Our Christmas Road trip. When Troy and I told our friends and family we were going to have a 3 week holiday driving from the Sunshine Coast to Gold Coast to Warrnambool to Melbourne back to Warrnambool to Adelaide and then home to the Sunshine Coast (About 5 200kms round trip) with our 16 month old toddler we got a lot of 'Good Luck with that!' (sarcastically)..."You two are mad!" and other various similar comments. But we were pleasantly surprised with every hundred kilometres we drove that Huddo was just amazing.
In the 5000+kms he cried once. On the leg from the Gold Coast to Warrnambool we left at 5pm and drove straight through the night and day to arrive in Warrnambool by 6pm the following evening. The cry (which lasted less than 2 minutes) was at 2am when Huddo woke in a fright that he was still in the car. But all we did was stop at the next McDonalds. I gave him a nappy change, a breastfeed and let him have a little run around in the McDonalds playground for 20 minutes. Yes, a little strange at 2 in the morning but like us adults were dying to stretch our legs I thought Huddo would enjoy the same. And sure enough within 5 minutes of being back in the car, he was back to being sound asleep.
With each leg of the trip we were nearly expecting or waiting for him to 'have had enough' and just lose the plot. Nope. He soldiered on. The only difficulty of the trip was the first night we were at a new destination. Considering I can't remember the last time Huddo woke through the night (think it was somewhere back at 10 months old) the first night in each place was very unsettled and would wake several times upset.
So with so many kilometres of 'toddler travelling' I give you my tips to road tripping with one!
1)If you have enough drivers. (on the way to Warrnambool my inlaws travelled with us so there were 4 drivers) Start a big leg in the late afternoon after you little one is bathed, fed and comfortably in pjs. Basically think of what you would feel most comfortable in if you are travelling for long stretches.
2)When you are driving thru the night and if your toddler's car seat is placed in the middle of the backseat tie a blanket or jacket between the back of the 2 front seats to create a darkness in the back to block out street lights and headlights from cars coming passed you. This consistent darkness is very relaxing.
3)Car temperature! Like at home keeping your car not too warm or cold can be key to your little one having the best sleep.
4)DVDs! Although it is frowned upon and not ideal to have your child watching too much telly day to day.....for road trips it is a saviour. We are fortunate that our car has and inbuilt dvd player but an inexpensive portable one would do just as good. Huddo has become OBSESSED with 'The Little Einsteins' and his one dvd with 3 x 20 minute episodes of this show nearly got worn out on this trip.
5)Surrender to the backseat of your car being COVERED in a vairety of books, toys, stuffed animals.
I spent the majority of the trip in the back seat with Huddo reading to him, stabilising his colouring-in book on his lap whilst he coloured, passing him various toys and doing my assorted range of voices with particular favourite stuffed animals.
6)Having a steady supply of snacks on board! And ensuring that the usual routine of eating times, milk times and nappy changes occurred. For your snacks I do recommend going with as low-sugar as possible. As when you think about it you are aiming to contain your toddler for extended periods....no need to hype them up. Things such as 'Rafferty's Garden Fruit Bars'. Ready-chopped fruit salads, rice crackers, vegemite sandwiches and kid's yoghurt sachets (beware of high sugar tho. I favoured the Vaalia ones). When we were staying at family members' homes I would make Huddo meals that I would make for him at home and when we were at hotels I would order him room service meals like 'spaghetti bolognaise' or go and get some tuna and avocado sushi rolls and chop up into small pieces. Whilst frequently going to Coles or Woolworths and re-stocking snacks. However there were a handful of times where McDonalds McBites (small chicken pieces) and chips were allowed. The fact is you are on holidays. Nothing is perfect but it doesn't mean your child has to live on Maccas for the entire trip!
7)Water! Water and more water!!! Troy and I were constantly aware that due to being the car with the air-conditioner on for so many hours it is crucial that you drink water in abundance to stop yourself drying out. So Huddo constantly had his water bottle in reach.
8)Finally. Ensure that you and your partner and other travel companions stay relaxed. Like any other time if you are organised, relaxed and in a great mood. Your child is bound to be too! :)
We had a great holiday and wonderful Christmas.
Looking forward to sharing more about the last few months with you soon.
The funny part of doing a 3 week road trip at Christmas and seeing both sides of a very very large family......the amount of presents your child gets!
Let's just say the kid did alright....
