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Road trips with kids – toddler road trip essentials

15/11/2017 By Savanna Robinson 13 Comments

road trip with kids - toddler road trip essentialsWe recently took a car trip to Canberra from Sydney with our toddler to see Floriade in Canberra. As we journeyed, these are the thoughts and ideas that came to me about surviving a long car trip with a toddler and other kids. (And yes, some of this did happen to us! ) So here are my musings on road trips with kids and toddler road trip essentials to make your trip more enjoyable. Road trips with kids -toddler road trip essentials

Musings on road trips with kids.

Be well rested beforehand! A long drive and a cranky toddler is not something to handle on little sleep. Same goes for older kids who like to ask hundreds of questions.

Don’t let your toddler take off with one of their drink bottles before you leave the house. It will get left behind! Thank goodness you packed another! Road trips with kids -toddler road trip essentials

Similarly for the older children, check that they have all things they require for the trip packed, as heading back home after an hour’s driving is not a nice option.

Train your children to like music you don’t mind listening to. Otherwise you’ll be stuck listening to the same album of children’s songs for hours on end! Or with older children give them a listening device and earphones. Road trips with kids -toddler road trip essentials

Don’t put on moisturiser before feeding them at least 2 snacks. It is nearly impossible to open a packet of biscuits with your hands all smooth!

When you stop at McDonalds (as let’s face it, it’s one of the only regular stops on Australian Highways where you can get food fast enough to appease the ravenous toddler who just finished biscuits, a cheese Stringer and a banana), DON’T let the toddler catch sight of the children’s playground if you don’t have time for a play session. There will be major tantrums!! Road trips with kids -toddler road trip essentials

Be prepared for the toddler to practise a variety of vocalisations in an attempt to amuse themselves.

If you stop and wake toddler for a break stop, it is doubtful they will sleep for the rest of the day. Choose carefully!

For the older kids pack some games they can play in the car without needing your help (particularly if you will be the only adult in the car). Lists of things they need to find can be good for those who are able to read. Electronic devices such as tablets or music players are very handy for game apps or movies to watch, providing they are charged before leaving. (Remember to pack all chargers for them too!) Road trips with kids -toddler road trip essentials

Toddler road trip essentials

  • Pack a snack bag with things that are easily managed by your toddler, and that won’t be too messy. Some things you could include: biscuits, cheese Stringers, yoghurt pouches, fruit, muesli bars, water bottle.
  • Take a small basket of toys for the car trip and the time away. Nothing with little tiny pieces that can easily get lost. Of course, this basket will be upended to be used as a drum 30 minutes into the trip.
  • Have a back seat mirror on the back headrest for your rear facing child. You can see them, and they can see you. Saves on the screaming! (well …sometimes it does. Let’s face it, sometimes these toddlers just want to experiment with screaming).
  • A change of clothes in the nappy bag for drink bottle spills or nappy explosions is a great idea!
  • A sleeping bag, blanket and comfort toy for bedtime can give familiarity to a strange location. Order a cot/crib for your toddler too if available.
  • Take toddler-sized sunglasses as they will grizzle if the sun is in their eyes too long! Road trips with kids -toddler road trip essentials

Hopefully following some of these tips, your next road trip with kids will be enjoyable. What essential thing do you think is required on a car trip with kids? Comment below. Road trips with kids -toddler road trip essentials

Ever wonder why toddlers act the way they do? Check out here.

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Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: mumlife, toddlers

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Comments

  1. AvatarJeannie says

    16/11/2017 at 10:04 pm

    I like the idea of training your hold to listen to good music. We’ve done the repeat of kiddy songs on short trips and it gets old quick!

    Reply
  2. Avatarcandice says

    16/11/2017 at 10:41 pm

    Love your tips:-)

    Reply
  3. AvatarKristi says

    17/11/2017 at 1:13 am

    Very helpful! I’m definitely remembering this for our next trip!

    Reply
  4. AvatarDeedra Gibson says

    17/11/2017 at 1:52 am

    Great Ideas! Love your site.

    Reply
  5. AvatarToni | Dr Toni DDS says

    17/11/2017 at 3:36 am

    These are some helpful tips! I have traveled with my 4 and 1-year-old and I know that if I had everything you listed, life would have been a little better for all of us. 🙂 I totally agree with the McDonald’s playground!! That has caused a 1-hour meltdown on a recent road trip.

    Reply
  6. AvatarMelissa says

    17/11/2017 at 9:17 am

    Great tips! We haven’t conquered any long trips since she was 2 months, so I’m taking mental notes now!

    Reply
    • AvatarSavanna Robinson says

      20/11/2017 at 1:39 pm

      I found it really easy when she was really little. But as they get more mobile it takes more to keep them occupied.

      Reply
  7. AvatarAmy says

    20/11/2017 at 9:51 am

    Useful tips! I like to take a bag of lollies on long trips and every time the kids do something awful or fight, I throw a few out the window…really helps?

    Reply
    • AvatarSavanna Robinson says

      20/11/2017 at 1:37 pm

      ?? I’d probably end up forgetting they were for the kids and eat them

      Reply
  8. AvatarMarcella says

    25/11/2017 at 1:18 am

    I love your tips they are very useful. Snacks are always good occupation for the kids 😀

    Reply
    • AvatarSavanna Robinson says

      25/11/2017 at 8:48 am

      Snacks are always the answer for my youngest one.

      Reply

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  1. Why toddlers drive us crazy (or at least a little bit nutty) says:
    03/07/2018 at 1:36 pm

    […] Road trips with kids – toddler road trip essentials […]

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  2. Cruising with toddlers -10 tips for amusing toddlers on a cruise - Sparkly Bright Eyes says:
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