Essential Tips for a Road Trip with Toddler!
Does the thought of long road trips with toddlers fill you with excitement or dread? Long family car trips are doable and can be fun, but you need to plan more than a short road trip with a toddler. Here’s how.
Make note, it’s ok if your child is bored. They will eventually entertain themselves or look out the window and use their imagination. I found Rowan was fine in the back, looking out the window, pointing out trees, trucks, and anything else of interest. But it’s great to pack for that just in case, you never know what kind of mood they may be in, you might get stuck in multiple traffic jams, unexpected car trouble or weather.
Long road trips with toddlers are not the same as traveling as a couple or road trips with older kids. In some ways even traveling by car with a baby can be easier because toddlers are in that go-go-go demographic. Little kids are just starting to develop their imaginations and they have amazing ones. They don’t need constant exciting noisy toys around the house or when they’re playing outside. Exploring leaves and dirt and twigs outside is fun.
Tips For Long Road Trips With Toddlers
Pack snacks
Dress them in comfortable clothes! Don’t put them in anything with tight waistbands, too many layers, denim, just comfortable bottoms or tops.
Try to leave around their nap time, this helps sometimes get that much-needed sleep in.
Stop frequently for quick pee breaks and stretch the legs. If you can get some wiggles out, then they’re less antsy in the car seat.
Pack one or two new things. They can be fun items from the dollar store or a favourite cartoon character.
Start low tech. When starting out on a road trip with a toddler, when your toddler needs something to play with, start low tech. Give them books or little games, a stuffed animal, or something like this reusable watercolour set which is a no-mess paint with the water colouring book.
Bring a couple of favourite books, maybe a new book to peak their interest. Also great for bedtime at the destination.
Did I mention snacks? Pack all the snacks, you can even put them into a fun bento box, or a craft organizer to make it interesting. Also great to bring for an airplane journey!
We have this magnetic doodle board, it’s been remarkable not only for car rides but eating out or just at home.
Play music! Download a favourite playlist or even just the radio.
Pick up a water colouring book or mini crayon and pad set. Another option is those reusable sticker books, so fun!
If you can, load up a tablet just in case, you never know if you will be stuck in traffic so your car journey becomes longer. Whatever keeps them happy is vital, don’t feel guilty about it.
Musical instruments are fun, we had a shaker and a tambourine for her to play with in the back.
Most importantly, besides the snacks, make sure everything is reachable for you or the toddler! It’s not very useful if all the items you carefully packed for your long road trips with toddlers are out of reach. Keep a bag or tote close to you so you don’t have to stop driving to pass your toddler food or toys.
How to take long road trips with toddlers:
* Get your toddler used to being bored (before the trip)
* Take a long break each day
* New books/toys and familiar books/toys
* Start low tech
* Embrace some electronic distractions when needed
* Comfortable clothing
* More snacks than you think you need
* Plan a diaper change area or bring a potty
* Pack a first aid kit
* Keep things reachable
* Be prepared to sit in the back
