More Travel

Last weekend, we had a wonderful visit with my sister and brother-in-law in PA. The trip out there was the best drive we've had since Helen was born (out of eight round trips of at least four-and-a-half hours each way). Our time with them was lovely! It is so fun to see my sister in her own home, seeing what she's done to make it "home", and seeing the new family dynamics between she and her husband. The trip home was another story entirely... Irene was a gem. Helen was miserable and cried for over half of the more than seven hour drive.

A child crying in the car is one of the most miserable experiences, especially if you can't find anything wrong (i.e. fed, changed, recently awakened from a nap, burped, nothing in carseat is pinching). If you know what is wrong, you can pull over and fix it. Does anyone have any ideas on how to keep a baby from crying in the car? Nursing is not an option, because there is no way I can do that in a way that is safe for both of us. Solid food only lasts so long. Toys only keep interest for short periods of time. Singing does nothing. She cries whether or not I sit in the backseat. A light on after dark helps, but not if she's been crying since it was light out. Neither of my babies have been great travelers, which is difficult, because we travel OFTEN. Help?