5 Tips for Long Road Trips With Toddlers

Having the family go on a road trip is fun, educational, and beneficial for the entire household. The long hours spent on the road provides plenty of opportunities to observe and learn from each other and from their surroundings. It is especially helpful to toddlers because seeing new places opens their eyes to a whole new world.

During a road trip, a toddler can expand his vocabulary as he listens to conversation around him. It can improve his visual skills and perception as he quickly absorbs images that catch his eye while the car moves down the road. He can also work on his patience and gain more control of his emotions as he begins to understand that he is limited to what is inside the car for a certain period of time.

However, the thought of staying inside a car for hours with a small child can be daunting to most people. There are so many things to take note of, plus it is challenging to have to keep a toddler entertained for hours. But it is not an impossible task, and considering all the benefits that your family will be getting out of it, a road trip is worth looking into.

As long as you make adequate preparations, a road trip with your toddler can be quite an enjoyable and memorable experience. Here, we list down 5 tips you can do when going on a long road trip with your toddler.

Pack Extra Supplies

When traveling with a toddler, it is always a good idea to bring more than enough supplies of everything they need.  Aside from the basics such as clothes, diapers, snacks, milk, prepare for contingencies and pack a first aid kit, insect repellents, and skincare products.

Pack your contingencies in small containers or in a sectioned bag, making it easier to search for them when needed. Instead of stuffing it in the trunk, bring the bag with you and keep it within reach.

Plan Your Stopovers

Once you have decided on a destination, look over the route and carefully select the places where you can make stops. This way, you can time the stops according to your toddler’s body clock so the trip will not be very disorienting for them.

The stopovers will give you better space for feeding, changing his diapers, and letting him play a bit on the ground. Having frequent stops will break the monotony of the road trip, as well as allow your toddler to stretch his muscles and allow him to move freely.

Use Comfortable Car Seats

Safety should always be the priority when going on the road. Aside from getting your car checked before the trip, install a proper car seat for your child to ensure his safety and comfort. There are different types of car seats, and you should get the one that is suitable for your toddler’s age, height, and weight.

After checking the specifications, read the manual and have it installed properly.  Secure the seat properly at the back of the car, then test if it is shaky or push it to see if it will move more than one inch.

Remove bulky clothing before placing them on the car seat as this may make them feel stifled. It could also hinder the straps from working properly. Since they tend to fall asleep often, having a seat head support for toddlers would prevent their head from slumping and help them have a good rest during the trip.

Keep Them Entertained

Toddlers have very short attention spans, and they get tired of doing one activity after some time.  You should be prepared to quickly switch from one activity to another to keep them from getting bored and possibly throwing a tantrum.

While researching for the trip, don’t forget to include the entertainment. Aside from bringing their toys and books, also look for new movies and download apps that kids would like. Bring audio books and check out fun new activities that your toddler can do with you while in the car.

If you want to be more creative, you can make games out of the things you use and see during the trip.  Instead of just feeding them their snacks, turn it into a mini game by making shapes or building a story around them.  Play a guessing game with objects you spot on the road. Or ask them to look around and describe the things they see.

Time Your Trip

Plan your time on the road around your toddler’s regular sleeping hours. Babies take several naps during the day, and it is usually on a consistent schedule. Set off around the time when he normally dozes off, and just let him sleep in the car seat. The soft shaking of the car while in motion can even help lull him to sleep. His nap times during the trip will give you a chance to relax and recharge, giving you enough energy to keep him entertained again when he wakes up.