Tips for Road Trips with Kids

“Are we there yet?” is the phrase we will hear over and over with little ones riding in the back seat on a long road trip. Can you blame them? Even as adults no one wants to be cramped in a car for an extended period of time, but at least with age we have developed patience and the understanding that it will all be worth it when we get to our destination. For the little ones though they need help to make a long care ride a lot more pleasurable and fun for them. Here are some ideas that should come in handy for your next big driving stint!

Travel During Nap Time

This of course only applies if your child still takes naps, but if they do it will be much less stress and worry on you to have them sleeping for a good chunk of the ride! I know when my little one is asleep in the car there is a sense of ease that comes over me knowing she is completely content and doesn’t need anything.

Car Playlist

I cannot stress this enough. Music lifts all of us when travelling, so why wouldn’t it be the same for a little one? Make sure you have a good 45 minutes to an hour of not only their favorite kiddie music but any songs of yours that they like as well. Also some slower songs in there may help soothe them to sleep! Even though my daughter loves all the nursery rhymes and kiddie songs, there are quite a few adult songs she likes too. One of them is Splish Splash by Bobby Daren. Trust me, you will want the few grown up tunes mixed in so YOU don’t start to ramble, “Are we there yet?” on loop!

Snacks

Safe driving snacks of course. Snacking always seems to keep them happy, however I know I get really nervous with eating in the car. Veggie sticks dissolve very quickly, and so do cheerios. You may want to keep a little car dust buster around as well because they will make a mess! However they don’t stain and you can have peace of mind when they are munching on these. I have a little vacuum that plugs into the car and it comes in handy big time for all that cheerio dust! Haha! There is also this great invention called the Drop Stop that prevents food, phones, toys, or anything else from falling down the gaps in between your seats! Get it here (Amazon affiliate link*).

Potty in The Car

They actually make portable potties for the car! If the next rest stop is miles away still there's no need to worry anymore.

New Toy

Get a new toy and keep it hidden until you are buckling them in! Seriously don’t even let them see this toy until the trip. You want all the power of the novelty to keep them engaged for as long as possible!

Pit Stops

If you can get out and stretch their legs somewhere for even 30 minutes every once in a while it will make the whole ride more tolerable and enjoyable. It also make the journey something fun instead of just a means to an end.

A Neck Pillow

This is for all the non-drivers regardless of age! If the drive is long and you anticipate a snooze any time along the way don’t be without this! Your nap will be ten times better, and who wants to risk having a strained neck for the rest of the week you’re away on vacation. They even have ones that go on the seat belt now! Just cruise Amazon for a little while to find the right one for you.

A New Shirt

We have an adorable "Are we there yet?" design on onesies, baby shirts, and toddler shirts! Click on the photos below to get one for your next big trip!

 I hope your next road trip is an enjoyable one and you find these tips helpful! If you have any great road trip hacks please share in the comments below!

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