Long Distant Car Travel

There are 2 types of travelling that I will define here - the long distant and the short distant. Both are car travelling on the road. I have experienced both and from the infant stage to the toddler. I found that travelling with infant is easier but some different safety measures. We first started travelling when Maximus was 3-months and it was only a one-an-half hour ride to Melaka. He was soundly asleep in his car seat at that time although I have to hold him to keep him comfind and feel safe. Then in his late month, we travelled up to a highland (Cameron highland). That trip was a real adventurous experience because of the long hours in the car and the windy road especially up the highland with changes of pressure.

Then, Maximus turned 1-year old and recently we travelled down south to JB... a 3 and the half hours of ride in the car. The transition stage from infant to toddler made a huge different in such travels. Here I realised that Maximus will need to be entertained and attended too yet not forgetting the extra safety especially when he wants to stand up, touch everything and move around. It's not easy to get his seated or to sleep. His routine at home has also been disturbed especially without his sarung-cradle, his toy box, and spaces to move about!

So, for three and the half hour journey I have equipped him with some new play-stuff and snacks. These are the most important tools to get him settled. He got every excited in the beginning when we started the journey but that only lasted for half an hour. He got bored and wanted to move around... so it's time to play!

He ated his little snack while playing with the food containers and bottles. I then realised that I have a "new" toy that he seldom play. Those toys that I brought along were his usual toys that he got bored within a minute. But he was really engrossed into playing with his snack container - opening and closing the lid. I created a little funny game (with sound effect) that he laughed and giggled till he got tired.

So the next one-half or two hours was to cuddle him in his cuddling napkin and also the "human-pacifier" to sooth him. Then he slept... till the car stopped! It's the toll-booth. Each time when the car stops, he will automatically be awaken. By the time he awoke, I have to reassure him that he is in the car, travelling to where ever the destination to. Will give him some fluid and then get him to have his fun play again till we reach our destination.

It's a routine for toddlers when they are travelling in the car or on road... play-sleep-settled and then it continues. Whenever he gets too cranky or fussy, we will stop at the rest area. Allow him to explore the outside then tell him that we are going to countinue with our journey.

At the end, it's really a tiring trip yet fun! Our journey will normally be extended to an hour. I also realised that having another older kid (a play-mate) helps too. Maximus loves to have his nine or twelve years old cousin along with him. He will be entertained by them. So it does make me relax and smoothen the journey too.

I can't imagine having to travel by air next time! It's another learning experience....