Have a great trip!

 

[bks9581]

I do not have the in car DVD, I have the portable DVD. My opinion is that is exactly what they were made for! We drive 18 hours to Gatlinburg, TN. I have DD9 and DS5. As you can imagine, they do not like the same things so I have a dual screen DVD player that can either play the same movie or two different ones. I don't really hear a peep out of them. Our "policy" is any drive over 4 hours and we bring the DVD player. As far as coping mechanisms for a toddler who's had their fill of the car seat, we take breaks for snacks/drinks and to run around. We keep a little ball in the car so we can play catch at the fast food place we stop at. I also bring a bag of "new" toys. Even the $1 can be a great if they have never seen them.

Have a great trip!

Thanks! Love the idea of a bag of new toys. I will need to remember that. I think my hubby is afraid that once we go down that road, she will demand it on every car ride, but I like your idea of instituting a minimum number of hours for the DVD player to be brought along.