Road trip with a toddler. Just reading those two words together can cause shivers down the spine of any parent who has ever been on an extended car ride with their young child. Road trips are fun…the scenery, the family bonding time…but when your toddler is riding with you…OH MAN, IT GETS INTENSE.
Hang on just a minute though before you give up on driving with your toddler…
Yes, traveling with toddlers can be stressful and frustrating. But, with the right preparation and knowledge, driving with your toddler can actually be enjoyable. Really.
If you want the real down low on keeping your toddler happy on your next family road trip, then you’ve come to the right place.
We’re going to teach you everything you need to know about traveling by car with your toddler: how to plan it, what to pack, how to keep them entertained while you drive, and how to make your toddler’s travel experience one they’ll never forget.
Why Take a Road Trip With Your Toddler?
There are many benefits to traveling by car, even when traveling with toddlers.
You are in control. Whenever you travel by car, you are in charge. You decide when to pull over if your toddler needs a break. Flights get delayed, but your car won’t. Not only will this help you stay stress-free, but it will also create a predictable routine your child can rely on.
Plus, toddlers are naturally curious. Something as simple as changing scenery can excite your toddler and keep them entertained along the way.
You also might be able to spend some quality one-on-one time with your toddler.
Plan the Best Toddler Friendly Road Trip
As much as you may want to plan out every detail of your family road trip, traveling with toddlers calls for some spontaneity.
But you can make your life easier by planning a few key things:
Choose Your Destination Carefully
Taking a cross country road trip with your toddler sounds like a lot of fun. But traveling with a toddler may not be the ideal time to set those kinds of records.
Try picking a destination that you can arrive at within a few hours of driving. You don’t want to be in the car too long without stopping when you have a toddler in the car.
Look for destinations that will interest your toddler. Parks, beaches, anywhere with open spaces to run around are your best bets. Visit fun attractions that don’t require long periods of sitting or standing still.
Plan Your Pit Stops
Trust us, your toddler will need to burn off some steam every couple of hours. Plan your itinerary with that in mind.
Make sure you stop at places where your child can run around and play. Parks are great, but any rest stop with an open grassy field will work. If you plan on eating out, many restaurants offer kid-friendly areas.
Planning out your pit stops will also help your toddler visualize that they will get something fun to do at the end of a long period of sitting.
Leave During Naptime
We’re not saying you can ONLY drive when your toddler is sleeping, but you can typically get in a few hours of driving while your toddler naps.
Try to leave as they are waking up in the morning or right as their nap begins. Some parents even drive at night if their toddler sleeps well in the car.
Pack Smart
Packing can feel overwhelming, but if you plan out what you’re bringing, it doesn’t have to be.
You want to have everything you might need while on the road within easy reach. So organize and pack accordingly.
Toddler Road Trip Packing List
Don’t forget these essentials when packing for your next road trip.
Diapers/pull-ups
Baby wipes / tissues
Extra set of clothes for your toddler(and maybe one for you too, just in case)
Blanket and favorite stuffed animal
First aid kit
Hand Sanitizer
Pack these items into their own bag so you won’t have to dig through your suitcase while on the road.
Load Up on Snacks
Ah, yes…snacks. Another item you don’t want to forget.
Keeping your toddler full and satisfied will make all the difference on your road trip.
Bring both healthy and fun snacks. We love sliced fruits and vegetables, crackers, yogurt tubes, and dry cereals.
Try to avoid sticky or messy snacks.
Pre-portion your snacks into small Tupperware containers or sandwich baggies. That way you can easily hand a snack to your toddler while you’re driving.
Load Up on Entertainment
This tip is probably the most important tip we can give you when it comes to packing. If your toddler is bored, you’re in for a long ride.
Bring your toddlers favorite books, coloring books and crayons, small toys/figures, games, you name it. Load up your tablet with videos and games they enjoy as well.
Just remember to switch out toys/games about every hour.
Prep Your Car
Keeping your toddler comfortable will help the time pass by easier when they are trapped in their car seat.
Bring their favorite lovey or stuffed animal from home. If they have a favorite blanket, throw that in the car too.
