Traveling with a Toddler

We are heading to a family reunion and to visit friends ten hours from where we live. Daniel has never been in the car for more than two and half hours since this time last year. Back then he was four months old and slept most of the way. Needless to say I have been trying to plan out what we will need to make the trip successful.

The first thing I did was search the web for advice. I found the following sites helpful:
http://www.babycenter.com/packing-checklist-for-traveling-with-toddler http://infantstoddlers.suite101.com/article.cfm/traveling_with_a_toddler http://www.momsminivan.com/toddlers.html

The second thing I did was assess what we already had that could entertain him and what I needed to get.

I have decided to take:
-a way to watch the Elemo and Curious George videos I checked out from the library.
-a toy laptop that I found at a great consignment shop. (He loves computers.)
-puppets -many, many books
-a I Spy bag that I got off the internet at Etsy.com
-crayons and paper (I hope he doesn't try to eat them.)
-a magnetic puzzle book
-the PeaPodz teether (He likes to play with the peas.)
-snacks
-an insulated sippy cup
-bubbles to blow at rest stops
-a ball to play with at rest stops
-my digital camera (If all else fails, he loves to view pictures on himself.)

I signed up for giveaways for some travel products. They look like great items. They just don't fit into my budget at this time. If I won them, it would be great though.

They were the following:
Snack and Play Travel Tray- The company website
On the Go Backseat Organizer- Review and Giveaway is located at Piece of Me
Traveling Chalkboard Placemat-Review and Giveaway is located at Family World Fun

The last thing I did was send out an e-mail asking for people to pray for our car ride.

Thank goodness my mom is going with us. She will be able to rotate in to help entertain Daniel in the backseat.