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Long car rides are going to look different for each family based on the age of their child. For some people, a long car ride is 2 hours, while other people are planning a 12-hour drive.
Take the tips and tricks that apply to your child based on their specific age and interests as well as what will work best based on the length of time you will be on the road.
Let’s jump right into how you can survive a long car ride with you toddler!
Activities to Bring in the Car
-Window Stickers
–Doodle Board (make sure the pen can attach to the board)
-Regular Books
–Water Pen Book (these are great!)
-Flashcards on a Ring
When it comes to toys and physical activities to keep your toddler busy the goal is to find items that have very few pieces if any at all. We want things that will not get lost all over the vehicle or frequently dropped. If your kiddo is properly strapped in a car seat they cannot reach down for fallen items so that is on you.
Most of the items above can be used for a wide range of ages.
For example, the doodle board. If your toddler is quite young they may just do scribbles, once they are a bit older they can practice drawing shapes, letters, and numbers, and finally, if they are ready you could ask them to write out words or solve math problems.
You could also ask them to draw a scene such as a horse by a tree with a barn nearby. That one item has infinite uses.
Again the goal is to pick activities with very few pieces.
Entertainment without Items
There are so many ways to entertain your toddler without physical items. Maybe your drive is so long they have lost interest in the items you packed. Maybe they keep dropping items in protest. Whatever the case here are a few things you can do to keep them busy.
-Play I Spy
-Sing Songs (Little Tea Pot, Head shoulders Knees and Toes, Happy and You Know It, Twinkle Twinkle, etc)
-Count
-Recite Days of the Week
-Talk about the Weather
-Look for Cars of a Specific Color
-Look for Specific Types of Cars like Motorcycles
-Tell a Made Up Story (ask them to tell you a story)
-Name and Point to Body Parts
Some of the activities listed above are better for younger toddlers. They can quickly lose interest in physical objects. Singing songs is easy to do, a great distraction, and infinite. You can always come up with more songs to sing.
Quiet Time and Boredom
I want to throw this in as a reminder to parents. You do not have to entertain your child at all times. Do you remember being a kid and just staring out the window on long drives?
I always found it extremely peaceful!
I actually liked it. You could just let your mind relax and wonder on its own.
Do not be afraid to allow for quiet moments. Maybe you turn the radio on and have it playing softly. Let your kiddo simply look out the window and space out.
This also gives them an opportunity to fall asleep.
Electronics
I am not one to start with electronics. We currently do not have a vehicle that has a TV in it. I’m sure that will change soon though. We did recently go on a 5-hour drive with grandpa though and he has a TV in his van.
I am not going to lie, it was nice to have, but it didn’t totally do it for my toddler.
They are just not a huge movie lover. Now, something that does hold my toddler’s attention is a signing time video. She loves learning new signs and singing along.
When it comes to movie selection I recommend picking movies with a great soundtrack if the parents will be listening. I do realize some children will listen to movies with headphones on.
Also, change it up with educational content. It can really hold their interest.
Maybe it is a video like the Signing Time or something they can play on an IPad like ABC Mouse.
When it comes to a long drive it is up to you how much time is spent on electronics. Sometimes you have to do what it takes to get through.
Comfort during the Drive
Another important aspect of a long car ride involves keeping your toddler comfortable.
Think about the weather and what they need to wear.
What temperature will you have the car set at? If dad is going to blast the AC consider that your toddler may get chilly.
If weather appropriate I recommend putting your child in a long sleeve shirt. This is much easier they trying to have them cram in their car seat with a jacket or try to keep a blanket on them.
They may want to take a blanket as a comfort item still though.
Put them in shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
Pick comfortable stretchy pants rather than jeans.
Another comfort idea is to let them sleep with a neck pillow. I cannot attest to if this is deemed safe in a car seat. A lot of people put the pillow behind the neck, but it is actually designed to go in front. This way when you lean forward to sleep your face has somewhere to land.
Again I cannot say if this is considered safe in the car seat, but it could be more comfortable.
Food & Snacks in the Car
Try to pack food and snack that are not overly messy in the car. Avoid crackers that create lots of crumbs.
For example, a bag of Cheez-Its would be less messy than a couple of full graham crackers.
Some other ideas include pretzels, animal crackers, certain fruits or vegetables, fruit snacks, and small cookies.
Pick items that are bite-sized. Pack them in small quantities. Do not give your toddler a huge bag or helping. If they drop it you will have a huge mess.
Another thing to watch out for is sticky snacks that could melt in the heat. This would include fruit snacks or raisins.
If you can keep a small cooler up front you could keep items like cheese sticks or deli meat.
We are typically not fans of eating in the car, but on a road trip, we make the exception. You may consider feeding your toddler full meals in the car. Then when you make stops along your journey instead of eating they can walk around or play.
Take McDonald’s for example, if your toddler ate a full meal in the car then at McDonald’s the adults can eat while your toddler gets to enjoy the play place. This gives them the opportunity to move as much as possible while they are out of the car seat.
I recommend for long car trips you stick with water to drink. Milk can go sour and juices can get sticky. Water is one less mess to worry about. It is easy to refill and a healthy choice.
9 Strategies and Tips for Travel
1. Always get Gas
Just about every time you stop you should get gas. This way if you find yourself with a sleeping toddler you don’t have to make a stop because the tank is getting low.
2. Potty Breaks
Every time you stop everyone should use the restroom. I feel like this is common knowledge on a road trip.
3. Clean Out
When you make stops take a few minutes to discard all trash in the car. This will help keep things clean or organized throughout your trip.
4. Reset and Rotate Toys
Whenever you stop consider getting out new toys and putting away toys that are not holding your toddler’s interest. Keep the car fresh and organized by doing so. Surprise them with new activities along your journey.
5. Sit-Down Restaurants
When you stop for meals try to find a way to get your toddler moving. If you go to a sit-down restaurant have one parent stay at the table while the other is walking around with the toddler. Hit the restroom during this time and literally keep them moving until your food arrives.
6. Parks
If you go fast food consider finding a local park. Go through the drive-through or get carry-out. Take it to a park where your toddler can play.
We have done this and loved it. The park we stopped at also had restrooms that were unlocked. Have your passenger look up parks on your route. Sometimes you can view pictures or read reviews to see if there is a restroom. You can also do so at the fast food restaurant.
7. Indoor Play Lands
If the weather is not appropriate to be outside try to find somewhere with an indoor play land. I am not going to say it is healthy to eat all this fast food, but the play lands really are an attractive option for allowing your toddler to play. Try to give them healthy snacks if you know your meals are not going to be the greatest.
8. Set a Timer
If you know your toddler can play for hours at a park or play land you could set a timer on your phone. If you ever use timers at home they will understand this concept.
9. Make them Walk
Every time you stop and go anywhere make your toddler walk! You could be walking in the restaurant, gas station, or to a park. Do not carry them. Every step is good for them! Hold their hand and keep them safe, but make them walk!
Conclusion
Road trips and long drives are not easy with a toddler. Be prepared and strategize along the way. Expect moments of struggle along the way. When you do experience these rough moments try to change it up. Offer a new toy or a snack. Try singing a song you know they love.
Just keep racking your brain and you will be just fine.
Good luck to you on your trip! Make it a fun adventure!
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