Minimize sunlight in your car with sunshades on windows and drive with the AC on.
How to Keep Your Toddler Happy on a Road Trip
Ok, so you’ve planned out every detail. You packed everything you need and probably think, “We’re set. This is gonna be great!”
News flash.
Toddlers are unpredictable. If they are tired, hungry, or bored they will let you know…and they WILL throw a tantrum. But that doesn’t mean your trip is doomed.
Play their favorite songs or listen to nursery rhymes together. Singing songs is a great way for your toddler to pass time.
Make Your Road Trip Interactive
Did you know you can keep your toddler entertained while driving WITHOUT screens?
Help your toddler pass the time by pointing out the different sights you see on the way to and from your destination.
Cars, animals, buildings, trees. Point out everything you see!
Play I Spy, or try counting how many of a certain thing you can see. Anything you can do to involve your toddler with your surroundings will keep them busy.
Stop Often
We know. We say this everywhere you stop! But stopping is so important when traveling with toddlers.
When your toddler asks to take a break, let them. Take the time to get out of your car, stretch their legs, and run around.
Your toddler will be happier for it and you’ll appreciate their cheerful attitude while driving.
Common Toddler Road Trip Issues
No matter how well you plan, things will still go wrong. That’s just life, let alone life with toddlers.
Here are some of the most common issues you may face on your toddler road trip and how to handle them.
Tantrums
9 times out of 10 your toddler is having a tantrum because they are either bored, hungry, or tired. Identify what your child is in need of and give it to them.
If they’re hungry, offer them a snack. If they’re bored, hand them something new to play with. If they’re tired, either take a quick nap or ride it out for awhile.
The most important thing you can do during your toddler’s tantrum is to STAY CALM. Remember, it WILL pass.
Mess
Kids will make messes. You can’t avoid it.
But you can be prepared for it. Keep wipes, napkins, and a small trash bag easily accessible.
If you are really worried about messes, bring an extra change of your toddlers clothes and store it within reach.
Flexibility
Sometimes, things just don’t go as planned. Flights get delayed. Cars break down. Toddlers get carsick.
When these unpredictable things happen, just roll with it. Smile and stay positive, your toddler will feed off your mood.
Make Family Memories on Your Toddler Road Trip
When your toddler is happily entertained on your road trip, you’ll be surprised at how quickly the time flies.
Don’t let these opportunities for making memories pass you by.
Have Fun
Remind your toddler that they’re on an adventure. Build them up about your destination and what you will be doing when you get there.
It may even be fun for your toddler to keep an eye out for certain trucks on the highway or animals along your route.
Take Lots of Pictures/Videos
OK, you’re already gonna be doing this but take tons of pictures and videos of your toddler.
They will LOVE looking back on your family adventures. Even better, make your toddler a travel book with all of the pictures you take of them.
Reward Good Behavior
If your toddler makes it through a long stretch of the road without throwing a tantrum, reward them!
They will associate their good behavior with positive rewards and be more likely to listen the rest of the trip.
Choose Family Friendly Accommodations
Congratulations! Let’s say your toddler road trip was a HUGE success. You made it to your destination with hardly any problems.
If you will be staying away from home for more than one night, you will need to find a place to stay. Opt for family friendly hotels or vacation rentals.
Rentals are great because they allow your toddler more room to roam around and burn off excess energy.
Toddler Road Trip Safety
As always, safety is priority number one when traveling with your toddler.
Make sure their car seat is properly installed before you leave and NEVER leave your toddler alone in the car.
Try to keep any and all materials you may need throughout the day within arms reach so you won’t have to stop while driving.
If you start to feel tired, pull over and take a break.
The more toddler road trips you take, the better your toddler will learn how to behave on a long drive. The more they experience, the better they will learn!
Conclusion
Road trips with toddlers are never easy, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be enjoyable.
Driving with your toddler gives you an opportunity to spend some quality time with your child and create memories that will last a lifetime.
So grab the car keys and go on that adventure you’ve been waiting for. Your toddler will thank you.
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