How to occupy a rear-facing toddler on a long road trip

[Disneyhayes]

never thought to keep my children rear facing that long! I would think that would make my vehicle too cramped.

As for small toy like littlest pet shop things and what not if my kids were rear facing then the last thing that I would do is give them small toys - no matter what the age. IDK how big those things are now but when I was little if there was a quick movement with the vehicle I could have easily swallowed a little doggy.

If I thought about all of these things that could happen in the car then I probably would never take my kids anywhere! My FIL is a firefighter and MIL is a nurse and my parents took us on many of road trips growing up. They are all usually present at some point during pre-trip packing and haven't said anything about my power converter or lap top not being strapped to the seat.

 

[Minniemouse07]

If I thought about all of these things that could happen in the car then I probably would never take my kids anywhere! My FIL is a firefighter and MIL is a nurse and my parents took us on many of road trips growing up. They are all usually present at some point during pre-trip packing and haven't said anything about my power converter or lap top not being strapped to the seat.

I've been a volunteer child passenger safety technician for 8 years now...so it is pretty high on my list of things to think about!

 

[ceemys]

WTG on keeping your child rear facing!
My child was RF until she was about 3 months shy of turning 3. I turned her only because she hit the RF maximum. It is the safest thing for your child.

OK...so on to your question. I put a mirror in the back so she could see me and that really helps a lot. Is there anyone can sit back there periodically to entertain her? Music, books, anything electronic. lol good Luck!

 

[CandleontheWater]

If you can find this toy anywhere, it is our silver bullet for long car trips. My DS is almost 15 months and he still loves it, so I'm pretty sure you're 18 month old would like it too. He can kick the button with his feet to start the lights and music, or it comes with a parent remote, so you can control it from the front seat.

My DS really doesn't have any interest in movies or TV yet (I can't wait for that day, it will make road trips so much easier), but this keeps him pretty entertained.

 

[vwlizard]

For toys, I'd make sure they were large and can attach to the seat with one of the plastic ring chains. Nothing is worse than a child screaming because the dropped a toy and you can't get to it (this is way my kids never had pacifiers in the car). Nothing with small removable pieces (scares the heck out of me, especially if I can't see there faces).

One of my friends with 5 children gave me this advice- TINFOIL. She said a roll could keep her kids occupied all trip. Roll it, shape it, make a ball, make a foot impression. A few of our friends have tried it since and worked for all of them. Who knew?