Navigating long car trips with a toddler can be a challenge. They’re no longer babies who sleep for hours, but they’re not quite old enough to entertain themselves for long stretches. How do you survive a multi-hour drive with these energetic little explorers?
My daughter is generally pretty good on long car trips (I’m talking 3 to 4 hours here), but some strategic planning and good timing are still essential before we hit the road. I’ve learned a few things along the way, so I thought I’d share my car trip tips for young toddlers:
- Pack the day before. Don’t leave packing until the morning of your trip. Pack as much as you can the day before you leave. This is especially important for camping trips where you have a lot of gear and equipment to organize. Getting this done ahead of time reduces stress and minimizes the chance of forgetting something important in the morning rush.
- Stick to the morning routine. Start the day as usual to avoid disrupting your toddler’s routine too much. Keeping things familiar can prevent meltdowns before you even leave the house. For example, if your toddler usually eats breakfast at 7 am and then has some playtime, stick to that schedule. A happy, settled toddler is a much better travel companion.
- Keep essentials within reach. Make sure you pack a separate, easily accessible bag that contains everything you’ll need for the journey itself. This should include nappies, changing supplies, plenty of snacks, drinks, a variety of toys, wipes, a sunhat, a change of clothes, etc. You don’t want to be digging through a large suitcase on the side of the road to find a sippy cup or a favourite teddy.
- Time your departure with nap time. If your toddler sleeps well in the car, try to leave for your trip about half an hour to an hour before their usual nap time. This increases the chances they’ll doze off once the car starts moving, giving you a peaceful stretch of driving. A well-timed nap can make a huge difference in the overall mood of the trip.
- Plan for meaningful breaks. When your toddler wakes up or is due for a meal, stop for a good, long break. Don’t just pull over for a quick nappy change. Make sure you stop somewhere your toddler can safely run around and burn off some pent-up energy. A park with a playground is ideal in fine weather. If it’s raining, a large, family-friendly shopping centre or an indoor play area can be another good option.
- Have post-break entertainment ready. After they’ve had a run around and a meal, you can continue your trip. Make sure you have fresh toys and activities at hand so your toddler has some new entertainment for the next leg of the journey. A brand new, inexpensive toy or a beloved favourite that you’ve kept hidden can be particularly handy for capturing their attention.
- Use the co-pilot for entertainment. If there’s more than one adult present, the passenger can be a lifesaver. Towards the end of the trip, when patience is wearing thin, the passenger can jump in the back with your toddler for some one-on-one entertainment. I find simple games like making toy animals fall off the chair in front provide great value and lots of giggles. Music is also a fantastic tool, so make sure your favourite CDs are packed or the radio is tuned to a kid-friendly station. A good old-fashioned sing-along can work wonders.