Tried and True Road Trip Hacks
There are many unwritten rules in this parenting life that the experienced have burned into their cranium and the uninitiated neglect at their peril. Never speak aloud an ice cream run unless you’re fully committed. When your toddler falls in love with a new stuffed animal, buy two extras as backups. And, last but not least, only the brazen attempt a road trip with young children without strategy.
Road trips with children are fun, memorable and can lead to some really great moments of bonding, rest and new experiences. They can also be dramatic, stressful and seemingly cursed. The balance of these outcomes is often out of one’s control, but there are some ways to tip the scales toward “Ah, what a fun trip!” instead of “Ugh, why did we even bother?”
The following are some tried and true road trip hacks that I’ve accumulated over the years, some through personal experience and others through the feedback of parents around me. If you’re itching to spread your wings with some tiny passengers, give these tips a try.
Safety First
Ensuring everyone is riding comfortably but safely is the first priority. While car seats and buckles are non-negotiable, providing comfort items such as blankets and loveys (for toddlers and up) can make the long hours in one spot tolerable.
Gather Supplies
Planning ahead with a tote bag of car-approved toys, art supplies and snacks can help the time pass quite well. Small notebooks with a pen, crayons or a marker are often a hit, as are board books and figurines. A mother recently told me she kept her two young children happily occupied during a trip with small containers of Play-Doh, a tray and blunt safety scissors. Snacks that are easy to open and a convenient water bottle can help stave off boredom and hanger as well, helping children feel less frustrated with their inability to move around. Be sure to monitor very young children while eating in the car to prevent choking.
Sprinkle in Some Surprises
Collect a few favorite things, like small cars or manipulatives, and wrap them in fun paper. These can be new items (the Dollar Spot at Target is your friend) or things you already own. Tuck these little packages into a backpack and hand them out every few hours for a little excitement. Even the youngest babies will delight in new stimuli every so often, particularly items they can mouth or manipulate in their hands like crinkly blankets or ping pong balls. (Pro tip: Ping pong balls are too large to present a choking hazard and come in packages of 50+ on Amazon. Prepare to be incredibly popular.)
Map It Out
Look ahead, not only to your destination, but to the route you will be using. Are there any parks or small pit stops you can schedule in? Legs long and short will appreciate a stretch in the fresh air. At the very least, plan rest stops so bladders can be emptied and drinks refilled.
Traveling with infants often means frequent stops to feed baby (as it’s unsafe in the car) and change diapers. The vibrations of the road can sometimes help infant digestive tracts really move, so be sure you have changes of clothes, wipes and extra diapers in the car with you. Even if you don’t have a child in diapers, carry wipes, some plastic trash bags and a small container like a washtub in the event of motion sickness.
Pull a Red Eye
If you are not keen on stopping for breaks or want to maximize your days off, you can always try to make the drive when your children will be sleeping. Leaving town after dinner, kids in pajamas, can make for a more efficient and peaceful drive as, ideally, your passengers will snooze and you can get to your destination sooner.
Be sure to power nap prior to leaving or fuel up with a cup of coffee. The driver may need their navigator to stay up with them and chat to ensure everyone is alert — and be ready to swap if needed. Ideally, you will have one adult rested up for the morning when the children are up or can persuade friends or family at your destination to give you a nap once you arrive.
These simple tips, while not revolutionary, can minimize shenanigans and lead to some pleasant road trip memories with your children. May your coffee be hot, your luggage symmetrical and your playthroughs of Cocomelon be limited.
Alicia Kobilnyk is an Early Childhood Educator who works with young toddlers. She finds joy and inspiration to write in their cheeky shenanigans, as well as those of her three daughters.
