You’re here because you wondering how to plan a road trip with a toddler. It’s not as daunting as you may think it is. Whether it’s a 16 hour road trip with a toddler or a cross country road trip with a toddler, you’ve come to the right place
Milan was only a few months old when we attempted out first road trip, and it wasn’t as bad as I thought.
Why?
Because we were VERY prepared. We made sure that we knew what we were getting ourselves into, and that we planned our entire trip so that we were comfortable enough.
Because we started road trips early with Milan, we’ve become pros, and I want to share all my secrets with you.
So if you’re planning a road trip with a toddler, look no further, I have you covered.
**By the way, this post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you. I only list products that I love and may have used myself. Thank you!**
1. Plan your Destination in Advance if you Want to Plan a Road Trip with a Toddler:
Before you set out on a road trip with a toddler, it is important to plan your journey in advance.
If you know where you’re going and how long the road trip will take. Then this makes planning for some of those unforeseen circumstances that can arise, much easier.
unforeseen circumstances?
Yes! Like those stinky and messy poop explosions, random hunger pangs, and bathroom breaks. Be prepared and know your route. Cuz you will stop, even if it wasn’t the plan.
When trying to plan a road trip with a toddler, search for potential stops such as gas stations, restaurants, and corner stores. You might even want to stop at a park so that your kiddo can expel all of their energy.
2. Pack a First Aid Kit if you Want to Plan a Road Trip With a Toddler
Toddlers and accidents come hand-in-hand.
Am I right?
when trying to plan a road trip with a toddler, prepare for any potential booboos by bringing a first aid kid when planning a road trip with a toddler.
First aid kitd aren’t only a good idea for toddlers, it’s just a smart idea in general to have one.
Be prepared for scraped knees and elbows, cuts, allergies and any other accidents that may come your way.
I love this first aid kit because it has everything you need, packed with 156 useful supplies.
Oh yeah one more thing…
I think it’s so important as a parent to know CPR. Last year I took a CPR course and I learned SO much from it.
The Online CPR and First Aid Certification. American Health Care Academy provides online CPR courses that specialize in infant and toddler CPR.
I love this course because you can do it in the comfort of your own home, and be fully certified.
Bottom line?
So when if you’re looking to plan a road trip with a toddler, think about taking that CPR course because any type of education is golden. Especially when it comes to the health and wellness of your little one.
3. Bring Snacks
I’m talkin’ snacks, on snacks, on snacks……on snacks.
When trying to plan a road trip with a toddler, make a list of your toddler’s favourite snacks and pack a bag filled with them.
If your toddler is anything like Milan, then he/she LOVES to snack.
I usually make a snack bag and fill it with all of Milan’s favourites.
Another good idea would be to bring a cooler and pack some fruits and anything else that needs to be kept cold.
Buying snacks before hand is so important.
Why?
Because you might not be able to find the ones that your toddler prefers wherever your destination is.
Also make sure to pack some snack cups for your toddler, so that it’s easier for them to eat them, and less mess.
Also make sure to pack a water bottle so that your little one can stay hydrated throughout the trip. You can check out the 12 best water bottle for kids here.
Here are some of my favourite toddler snack containers:
Skip Hop Grab & Go Stackable Storage Containers
$14.99
With interchangeable, twist-and-lock lids, The Skip Hop food storage containers can be used separately or stacked together and carried by the easy-grab top handle. Featuring indented bodies for an easier grip, the transparent containers let you easily view what’s inside. Explore our entire Infant Feeding Collection: Time-saving tools for smart prep and feeding—at home & on the go!
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Customizable
- Dishwasher safe
- Spill-resistent lids
Munchkin Lunch Bento Box
$29.99
Munchkin lunch bento box with utensils is here to rescue you from picky eating, lunch packing woes. Designed to fit small portions and small hands, our kids’ Bento box is what healthy school lunches are all about. Ditch disposable bags and pack lunch, snacks, treats and all in a bento-style box that’s as cute as it is practical. The 5 divided compartments ensure that foods won’t touch and are just the right mix of sizes for a kid-friendly, nutritious meal.
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Stainless steel utensils
- Dishwasher safe
- 5 divided compartments
melii Snap & Go Baby Food Storage Containers
$14.99
Make snacking fun by connecting the containers horizontally with your little one’s favourite treats! These airtight and leakproof containers help prevent spills when on-the-go!
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Freezer safe
- Leakproof containers
- Detachable and stackable
4. Think About Entertainment Ideas When Trying to Plan a Road Trip With a Toddler
Planning a road trip with a toddler? Bring a bag filled with toys and books, and make sure you have a variety.
This will also come in handy when you reach your destination and your little one has toys and books to play with during your stay.
Milan really loves his LeapFrog LeapTop, and we have taken it on many road trips. It’s such a fun and educational toy which teaches letters, numbers, and shapes.
It’s literally kept him busy for HOURS!
Not only that,
The Leapfrog Leaptop taught Milan his numbers, letters, and shapes. so it’s a win-win for us.
LeapFrog 2-in-1 LeapTop Touch
$23.99
Learning fun is a tap away with the LeapTop touch 2-in-1 laptop. Kids can learn about letters, numbers, music and more on a laptop that’s made just for them. Open the laptop to see the screen in keyboard mode, then close the laptop and watch the screen magically swivel into tablet mode. The laptop features an a-z keyboard and number buttons 1-10, while the tablet features a touch screen.
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Includes a large screen with 26 fun critter animations!
