Today we are on our way to Tennessee for a homeschool convention. We have done quite a bit of traveling as family, starting when our daughter, Isa, was only a few months old. Traveling with littles can be intimidating so I wanted to share some tips and ideas. Now I know we only have one toddler, so I also checked in with my SIL who has 3 children under 3 and they have done quite a bit of road-tripping with all 3 of them. I asked for her input and most of her answers were about the same as mine!
First off, remember that it won’t be perfect, no matter how well you plan, you may still have melt downs. If your child will sleep in a car seat, traveling overnight can make the trip a lot easier (you do need to be prepared though, if for some reason your littles decide they don’t want to sleep that night. It happens).
1. Entertainment: Keep a box by the car seat(s) that are easily accessible to your littles OR if you are within reach of your child, put a few items by them and then hand them “new surprises” when they need something new! Fill the box/bag with books and items that will entertain your child; books or toys that are new to them are often a hit! Try books with lots of flaps, beautiful pictures, and subjects that they like. “Toys” that will entertain toddlers, don’t always have to be toys.
Especially if they are older infants or younger toddlers; items like a tv remote (no batteries), calculator, recyclable coffee lids (this one has worked great on multiple trips for our daughter), a spool of thread, a syringe, and random toys that are new to them will entertain them for longer!
Different types of sketch and drawing pads can be very handy for toddlers 2+ (age depends on the the child, some products say 3+, but we (my SIL and I) have found that we have been able to introduce some of these as early as 1.5 years. Our kids have loved all of the below products.
Toys such as Magnetic Dress-Up Dolls, Lace and Trace Cards, or a camera can keep older toddlers (3 or 4 years) occupied! The VTECH camera contains simple games, where the kids camera does not.
2. Plan for Emergencies! Pack supplies such as a bucket, bags, paper towels, LOTS of wipes, and an emergency kit. For young children, bringing a portable potty can be a game changer! We use this and keep it in the back with wipes and toilet paper. Also, even though she is potty trained, we put our daughter in a diaper for trips over 2 hours. She normally gives us enough warning, but it prevents accidents in case you can’t stop, or your child falls asleep.
3. Snacks, Snacks, and more Snacks!!!! Seriously. We don’t have a ton of snacks at home, but when we are traveling, we don’t really put a limit on the snacks. We DO try to leave with full bellies, so that we don’t start snacking right away. Pack a cooler and a big bag of snacks that is easily accessible. Try and pack things that are a special treat, or that your child doesn’t get very often (but keep in mind- a lot of sugary snacks and being in the car all day could make things worse).
Some examples of what we may pack: Cheese sticks, Olives, Pickles (yes our 3 year old loves olives and pickles haha), blueberries, popcorn, and crackers. We have also done peanut butter and banana sandwiches (not quite as messy as PB&J).
4. Music & Audiobooks. Have a playlist or albums prepared ahead of time of songs that your child really loves and songs that they have not heard before. In our car, Veggietales albums are some of the favorites to listen to right now. Audiobooks or radio shows often work for older kids, but some younger kids may enjoy them as well. My husband and I enjoy listening to Adventures in Odyssey. Even though our daughter is only 3 she enjoys it as well, and we alternate it with music.
5. Screen Time: In our home screen time is typically pretty limited, but for long trips it really can come in handy. We typically use it as our last resort, after every other option has been used, but we don’t set a limit on it. We have an IPAD that we download a movie or two and a few episodes for her. We have also FaceTimed friends or family when things get very rough, as this typically works for a quick distraction.
Some other thoughts: even when they are little, communicate with them about where you are going and what they are going to do and make the destination exciting to them! Whenever you get gas or take adult potty breaks try and give your kids opportunities to stretch and walk, with clear reminders that it is only for a few minutes. Even when things get stressful try to remain calm, have a good attitude, and get creative with ways that you can redirect their attention. When road-tripping with littles: “Prepare for the worst; Hope for the Best!” 😉
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