Not So Crafty Momma

We love to travel! Road trips, both big and small, have a special place in our hearts. When our daughter was tiny, she was pretty easy to just pack up and take anywhere we wanted to go. Now that she is firmly into the active toddler stage, things have gotten a bit more challenging, but definitely not impossible! Today, we want to pass along some tips that we use to pull off a successful road trip with our toddler.

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Pack Accordingly

Packing is an essential part of road trip preparation. It is important to make a list in advance so that you do not forget anything that you may need. While exactly what you will need to pack will vary trip by trip, we have a few items that we do not leave without! One of our most essential items is our daughters iPad. Her grandparents gave it to her mostly for car trips! If you do not currently have a tablet for your toddler and are on a bit of a budget, the Kindle is a great choice as well. Depending on the age of your little one, coloring books are also a great thing to bring. Our next road trip essentials are snacks and drinks. You can stop along the way to buy both of those things, but it just costs so much more. A soft cooler can keep your drinks cool without taking up too much room. Lastly, we like to be prepared with a first aid kit, sunscreen, and a flashlight. You never know when something might not go as planned.

Plan For Additional Stops

You will want to stop much more frequently than you would if your toddler was not on the trip with you. Even if it is not time for a diaper change or potty break, small children need time to get out and move a little bit.

For Longer Trips, Drive at Night

When you are taking really long trips and have two adults who can drive, traveling at night is a great way to cut down the time you have to entertain your toddler. It also will get you to your destination faster and save money because you will not have to pay for a hotel. There are a few drawbacks to this, like that you may miss out on seeing some sights along the way, so you will have to decide if this is the best driving method for your family.

We hope these tips can be helpful for your next road trip! Do you have a tip you’d like to share with us? Please leave it below!