Five Tips to Surviving Long Car Rides with Toddlers

Originally posted on October 11, 2015

Mommies, if you do decide to take that trip, here are a few tips to make things much easier on you…because we know who ends up doing the brunt of the work and having the most stress…

As the holidays are quickly approaching, you may be thinking about potential travel and whether or not to take the 3 hour car ride to your relatives’ house.  Here are some tips to ease the anxiety of traveling with toddlers.

Get organized – Make a list a few days in advance of everything you need for the trip.  As you pack items, cross them off the list, and then, by the day of the trip, you will have less packing stress.  Keep your list handy as you are packing the car too, as you don’t want to leave an irreplaceable sleep time toy at home

Travel when traffic is light – If you can help it, don’t travel during rush hour…children seem to get really frustrated in traffic (as do Mommies), so if you can, plan travel time at an off hour.

Travel during nap time – Try to travel during nap time.  It’s much easier to tolerate a long car ride when the little ones are asleep.  Don’t forget to give the children their favorite stuffed animal when you get into the car to soothe them and help them sleep. When they wake up, make sure you have a drink and a snack ready.

Plan music or movies in advance – Try a children’s music radio station online or grab a children’s music CD.  Pop on a kids station and the songs should keep the kids entertained.  If you are having movie time, make sure that you download new movies prior to your trip to keep the kids interested.

Bring snacks – Make sure you pack drinks and snacks for the children.  Try organic fruit and veggie pouches, milk boxes and animal crackers.

Good luck Mommies!  Preparation eliminates stress.  Travel safe.

xx MommieMix