“If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light.” – Cesare Pavese
Well, the person who said that probably didn’t travel on a road trip with kids, that too in summer! Toddlers and preschoolers can be enthusiastic but temperamental travelers, and road trips can bring out the worst in them! Travelling by road can feel monotonous to a preschooler (Are we there yet?) and the unfamiliar journey may unsettle a toddler (I wanna go home!).
So does that mean that you don’t travel for the next 15 years? No way!! There are many benefits for kids when they travel, even the little ones. Their minds are like sponges and they can absorb a lot during the course of their journey. Provided of course, that Mommy and Daddy are well prepared! Here’s a list of 15 must haves for a summer road trip with kids.
15 Must Haves for a Summer Road Trip with Kids
1. Travel Potty
Yes, a portable travel potty is a must-have for a road trip with kids! Their tiny bladders can strike anytime, and having a foldable travel potty ensures convenience at your destination. Enjoy your road trip with kids!
2. Wet Wipes
Once you have the portable potty, don’t forget to stock up on wipes! They are essential for various purposes, not just for the potty. Consider getting antibacterial wipes to ensure cleanliness during your road trip with kids.
3. Extra change of clothes
In case of accidents, whether potty-related or otherwise, it’s wise to have spare clothes easily accessible. Keep them in a convenient spot, so you don’t have to rummage through your entire luggage. Remember to pack extra underwear too for a worry-free road trip with kids.
4. Snacks
Just like their tiny bladders, our little ones have small tummies that need regular refueling. Pack a variety of dry, non-drippy snacks such as fruits and biscuits, along with juice boxes. Don’t forget to include some candy to satisfy their sweet cravings on the road trip with kids!
5. Trash Bags
Now that they’ve eaten, where do you throw all the empty packs? Obviously, you don’t want to fling them out the window, so keep trash bags handy. They’re also useful for soiled clothes and diapers.
6. First Aid Kit
Kids will be kids and you can never tell what they’re doing in the back seat! They could manage to cut themselves or get motion sickness, so a first aid kit is absolutely essential. Keep your child’s regular meds for vomiting, tummy ache, fever, cough and allergies along with band aids.
7. Sun shade
During summer road trips, sun exposure in the car is inevitable. While sunlight is beneficial for Vitamin D, it can be harsh. Install removable window shades to protect kids from excessive heat and glare. They can be easily removed when the weather cools down. Stay sun-safe on your road trip with kids!
8. Towels
Large towels are versatile on road trips with kids, serving as pillows, seat covers, blankets, or makeshift tents. Additionally, pack smaller towels for convenient hand and face drying. Stay prepared and make the most of your summer adventure!
9. Tablet/iPad
Whatever your stand on kids using electronics may be, it’s a good idea to relax your rules for a road trip! Take along a tab that’s preloaded with toddler games. Have a mix of fun games and educational ones, so that kids don’t get bored.
10. DVDs
Your child is bound to have some favorite tunes, so prepare a DVD of the same and let him have a party in the car! You could also take along audio books of his favorite stories or have an audio version of a movie – fun ways to pass the time!
11. Doodle Pad
Instead of paper and crayons, opt for a doodle pad for your kids on the road trip. It offers mess-free drawing and erasing, allowing them to unleash their creativity over and over again. No need to worry about running out of paper supply. Enjoy a stress-free and fun-filled journey with this convenient alternative for your road trip with kids.
12. New Toys/Books
The element of surprise can make a road trip with kids even more exciting! Prepare small toys and books in advance, keeping them hidden until strategic moments during the journey. By revealing these surprises at the right times, you can not only entertain your child but also incentivize good behavior.
13. Favorite Teddy
If your toddler isn’t used to travel and might get upset, take along his favorite teddy or blanket, so that he feels a little more reassured. Of course, he might insist that Teddy come along right at the start, so your task is done!
14. Activity/Sticker Book
Stickers are a great way to keep kids occupied as are activity books with simple games and puzzles. Keep some pencils so they can draw in them; you’ll need more than one because they’re bound to fall and roll on the floor of the car!
15. Flat Board/Baking Sheet
You’ve got the activity book and little cars, but it’s going to be difficult for your child to do anything with them without a flat surface. Take along a flat board, like the ones for laptops or even a baking sheet will do just fine. Baking sheets are also good for magnetic toys and games!
This might sound like a big list, but trust us, it’s worth the trouble!! None of these are bulky anyway, and when well prepared, Mom and Dad can feel much more relaxed and enjoy the trip. After all, isn’t that what a family vacation is for!!
Article by Fabida Abdulla
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