Planning a road trip? Here is 6 tips to survive a road trip with a toddler.
Sometimes the thought of traveling with a toddler can be daunting, maybe a little less daunting when it’s a road trip. During a road trip, you are in complete control. Remember this. You are in control of the time you leave, how often you stop, how much you bring (oh look there’s no extra charge if you over pack) and you can actually stop for a good meal and stretch for as long as you want.
Road Trip With A Baby Packing List
- Diapers
- Snacks
- On the Go Potty Chair & bags-if you’re potty training
- Diaper bag with a changing pad
- Homemade first aid kit
- Audible books
- Favorite toys
- Lots of wipes & hand sanitizer
- Wet bags for dirty and soiled clothes
- Extra set of clothes outside of what’s in the suitcase
- Backseat mirror
- Electric cooler for snacks. Hot & cold can power-up to your car. You can see it in action(on mobile) on my liketoknow.it page.
Here are a few tips on how to survive a road trip with a toddler.
Leave At Night
If possible, leave at night. Leaving at night while your baby is still sleeping, even if they wake while being placed into the car seat, there’s a good chance they will go right back to sleep.
You’ll be able to drive for a longer duration before stopping because of it.
Sit In The Backseat
One person sits in the backseat with your toddler. You can do this even for short drives. If you are leaving at night, it’s nice for your child to wake to a familiar face vs. to a completely dark car.
Also, you will know their needs during the trip if you are sitting next to them and know when to stop for a break.
Frequent Stops
Remember, you are in control of this road trip. Frequent stops are necessary for feeding, especially breastfeeding and diaper changes. Sometimes it can be difficult for toddlers to sit in a car seat for a long period. Let them run around at the rest stop, get fresh air and a little change of scenery.
Take The Fastest Route
Because you are doing a road trip with a toddler taking the fastest route is a good idea. The sooner you can arrive at your destination, the better.
First Aid Kit
Create a DIY first aid kit for toddlers or a simple DIY travel first aid kit to keep in the car. Pack all your must have health items in a packing cube.
DIY First Aid Kit For Toddlers
- 2×2
- Hand sanitizers
- Band-aids
- Tylenol
- Motrin
- Benadryl
- Bug spray
- A&D Ointment/ Neosporin
- Children syringes
- Saline spray
- Tape
- Q-Tips
- Hot & cold packs
- Cough syrup
- Treatment for teething
- Wipes
- Alcohol wipes
- Scissors
Safety Check
The most important tip to survive a road trip with a toddler is a car safety check. Prior to leaving, do a complete safety check on your vehicle to make sure it is ready to hit the road. You also should be sure to do a car seat check prior to leaving. Be sure your car seat is strapped in securely, clean, and ready to go for your road trip. Read your car seat manual if you have questions. Car seat safety.
Related: Travel Essentials
The Best Travel Gifts For Kids
Must-Have Baby & Toddler Beach Essentials
The Best Baby Gifts For Traveling Parents
How To Keep Your Baby Happy In The Car Seat
If another person is going along on your road trip with a toddler, one person should sit in the backseat with your child. Use that time to help keep your toddler entertained.
Listen to audio books, music, and bring your child’s favorite toys.
How Often Should You Stop On A Road Trip
Plan to make frequent stops for feeding/snacks, diaper changes and to give your child a break from sitting in the car seat.
How Do You Travel In A Car With A Baby
Have a plan and give yourself more than enough time to arrive at your destination.
Road Trip With Toddler Activities
- Bring some of your child’s favorite toys.
- Toddler headphones and tablet to watch some of their favorite educational shows.
- Sketch pads for kids.
- Practice numbers by counting cars at the rest stop.
- Working on colors with magnetic animals.
- Sing nursery rhythms and practice the alphabet.
I hope you find these tips to survive a road trip with a toddler helpful!
No Comments