We just got back from a fun trip to Northern California! We have family that lives up there so a few times a year we hit the highway to visit them. Including stops, our ride is just over 6 hours. Road tripping with a baby and toddler may sound overwhelming, but we’ve figured out a few key details that make for a smooth trip.
1. Check Your Ride
Make sure that your car has received all proper maintenance. You obviously need gas, but check other big things like oil, tire pressure, and coolant. You’ll have much more peace of mind knowing your vehicle is as safe as can be.
Another option is to rent a car. This is awesome if you want to prevent wear and tear on your personal car or if you want to test out a new vehicle (spacious minivan perhaps?).
Be sure that car seats are properly installed and that you have mirrors adjusted to keep an eye on rear-facing kiddos.
2. Drive During Sleep Times
We have the most success road tripping when the kids are asleep. You literally have to do nothing if they’re knocked out.
Night is the only time we can be sure both kids will sleep. We’ll feed them dinner, go through our bedtime routine, and then just tuck them in the car instead of their beds.
If you don’t mind waking up super early, leaving in the middle of the night works, too. Our kids see that it’s still dark out and they go back to sleep once the car starts moving.
3. Snacks
In case your kids wake up or you decide to travel during the day, have plenty of snacks within reach. Our favorite road trip snacks are trail mix, raisins, apple slices, clementines, string cheese, and goldfish crackers.
You can definitely pack your own meals or use that as an excuse to stop and stretch your legs.
Don’t worry about crumbs and messes. They’re bound to happen. Just clean and vacuum your car when you get home!
4. Entertainment
If we end up traveling during a time when the kids are awake, we’re sure to have a few toys, books, and coloring supplies to keep them occupied. Magnetic toys or things with flaps and latches are great for playing in the car.
My family does a lot of “caraoke” (car karaoke) and talking about things we see out of the window. It’s mostly cows and windmills so, as you can imagine, our conversations are super thrilling.
As a last resort, I’ll bust out the iPad and let them watch Netflix. I always download movies or episodes before we leave so there are never streaming issues.
5. Stop as Needed
We aim to only get out of the car once during our 6-hour trip. This is to use the restroom, feed and change the baby, and possibly grab something to eat. But the beautiful thing about driving is that you can stop anytime you need to.
There are rest stops every 30-40 minutes on our route. We determine when we need to stop by our hunger and how much time we have until our toddler will need to use the potty. You can kind of feel when everyone is restless and it’s time to pull over.
It’s okay if your breaks are more frequent than expected. Just focus on making sure everyone’s needs are met.
6. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Your goals are to a) Arrive safely to your destination and b) Maintain your sanity.
I hate to burst your bubble, but there’s about a 50/50 chance that your child(ren) will have a meltdown at some point during your ride. It’s just what they do. Road trips seem especially long for babies and toddlers because they have no concept of time or distance. They literally feel like they’re being strapped in FOREVER.
Get plenty of rest before leaving and prepare with your partner as much as you can. But also be realistic, flexible, and patient. Regardless of what happens, you guys are going to create some fun, new family memories!
Do you have any travel secrets you use on your road trips? Tell me about them in the comments!
If you’re looking for more ways to enhance time with your family, read my tips for surviving family outings! And see how we conquer dirt and germs when we’re out and about!
Talk to you soon!
Yes to all of this ! We have gone on many road trips with our kiddo and driving during sleep times and snacks are key ! Great post ❤️
Thanks, Natalie! It’s amazing what a difference sleep and food always make!
I had similar article after our Christmas holiday, everything above counts and it is very good to know that I am not alone! We 12 hours instead of 8 because of never-ending small stops. Haha. Went to the mountain of France to ski!
That sounds like memorable trip! Fun!
Oh man, the road trip. When my little was a toddler, he said the word “papaya” over and over again on a trip to Portland. I stopped counting when we hit 250 times. This is when I realized screen time in the car would be okay and I download ahead of time, like your suggestion.
Oh no! Papaya? That definitely calls for screens!
I travel to CO every couple weeks and I have always driven at night time when my son goes to sleep. It makes the road trip so much easier!
It’s amazing what a difference it makes when the kids are asleep!
These are great Tips. Especially the car maintenance one. Imagine if the car broke down and you are stick on the highway for hours with kids geez. It’s hard enough keeping them still lol
Right? There’s enough to worry about!
Great tips. And yes, I know all about the meltdowns!! It’s what kids do.
And they’re so good at it sometimes, haha! Staying calm is the only way to survive.
Couldn’t agree more with the drive while they sleep and the iPad. Those are the only saving graces for our family road trips.
Absolutely, Cassie! My toddler definitely looks forward to watching a few shows on the road.
Driving during sleep times is so important as well as entertainment. It’s a five hour drive to go visit family and I always try to leave after 9pm to avoid traffic and make sure my son rests during the trip! Great tips
Thanks, Joy! Yes, traffic is another huge factor!