Long Car Journey with 14 month old

mrcow

Nicki wrote: »

I did think that the post you are referring to was OTT, but nonetheless 16 hours of driving is a lot more than an hour and a half, especially at that age.

I agree with you.

I still think we need to know where this journey is going from an to. I live in Kent and we all regularly go up North for 5-7 hours journeys. I'm interested in where this 16 car hour journey is going to be occurring and what the alternatives actually are.

Bettyboop

mrcow wrote: »

It's a one year old kid!

If they are dirty - you'll be smelling it! You don't need to be "checking" anything.
If they are hungry, then they can eat something.
Or drink.

One year olds are able to spend more than 1 1 /2 hours in a car They don't get bored - just sit next to them and let them read or play with toys.

Not to mention they will probably sleep a lot of the way anyway! Some people!!!

ginvzt

mrcow wrote: »

I agree with you.

I still think we need to know where this journey is going from an to. I live in Kent and we all regularly go up North for 5-7 hours journeys. I'm interested in where this 16 car hour journey is going to be occurring and what the alternatives actually are.

I think it will be across Europe, as it is possible to cross this country in 16 hours!

mrcow

ginvzt wrote: »

I think it will be across Europe, as it is possible to cross this country in 16 hours!

Well that's what I was thinking. So if it's into Europe, why not book a ferry crossing, so you're breaking up the time in the car? You can walk about. Lots of ferries have children's areas for drawings or crafts and some even play cartoons etc. Plus it's cheaper than the Shuttle.

RoxieW

Ok - maybe my original post was a little OTT but a child sat in a wet nappy for a long period will get sore and uncomfortable. Yes, the child may sleep for some of the way but again, is likely to be umcomfortable in a car seat for 16 !! hours. Heck, I get uncomfortable sitting in the car for more than a couple of hours!
Add to that poor weather/icy roads, xmas traffic, tiredness, possibly a screaming child in the back due to over tiredness, discomfort, boedom etc I wouldnt consider it.

bestpud

I can't imagine for one minute they will actually be sitting in the car for 16 hours in one go.

I do wish the OP would come back and fill us in - it's very frustrating, and rude to be fair, when people post and run.

I wondered if there would be a ferry trip in the middle as well - so long as that wouldn't be on top of the driving time, it could make a considerable difference imo.

You say about the cost of car hire, OP, so I'm wondering if any family members could come and meet you at the airport? Or if they could research the cost of a taxi for you? Or they may be able to hire a car cheaper from that end?

pollyanna24

Thanks everyone! So many comments. I'd almost forgotten I'd written this thread. Sorry, back to full time work, bit busy. Eek!!

Anyhows, don't think we will be driving after everyone's comments.

It is to Austria we will be going. And no the family can't really come to us as there are a lot more of them (with older and younger children than us).

Plane it is then. A car over there would have made life a lot easier rather than relying on bf's mother to drive us everywhere, but it can be done without. So think we will fly (we have already done this with dd when she was 6 months - 2 hours in the plane) and do without the hire car.

Pee

I do think it's very important if you are from Austria that your child gets to see your family there as much as possible - to increase exposure to German and to a different culture that is a part of her.

Flying does sound a better option. Could bf's mother insure him on the car whilst you are over there or could another family member lend you a car?

Thanks for coming back and updating.

bestpud

pollyanna24 wrote: »

Thanks everyone! So many comments. I'd almost forgotten I'd written this thread. Sorry, back to full time work, bit busy. Eek!!

Anyhows, don't think we will be driving after everyone's comments.

It is to Austria we will be going. And no the family can't really come to us as there are a lot more of them (with older and younger children than us).

Plane it is then. A car over there would have made life a lot easier rather than relying on bf's mother to drive us everywhere, but it can be done without. So think we will fly (we have already done this with dd when she was 6 months - 2 hours in the plane) and do without the hire car.

Well, that do at least have good public transport in Austria!

We found it brilliant when we stayed there - made me realise just how crud ours is!

pollyanna24

bestpud wrote: »

Well, that do at least have good public transport in Austria!

We found it brilliant when we stayed there - made me realise just how crud ours is!

Teehee, you wouldn't say that if you could see how far up a mountain bf's mother lives! Hoping that someone will lend us a car. When we went there when dd was 6 months old, bf's mother did give us her car some days, but only when her bf was about as she needed to get to work.

But I think driving over there is not fair (although bf said that's how they used to get there all the time when they were young) and so flying and no car is better than driving and having a car.