Tips for road trips with toddlers. We do not travel very often, besides the occasional camping weekend a few towns over. But does driving an hour to camp actually count as traveling?
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When you have two toddlers, then yes it 100% counts! Next week, we have a road trip to the Outer Banks for a late summer beach vacation. I am looking forward to relaxing, but not sure how I am feeling about the road trip there.
It will take us about eight hours to get there. That’s without stops and pee breaks. And since my oldest is out of diapers we will be stopping quite often for a pee break. (Here are my techniques on Potty Training.)
Boy, can I hear the “Are we there yet?” questions already. Oliver has the perfect shirt for the occasion!
Tips for Road Trips
So, with that long road trip ahead of us, we need to be prepared to keep the kiddos entertained. Here are some tips for road trips with toddlers.
1. Drive during bedtime
If at all possible drive during your kids’ bedtime. You can wake up early and hit the road before traffic backs up the highway. Hopefully, your kid will sleep while you are driving.
2. Pack some tasty snacks
Toddlers always seem to be hungry. Packing snacks for in between meals can help keep them entertained. You can also get snack cups that have a flexible lid that allows little hands to grab snacks out and less likely to be dumped everywhere.
Here is a list of some toddler approved snacks.
3. Make sure to have drinks
Although you want to avoid making extra pit stops, your toddlers still need something to drink. Pack a cooler with some water bottles or juices. Use these cups to avoid any spills. Also, you can throw in some snacks like apple slices or carrot sticks.
4. Electronics
Please don’t judge, but electronics help! Whether it be popping in a DVD to watch a movie or play some games on an Ipad, these tips will give us a couple of hours of (maybe) some peace and quiet.
Here are some travel friendly electronics:
5. Pack the essentials
Make sure to bring the items that your little one will need to feel comfortable, a lovey or blanket. Also, with being in the middle of a pandemic, make sure to have extra hand sanitizer and extra face masks.
My boys also like to wear hats and sunglasses, plus they double as toys to keep them occupied.
Conclusion
I know road trips are stressful for some and can be even more stressful with kids. But plan ahead and make sure you have things to keep kiddos entertained.
Plus, it is a good idea to stop every now and then to stretch legs and walk around a bit. It is hard for kids to sit still for long periods of time.
Hopefully you found something useful to help your road trip with toddlers. Leave a comment below with something you need for a road trip.
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20 Comments
Amber Myers
Oh gosh, I was never a fan of traveling with small kids. My kids would be entertained for about 2 hours and then they’d get bored no matter what I did. They’re older and better now!
Julia Hess
I could never imagine flying with toddlers, driving stresses me out enough.
Fabulous Perks
My friends literally went to the Outer Banks last weekend. I decided not to go last minute because I didn’t want to drive 2 hrs. They said it was amazing there.
Julia Hess
Oh this makes me even more excited to go! I hope the weather is nice.
Chin chin
Some toddlers like to sleep during road trips. But for very long trips, having something to eat, watch or listen to would certainly help keep the little ones occupied.
Julia Hess
I am hoping ours will sleep as long as possible. But I know my oldest will be up as soon as the sun rises.
Lyosha
I think it’s a great idea to start at young age. It gets you comfortable with maintaining same lifestyle you had before and building even stronger bond with your child. plus the easier you kid is with road trips the easier ti is for you in future
Julia Hess
So very true. I never thought of it like that. Gets them more accustomed to trips.
Nyxie
Excellent tips. Although I have no kids I couldn’t agree more with the driving during bedtime. A drive was the quickest thing to put me over to sleep as a kid and I’m pretty sure it’s still a very quick way of getting me to go to sleep.
Julia Hess
I sure hope ours sleep! I might need my sleep as well.
Priya|how to be a positive parent
That’s a very handy list for all parents with toddlers, Even though travelling with toddlers is a nightmare , sometimes you have just got to do it. Driving during kids bedtime is a very good tip.
Julia Hess
Yea I am sure it is going to be a good time. lol It will be a long 8 hrs.
Sophia
I don’t have a toddler yet but these tips are all good to know. I think trying to keep somewhat of a routine for them can help a lot.
Julia Hess
Keeping a routine is a great suggestion. It is crazy how kids need a daily routine.
FaB News
I love to travel and for me every move from the starting point is always interesting and different. The post is very useful and I like it. It is very informative and concrete.
Julia Hess
Yes, I feel as if traveling is always an adventure. Thank you.
Nina Bosken
I remember taking road trips with my parents way before electronics were a thing. My parents just made the car super fun with books, coloring books and other activities. And of course we had lots of snacks. Kids nowadays are so lucky to be able to just watch something while on a road trip.
Julia Hess
So very true. So easy to pop in a movie and just relax while driving for kids.
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