Traveling with toddlers can be easy and fun. you can make an airplane trip or car ride fun. we have traveled with our toddler in the car and it was a nice trip. From a two hour trip to a 14 hour trip. It can be done, EASILY. First of all moms and dads, don’t be nervous about the upcoming trip. I would dread our family trips until I would made myself sick. It’s not necessary. Toddlers do get bored quickly, but trying some of my tips may just help your trip. why not give it a try?

* One important thing to keep in mind. If your child does experience driving sickness than you should consult your physician before you travel. *

Necessary Items you will need on a car trip.

1. Portable DVD player and their favorite movies. VERY IMPORTANT! If you are blessed to have a vehicle where the DVD players are built in. Great for you. for those of us who are not, there are the portable players. you can even purchase a bag that straps the player to the back of the front seat. making it easier for your toddler to see and keeps it out of your way. This is worth it’s weight in gold. Truly. Don’t forget to bring their favorite movies.
2. Their favorite CD’s. Laurie Berkner is truly a saving grace. It’s fun to ride in the car and listen to their music and sing with them. They’ll love it.
3. Snacks Snacks and more snacks. need I say more than that? you know what they like. When your traveling with toddlers, have plenty of snacks. you can always stop somewhere along the road but it’s better to be prepared and have enough
4. Cooler filled with ice and cold drinks. our family always travels with a cooler. With or without kids, but especially with kids. Fill with juice, water and everything to meet your needs.
5. Favorite blanket or stuffed animal etc. Anything to help them remember home and feel comforted.
6. Books. They’ll like to look and read. Especially the sound books. those really help.
7. changes of clothes. you have to be able to adapt to temperature changes, or even for those spills on clothes. Especially if traveling through different states. Keep a jacket handy. Try to put “easy take off” shoes on your child. They can be taken off easily and put on in a hurry also. When your traveling with toddlers you have to be prepared for anything.
8. New toys. go to the Dollar Store and buy some new toys. purchase a bunch of cheap little dollar toys. These toys will help when your child becomes restless. the toys will help focus their attention on something other than the car.

What to do with a restless Toddler in the car?

• Don’t do anything until they start getting restless. we have made the mistake of putting in a movie at the start of our journey. WRONG!!. Drive for a bit first. They may fall asleep or be content for an hour or so. When traveling with toddlers, you just have to wait until they get fussy.
• When they do begin to get restless, then it’s movie time. Depending on their age, this will distract them for some time. I mean most toddlers don’t really watch a whole movie. Now my son will. If your child doesn’t, keep putting in the 30 minute cartoons etc.
• Bring out one of the new toys that you purchased. It will keep them occupied. Even allow your child to open up the package themselves. They will love it. Even if it is only for 15 minutes. It does help.
• Give your toddler a snack. This is an easy one. the snacks will calm them, even if for a moment. Try and give them the less messy snacks like fruit snacks first.
• After about two hours of driving stop at a rest stop. let your toddler run and play. It does extend your trip, but that’s how it is when your traveling with toddlers. Don’t you agree? I personally don’t like traveling by car. a road trip with my family takes much longer. we like to stop at malls or landmarks in different cities or states. maybe your family could try this too. If you’re not in a big hurry to get to your destination, then don’t be.
• Put in one of their favorite CDS. my son loves Laurie Berkner. he would listen to it over and over. the whole family joins in and sings. It’s Fun!
• Books. the touch and sound books are great. They can sit in their car seat and play with the book. *Extra tip* These books are great to use when you go to the store and not just for traveling with toddlers. Your toddler will sit in the shopping cart longer, playing with these books.
• Try giving them another new toy. sometimes new and different toys will distract them. Just pull one new toy out at a time. This will buy you some time, even if only for 15 minutes.

These traveling with toddlers tips may or may not work for everyone. They did for our family. I would like to say again that traveling by a car, even agitates some adults, myself included. So can you imagine how a toddler feels sitting in their car seat? After a few hours I’m sure they are miserable. I would prefer to travel by airplane.

Another idea is the suggestion I stated earlier. maybe make your trip longer. Meaning, give yourself more travel time. Take an extra day to get to your destination. stop along the way. Check out different historical sites. Try some Malls or even flea markets. we enjoy doing this as a family. get on the internet before your trip and find different places to stop on the way. I feel it is better than doing an 8 hour trip straight through and only stopping for gas.

From my family to yours we wish you a safe trip. Remember when your traveling with toddlers, it doesn’t have to be hectic. you can look forward to your vacation, and traveling by car. more importantly, you can enjoy it even if you have a toddler.