Long Drive with infants, how to?

[JustTJ]

We're planning a big family trip for a Disney Cruise in January 2013. My daughter is expecting twins this spring who will then be between 7 and 8 months old by trip time. We plan on driving down in a few vehicles. I'm nervous about the babies being cooped up in carseats for so long. We only have 2 days in which to drive there. Does anyone have any tips for such a long car ride with infants, or should I really look into buying them plane tickets (my daughter does NOT want to fly, but with babies, maybe thats the best way?)

 

[3pletprincesses]

I would do most of the driving believe it or not at night. they will sleep in their carseat which will make it easier for the drive. Also when they are awake, make sure you stop often enough to left them stretch.

I would highly recommend flying over driving. We have done both with our girls when they were under the age of 1 and the 2 hour flight was much easier on everyone vs the 12 hour drive that we had to Washington for a weekend getaway. If you want to save on flights, look into flying out of the closest city in the us vs Canada. We usually dirve 3 hours to catch our flight and save over 50% on the cost of our flights.

 

[redrosesix]

ooh - plane most definitely. I agree that driving through the night is better, but no way I'd want to drive all the way to Florida with kids that little -- it just seems unfair to keep them in their carseats that long. For the kids and the adults in the car with them.

 

[momtolots]

Driving at night is great. After they go down for the night at 10pm or whatever, you leave. We have done this many times, and it works great. Flying can be quicker, but with all the stuff that is required, we always preferred to drive. We drive a Suburban, and we utilize every inch, or centimetre
With the new carseat laws in Ontario, we still have the youngest 2 in carseats.

 

[tone.def]

I drove to Nova Scotia when our daughter was an infant as well. Never again.

We stopped every 2-3 hours for feedings, diaper changes. Each stop turned into 60-90 minutes. It took us 5 days from Toronto.

FLY!!!!!!!

 

[popinl]

I've done a long car trip with a 4 month old, which was fine, but when they're that small they don't need to move around. When I travelled with our 7 month old it was a trip to BC from Ontario. He was old enough that he didn't want to be laying down or sitting in one spot. The flight was interesting trying to keep him amused. I can't imagine driving to Florida with 2 7 month old babies in 2 days. You're all going to be worn out. I don't know if the rules have changed for flying with babies, but when we travelled with our 7 month old we didn't buy a seat for him. On one of the flights we got the bulkhead and he could sleep in the sky cot.

 

[dopeyluvsgrumpy]

Keep in mind all babies are different. My oldest loved being in the car when he was young, but his brother and sister both hate it. My youngest will sleep at night in his carseat, but his sister will not sleep no matter what. Personally I would fly, because an upset baby will upset the whole car.

Let us know how the cruise goes. We really wanted to work in a family cruise this fall, but decided to wait until the kids are a little older and can all go to the kids programs.

 

[JustTJ]

Thanks for the responses I guess time will tell what we do. My daughter read them, and she really likes the idea of leaving at night. I personally HATE driving at night. One trip down we had a deer jump out of nowhere into our path, and soon after two dogs. So dark, we didn't see them till we almost hit them, but thank goodness my DH is a great driver and thank goodness there were no other cars around, we were able to swerve and miss them. I swore, no more night time driving. My DH though loves driving at night and so does my future son in law. That could make the trip down much more comfortable for all of them, but the trip home would be more difficult as we can't leave at night then, we'd be leaving as soon as we disembark the ship which is around 8 in the morning. Lots to think about In any case, thanks for the input, it's all very helpful

 

[maplevale]

I have an 8 month old right now and I cannot fathom that long of a drive! To me this is about the worst age for car travel - she is too old to just fall asleep and stay asleep in the car. And too young to be entertained/bribed with toys/food or movies!!

Lastly - with my kids... 30 minutes out of a car seat inevitably leads to a HUGE kicking and screaming tantrum when they have to get back in (at this age - my older DD now is great!). We do travel ~4 hours up to my parents about once a month.

We are flying down in March (~ 10 months and just over 4 years). Keep in mind if you do decide to fly that most airlines only allow one lap baby per row.

 

[twinmum]

Well, it's been a long time since our twins were 7-8 months old (well, about 13 years, actually!) and my advice would be to FLY!!! Another poster described the frequent stops that stretched out the drive...definitely the case. Someone else said this is a tough age because they are getting squirmy but not able to be distracted by other means...I agree. And getting 2 babies back into car seats if they don't want to go...ooh yeah, remember it well.

I forgot to check where you are from in Canada but to my mind, the hours on a plane will be WAY more pleasant than days in a car. Don't forget to give the wee ones something to drink (little bottle of water if they're breastfeeding) so they'll easily pop their ears when ascending/descending.

Have a good trip! And if we happen to end up on the same plane, I'll be the experienced twin mum who oogles and "awwww's" all overall the little twins! And yes, I'll take a shift.

All the best to the future twin parents! And they are already off to a good start...sounds like they have excellent family support!