Long Car Journey with 14 month old

louise3965

That is a looong journey. But if it was me I'd be setting off as the child would be going to sleep,and driving through the night taking turns withnthe driving and getting as far as possible whilst the child is sleeping. Then when she wakes up at 8 am you will maybe only have 5 hours left which is doable if you take lots of snacks and take turns driving.

Viper_7

as said it's not 16 hours driving, there has to be breaks.
If I knew someone who was going to do that, I'd report them to the police and social services.
And people wonder why there are so many accidents.

Even if sharing half the driving, it's just not safe, even as a passenger one still gets tired and eye strain.

How about meeting the family half way at a venue. - again cost considerations.

I'd be more concerned for the cost of the child rather than the cost of the travel.

Pee

But is flying a great option for a small child? I don't think their ears can adjust, hence the crying at takeoff and landing when their ears pop, which bothers me, too. (Apparently something to suck helps...)

I have to say that four or five hours driving is enough for me.

Is it an option for family to come to you, otherwise could you look at breaking it down with a couple of overnight stays each way?

Nicki

Flying with a small child is fine so long as you can give them a drink (or a breastfeed) on take off and landing. The act of swallowing relieves the pressure instantly. My family live in Ireland and my two kids have flown over there regularly since they were much younger babies than OPs with no problems at all.

Poppy9

OrkneyStar wrote: »

Depends on where you are flying to.
It costs us in diesel (300 ish miles) plus ferry for 2 adults about £150.
It would cost us at least 3 times that for us all to fly, and then we would need to hire another car (plus faff of carting buggy, bags, car seat etc.)
If you can do a decent mpg diesel/petrol need not be that much. Not actually sure how far they are going, just the time so hard to say for sure.

but driving for 16 hour must mean at least 800 mile trip surely allowing for breaks and hold ups on motorway.

louise3965

I drive loads, always have done and so does my dh. I'd cope with 3-4 hours driving at night,stopping in a service station for an hour then him taking over for the same again. Guess it depends on how the OP feels about driving long distances in the dark. I certainly wouldnt attempt a journey of that length with a child awake and the roads busy. But at Christmas, the weather can be awful anyway. Trains can maybe be mega cheap if booked as soon as they are available?

OrkneyStar

Poppy9 wrote: »

but driving for 16 hour must mean at least 800 mile trip surely allowing for breaks and hold ups on motorway.

Yes, thats why I suggested they stop somewhere cheap overnight, so perhaps do 400 miles/day....this would be do-able imho.
We are travelling 300 miles to mums and then another 100 a couple of days later to a caravan....I would not like to do anymore than about 300-400 per (fairly long) day.

ella_ella_ella

My daugher loves the car but I would NEVER even consider taking her on that sort of journey, sorry but its just cruel.

bestpud

While I think it is a long journey for a little one, I'm afraid I am gobsmacked at the suggestion social service may be remotely interested, or the parents are negligent for considering it!

Come on people, get a grip! Ideal it ain't, but cruel or neglectful...? Come on! :rolleyes:

OP have you considered stopping in a hotel midway? It may be considerably cheaper than flying.

If not and you really want to drive there, I second the idea of travelling at night - nothing wrong with it if you take it in turns and are sensible, and it will be much better for your dd. One night in a comfy car seat (reclining would be best if you have one) will not do her any lasting damage.

I think stopping over night in a hotel is probably the best option though tbh, but for you and your OH rather than your dd, as she will sleep in the car no doubt. I know you can sleep while the other drives, but if she needs entertaining, there's your sleep gone!

bestpud

OrkneyStar wrote: »

Yes, thats why I suggested they stop somewhere cheap overnight, so perhaps do 400 miles/day....this would be do-able imho.
We are travelling 300 miles to mums and then another 100 a couple of days later to a caravan....I would not like to do anymore than about 300-400 per (fairly long) day.

I agree - in fact they could make the journey part of their holiday for a reasonable price if they look for a budget hotel.