What are the best ways to keep the baby occupied while in the car...?

Traveling is sooo hard. I have trouble with mine if its more than an hour. He will sleep about that long then wake up and be bored and fussy. I try bringing lots of toys from home. When he was that little he loved to rip up paper. Old magazines work great for that. That would keep him busy for awhile. The other thing I try to do is leave for the trip when I know he is tired. He used to sleep late so if we got going real early I knew he would fall back to sleep. Also try and tire him out before you leave, play outside in the fresh air. My baby also likes the toy cell phones. I set aside some toys for just the car so he doesn't get bored with them so fast. The only time he gets to play with them is in the car.

1. Try placing one of those electronic alphabet boards in front of him. Find one that has bright colors and light and plays different sounds. I know it can get annoying, but many of them have 2 or 3 volume settings so it doesn't drive you insane.

2. Get a few nursery songs tapes/CD's. (Haha, don't look at me that way!) Babies love the sound of mommy or daddy's voice so if you sing along with the tapes/CD's they will love it! I know my nephew actually memorized one of the Barney tapes before he turned 1 year old. It was his favorite tape to hear during car rides! Maybe your baby will start cooing along to a song.

3. Also, don't go a whole 2 hours of straight driving. Stop once or twice and get out and take a breather with your baby. They get bored too, you know.

Hope this helps a little!

I suggest getting baby up early so he sleeps during the ride. We took our 9 month old daughter on a 9 hour drive, she slept for a lot of it, but when she wasn't sleeping we had the music on for her, it helped her a lot. You could also try buying a new toy for him before you go so he has something new when you set out. Getting her up a couple of hours earlier than normal worked well, or setting out just before nap time also is a good idea.

When I have to travel any distance with my 3, I plug in the portable DVD player or CDs(music/songs they like) and it usually keeps them occupied the whole time. Mine are older now and I still use both and let them bring a couple of toys, games or books they want as well.

You have good answer from many.. and it is noticed.. these days kids are quite used to music of their choice.. and they enjoy.. sitting and enjoying in their own way while you drive.. and in addition.. some toy.. not small.. like soft furred.. of good quality.. which kid likes to hug.. and play with .. shaped as Puppy .. or Micky mouse.. see what is liked by baby.. it may keep baby occupied.. while traveling.. listening music and .. of course.. 6months child sure is too small yet.. to be left absolutely at its own..

I had a back up camera installed and use the camera as a rearview mirror and had a dvd player installed (blocks view from my rearview mirror)

anyways baby einstein video's are great! and made long trips driving two hours away every other Friday turn from night mare to tolerable!

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Music my neice loves music. She is 3 months old and sleeps in the car most of the time though. But she loves music!!!

How about music? You can sing to the baby as you are driving. Have you tried Infantino travel toys? Check this out:

http://www.amazon.com/Infantino-Travel-Mobile/dp/B...

Sounds and visual stimulation...Try a portable dvd player and play those baby einstine videos. Baby's usually sleep in the car.