Car travel with babies is sometimes unpredictable but car travel with toddlers … that can be rough. After many, many, road trips with our first baby, we thought we were pros. And then that sweet baby who could be occupied with soft books and Spotify playlists turned into a demanding toddler who wanted to do SO MANY THINGS. When you’re traveling with a toddler, careful planning and preparation are key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for everyone. From snacks to entertainment and safety gear, here’s a starter guide to the essential items you’ll need for a successful road trip with your little explorer.
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Safety Comes First:
Before hitting the road, prioritize your toddler’s safety with these essential measures:
1. Secure Car Seat: Ensure your toddler is safely buckled into a car seat appropriate for their age, weight, and height. Double-check that the car seat is installed correctly and that all straps are properly adjusted.
2. Sunshade: Shield your toddler from the sun’s harmful rays with a car window shade or sunshade that attaches to the window, providing shade and reducing glare.
3. Childproofing Supplies: Pack outlet covers, cabinet locks, and other childproofing supplies to babyproof your accommodations at your destination, ensuring a safe environment for your toddler to explore. Although not necessarily useful during the actual car travel with toddlers, this was huge for us. When we realized that a small bag of outlet covers and a cabinet lock could save us endless amounts of chasing after our very mobile toddler at hotels and friends and families houses, we never forgot to pack it again.
Comfort and Convenience:
Keep your toddler comfortable and content throughout the journey with these essential items:
1. Snacks and Drinks: Pack a variety of snacks and drinks to keep your toddler occupied on the road. Variety is key! We mix it up with healthy snacks like fruit slices, crackers and cheese, and pouches of yogurt. This is also a time when we give in to some of the “special” snacks that we don’t regularly stock at home. Teddy grahams, baggies of sugary cereal, individual bags of chips are things that really help keep the peace because they make road trips fun and exciting for our kiddo.
2. Travel Pillow and Blanket: Bring along a pillow and lightweight blanket to help your toddler nap comfortably during the drive. A toddler sized pillow is our travel pillow of choice and remains in the car at all times.
3. Portable Potty: For potty-training toddlers, a portable potty can be a lifesaver when restroom facilities are unavailable. Keep it easily accessible in the car for emergencies.
Entertainment and Distraction:
Keep your toddler entertained and engaged during the drive with these fun distractions:
1. Travel Games and Activities: Pack a selection of travel-friendly games, coloring books, and activity kits to keep your toddler entertained during the journey. Magnetic drawing boards, sticker books, and water coloring books are great options.
2. Favorite Toys and Comfort Items: Don’t forget to bring along your toddler’s favorite toys, stuffed animals, and comfort items to provide familiar comforts and soothe any anxieties during travel. If you do plan to take a super special comfort item with you, I always suggest trying to have a backup at home. That way if you get home from a long trip and realize that teddy was left at grandma’s, you have a back up to pull out and prevent bedtime meltdowns.
3. Audio Books and Music: Load up a playlist of your toddler’s favorite songs or download audiobooks (have you tried Audible?) for kids to listen to during the drive, providing entertainment and stimulation. Audiobooks have been a game changer for us. Our toddler loves to listen to an audiobook and eat a snack for a good portion of a trip. Our toniebox has treated us well as far as giving the independence our little Cars obsessed dude craves. We absolutely love it. However you choose to do audiobooks,I suggest headphones. For your sanity.
Plan for Pit Stops:
Plan regular pit stops along your route to stretch your legs, change diapers, and let your toddler burn off energy. Look for parks, playgrounds, or rest areas with picnic areas where your toddler can run and play safely.
Car travel with toddlers can be a thrilling adventure filled with unforgettable experiences. It can also be overwhelming. This is one time when I definitely don’t think you can over pack. Bring more snacks, more activities, more wet wipes than you think you’ll need. Take your time and enjoy the drive. Remember that the journey is as important as the destination, or whatever that saying is. Scratch that. Remember that there is a destination at the end of this journey, and you will get through it because you are prepared! So, pack your bags, buckle up, and get ready for an epic summer road trip with your little explorer! Safe travels!