- The take-along handle makes it great for learning on the go!
- Five learning modes include ABCs, Numbers, Games, Music and Messages.
Also, bring an iPad for those “just in case” moments. There are tablets made just for kids which limits certain things they can use. I highly suggest investing in one.
Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet
$79.99
This tablet is great for toddlers and kids and includes a kid-proof case with built-in stand.
included is a 1 year of Amazon Kids+ gives your kids access to thousands of apps, games, books, videos, and educational content from Sesame Street, Nickelodeon, Disney, and more.
Create screen time limits, set educational goals, and filter content with easy-to-use parental controls.
Ages: 3-7 years old
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Vibrant 8” HD display
- Easy-to-use parental controls
- If it breaks, return it and they will replace it
5. Spend Time With Your Toddler in the Backseat
Put yourself in your toddlers shoes….
Imagine being stuck in a car for hours and staring at the back seat (for the toddlers who aren’t sitting front faced yet). But even those who are sitting front faced, it can get kinda lonely back there.
Don’t cha think?
Spend time with your little one in the back. Even if they’re busy playing with their toys or books.
You being there and keeping them company, will make them feel more comfortable knowing that you’re close by,
When your toddler eventually takes a nap, then use that as your cue to move to the front of the seat if you’d like to.
During our road trips with Milan, I used this as an opportunity to read books to him, chat with him, and even take a few cute car photos.
6. Create a Playlist
I know I know, toddler songs can be kinda boring and repetitive sometimes. But again, put yourself in your toddlers shoes.
And hey, maybe you have a toddler who prefers regular mainstream songs to toddler songs like Milan!
Either way,
Music makes everyone happy. Use music as a way to calm your toddler down if they’re in a grumpy mood.
Trust me, it works!
Before road trips I’d always make a playlist on Spotify with Milan’s favourite songs and it always made him so happy!
7. Start the Drive at Night When Trying to Plan a Road Trip With a Toddler
Now when I say this, I mean whoever is the driver MUST get an ample amount of rest before the drive.
But leaving at night during your toddlers sleep hours is a great way to road trip with a toddler.
Whether the road trip is 8 hours or15 hours. Lets say your toddler sleeps up to 8-12 hours a night, they will literally be sleeping most of the way there.
Again, if this is the case, make sure the driver has slept at least 8 hours and is refreshed before the drive.
oh yeah,
when trying to plan a road trip with a toddler, bring blankets and pillows, you’ll need them.
8. Keep a Bucket in the Car When Planning a Road Trip With a Toddler
Trust me, it might come in handy!
Let’s say your toddler eats something funny, eats too much, or gets car sick. He or she then pukes all over the car, on the car seat, on the window…
you get the point?
Keep a bucket handy for any puking accidents that might arise.
Hey, you might even need one for yourself if you tend to get car sick during road trips.
9. Let Your Toddler Move Their Body.
Toddlers generally have A LOT of energy. My advice is to take breaks, take them out of their car seat, and let them run around.
When trying to plan a road trip with a toddler, Google fun parks or playgrounds nearby, and perhaps even have a picnic outdoors while your little one runs around.
Yup, kill two birds with one stone…
You’ll definitely have a less cranky and less whiny toddler if you follow this tip.
10. Prepare Your Car
This is so important.
Why?
Because if you know where everything is, and everything is conveniently placed, it’ll make your life so much easier.
I LOVE those backseat organizers with the pockets and storage, it really comes in handy for long car rides.
You can place all of the items your toddler needs, and close by so that they can even grab things if they need to.
.
Car Seat Organizer (Pack of 2)
$28.88
This car seat organizer can be easily be installed & uninstalled in seconds. Also, the item is machine washable and makes you worry free after family travel.
Multiple different compartments to store things from tablets to toys to snack cups.
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Water proof
- Toy storage
- Machine washable
Also, keep a bag or a small carry on luggage that can be easily accessible.
You don’t want to be searching underneath a pile of stuff when you need important things like a change of clothes, diapers, wipes, etc…
Oh yeah,
Keep that first aid kit in the glove compartment or the middle compartment for easy access.
Also, when trying to plan a road trip with a toddler, make sure to remember to bring chargers. You don’t want a whiny and upset toddler because their tablet ran out of battery.
11. Invest in Roadside Assistance
I know it can be an extra added cost, but you never know what may happen.
You’d want help ASAP if stranded, especially knowing you have a toddler with you.
Road side assistance gives you more of a piece of mind just in case something happens a long the journey.
12. Split Driving Duties
No one wants to drive for long stretches at a time, absolutely no one.
Make sure you split driving duties with your significant other so that they can get some rest.
If you know your destination is going to be quite far, finding a hotel for the night is a great idea.
Expedia always has the best hotel deals, and this is what we use to book last minute hotel deals as we feel like they have the most fair prices.
If you want to save even more money, I suggest signing up for Rakuten.
Rakuten is a cash back app that is 100% free. It allows you to shop over 750 stores including websites like Expedia and earn cash back.
If you sign up and use my special link and spend $30, you’ll get $30 back in cash back (pretty cool right?)
So here you go folks.
Whether you’re trying to plan a road trip with a baby, or a toddler, these tips are sure to help your journey be a more smooth one.
I hope this list gives you more piece of mind when planning a road trip with a toddler. It’s not as scary as you think it is if you remember to do one thing, BE PREPARED!
Happy road trippin’
Do you have any other tips on how to plan a road trip with a toddler? Comment below