Traveling with toddlers can be a little intimidating. Some people veer away from traveling, because obviously it is a lot of work when you have toddlers or babies with you. We are about to take a 10 and a half hour road trip with both our boys.(2&4) Call us crazy but I can not wait. We have done a lot of roadtrip with our oldest and he has always been pretty great in the car, but now that he is older the “are we there yet?!” happens when we drive 20 minutes. haha. Our 2 year old doesn’t do as well as our 4 year old used to, so I was a little worried so I am going in over prepared. I thought I would share things that have helped us, and items I bought specifically for this trip.
SNACKS- When you think you brought enough snacks.. bring more! Bring their favorite snack and drinks to keep them full so they are never saying they want to stop and get food. Snacks are lifesavers!
LEAVE DURING NAPS- I know this isn’t always possible, but leaving right at naps makes things so much easier. Most road trips we have been on they have slept more than have the trip, or the whole trip if your trip isn’t so long. This goes for flights too.. if you can plan a flight to be when your child is suppose to nap makes flying that much easier.
COMFY CLOTHES- Seems like common sense, but let your kiddos be cozy on the trip.
STOPPING- Okay my husband wishes we never did this but it helps SO much every time. We always stop and when we do we let the boys out to walk around or grab food. I know it makes it more difficult to get the kids out on a stop, but it will pay off. We always just let them walk and grab food in one stop.
TOYS- Every trip we have gone on I always go to target and grab a couple small toys that are new, and a new no mess coloring pad. These are both perfect for the car and plane. Bringing a new toy they have never seen keeps them entertained and excited. I also let them pick a few things they love from home and bring in a backpack.
ELECTRONICS- Electronics are definitely a last resort for us, but I feel like if this helps you get through the drive do it. Our oldest has watched our phone on road trips and it has saved us. This will be our first trip both the boys will have a iPad with them. Also, we always download a movie onto the iPad before a trip so that they can watch it in no service zones or on the air plane.
WHAT WE PACKED FOR THE ROAD!
ELECTRONICS-
Each boy is bringing an iPad and I got these kids cases that are awesome. They also are each bringing these headphones… they fit both my boys and come in other colors as well.
COLORING-
We love the color wows and the mess free coloring pads that are both mess free. We use these even at home, but they are perfect for on the go! We also have these magnetic little books that are awesome as well.
MISC.-
Are favorite water bottles that we always have on hand. We used this since Dekker was little, and love them. I am so excited to put this carseat play tray to use! This is so perfect for the car because they can actually play on it, set their iPad on it, and even put food on it. I got the one with the car tracks, but there are so many options.
TOYS-
A couple toys we are bringing are some toy cars I let them pick out at target, but they aren’t allowed to play with them yet. I also packed a little “surprise” bag toy that they will get when I feel like it is necessary. I am packing our magnetic tiles, because these are our most used toys and they will be perfect with their carseat tray. I also am letting them pick a few things from home that I know will actually be played with in the car.
