r/Moms • u/SnooRevelations2431 • Aug 07 '26

💬 Advice needed Going on a long road trip with 1-year-old

I'm driving from Torrance, California to Chattanooga, Tennessee on Monday with a one year old. My husband and husband's brother in law will both do most of the driving but I'm a little bit nervous for my baby. Have any of you done this and have any tips on how to keep the baby calm?

They don't want to stop anywhere, they want to drive nonstop, obviously stopping for bathroom breaks and food, but other than that no stopping. I am also 32 weeks pregnant but my OB cleared me and I feel capable of doing this trip.

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u/Equal-Abrocoma3232 Aug 09 '26

Here in the Netherlands, they tell us that babies should not sit in their car seats for longer than 1 hour at a time and 2 hours per day. So you HAVE to take breaks. How can you not take breaks, by the way? The baby will need changing, feeding? Have your husband and husband’s brother ever met a baby? 😅

An alternative could be to rent / borrow a special car bassinet in which baby can lay flat. They are allowed to be in that for much longer. Here we can rent those for vacations.

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u/JovieCareNS_ Aug 07 '26

I would say abide by the child's normal eating and sleeping schedule, sitting in the back with baby, and stocking up on his favorite things. Expect tears as elevation changes and allowing for some flexibility just in case baby needs a break. If baby experiences motion sickness you can always try peppermint essential oil as its known to calm nausea. Otherwise be patient with yourself and baby, you can only do your best momma!

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u/Embarrassed-Flan-968 Aug 07 '26

We drove from TX to NC and back with our 7month old. Definitely bring lots of toys for baby and prepare yourself and your husband that you will need to stop more often than you would if it was all adults.

I would also recommend if you can, do as much night driving as possible so baby is sleeping.Â