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Traveling with a Toddler: Car Trip Necessities

By now, it’s no secret that we are traveling fools. We live about two hours away from all of our family members, all in several different directions. Once Charlotte was old enough to travel (two months old was my magic number), we began the road trips. Now that she’s a toddler, it seems that these road trips are a little bit harder than when she was still a little bitty baby who napped often. Girlfriend constantly needs to be entertained and occupied. Here are some of our must-have car trip necessities that I’ve found to work for us. Maybe they could work for you, too.

The Basics

1. Convertible Carseat: At 11 months old, we moved Char into a convertible carseat. After tons of research, the Britax Marathon was our choice. We will continue to have her rear-facing until she turns two. She seems to love it just fine.

2. Carseat Protector Mat: This seat protector has saved us from several spills and has kept crumbs from getting into the crevices of our seats.  It also has kept our seats preserved from indentions from the carseat itself.

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3. A Lovey: For Charlie Bear, that is her Piggy. She grabbed onto this at a boutique when we were visiting her grandma once, and she hasn’t let go since. Piggy goes with us everywhere. I highly recommend this brand, too, because it has held up through tons of toddler torture…and the washing machine. Anything that serves as a security blanket will do just fine though.

4. Comfortable Clothing: When we are traveling an hour or more, I always make sure that Charlotte is in comfortable clothes. I’ll even remove her shoes if she seems to be getting uncomfortable. And sometimes, I’ll even dress her in her pajamas. (See picture above.) Comfort is key.
5. Emergency Kit: Since toddlers are known for teething, I usually carry around Tylenol or Motrin and Hyland’s Teething Tablets. You never know when a fever or teething could strike, so I make sure I have these items within reach.
6. Diaper Bag: This is a no-brainer, but when we travel, I double up on everything. I make sure I have more than enough diapers, wipes, diaper cream, and an extra set of clothes. I also carry a diaper changing mat. This Skip Hop Diaper Bag is convenient when you don’t want to take a huge bag into a changing station. 
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Snacks & Hydration

7. Snacks: As a growing toddler, Charlotte is almost always hungry. On the road, I try to pack easy-to-open and mess-free snacks. Some of her favorites are Earth’s Best Fruit Yogurt Smoothies. She loves all of the flavors.

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Another favorite snack that doesn’t make much of a mess is Ella’s Kitchen Nibbly Fingers. I always carry these around, especially on our road trips.

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8. Contigo Water Bottle: This is by far my favorite water bottle for a toddler. It’s a bit more than just a sippy cup, but since Charlotte insists on drinking through a straw, this water bottle has been the BEST. I’ve found it to have minimal leaks. It only leaks if the straw comes undone from the inside, which is rare. Singing praises for a no-leak, straw sippy cup! Charlotte loves pressing the button to retract the spout as well. For our trips, I have two of these water bottles. I fill one up with milk and the other with water.
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9. Bibs, Wet Ones, & Wipes: Because we are prone to accidents (none of the above snacks or water bottle is foolproof), I always pack a bib, Wet Ones, and wipes in her bag/my purse that sits right next to me on our trips. When I give her the yogurt pouch, I usually put a bib on her. Just in case.


Entertainment 

10. iPad: When Charlotte starts to throw a fit because she’s tired of sitting in the car, it’s amazing what a little Mickey Mouse Clubhouse will do. I’ve purchased several episodes to keep her entertained on our long road trips. 
11. iPad Apps: When Charlotte tires of watching Mickey, I turn on her favorite app: Baby Kids Zone Animal and Tools. This app works like flash cards, showing an animal or common object (you choose what you want your baby to learn) and the sounds that go along with them. Charlotte is so fascinated by all of the animals and their sounds. 
12. iPadket Car Seat Headrest Mount Holder: Since I found out that the iPad is our saving grace when she has road trip meltdowns, I found this iPad holder to be a life saver! Before we had this mount, she would hold the iPad herself, and she always would press the home button, closing out any app or video. With the iPad on the mount, she can stay focused and entertained without interruption. I’m calling that a win in my book. 
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One last tidbit: 

I always sit in the backseat when we go on our long road trips; the hubs drives. I’ve found that it just makes things easier for all of us. I know that’s not feasible for every family, especially with more than one child, but while I can, I will continue to do so. It keeps me from having to have Go-Go Gadget arms. Honestly, we have more fun when we’re sitting in the back seat together. I’ve made a few trips where it was just Charlotte and I, and we’ve made it. But those trips always require extra stops. 
I could not make a trip without any of the above necessities. The are essential to our sanity and happiness. What car trips necessities do you have to have when traveling with your toddler? 
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This post is part of the One Year and Beyond Series: Toddler Topics as seen here. Be sure to check it out for more inspiration. 

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Comments

  1. These are perfect suggestions. Apps, shows, & snacks are some quick trip (less than 2 hours) go-to for us. For the longer trips, I sneak to the Dollar Tree to find a bag full of random "new" toys & fun snacks. I throw something Lily's way every 30 minutes or so. I also put a box full of toys in the back seat within her reach. Thanks for sharing!

    plumtickledpink.blogspot.com

  2. Woke up thinking about you this morning. You have some of the most interesting ideas. My adult children don't have children yet, but i now have some great ideas to spoil my grand children when they come. My son is really interested in a wonderful woman with a three year old. I may have someone call me Nanni before you know it. Thanks and God bless.

  3. Great tips! We still have S rear-facing also, I feel like it's more comfortable for them on long trips that way. We too will continue to do so until at least two (I hope longer though). A lot of times I feel I always have to explain why I still have her rear facing, which blows my mind because the research is there and it is most definitely the safest!

    • Thanks, Tawnya! Yeah, I know that everyone has their own beliefs regarding the subject, but it's just what we've chosen to do. I am a research fanatic (I guess that's still the English teacher in me), and the studies are there to say that it is safest. Have a good week, friend!

    • It's funny how this has all become second-nature. I really had to think about our essentials, so I figured I would start with the seat and go from there. :) We love ours, too!

      I just found your blog and loved your post as well! New follower right here. Thanks so much for stopping by! See you around, girlfriend!

  5. We use our dvd player on longer trips and it has been a lovely tool for just keeping peace in the car. For my older ones, we bring plenty of books and snacks too. Charlotte might light the leapfrog tag reading system when she gets to be a little older. That has been a staple for my pre-readers on trips.

    • Thanks for the tip! I can't wait until she can use the Leapfrog for reading. She loves books as it is, so I look forward to the day when she can start learning how to read on her own.

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