10 Tricks To Car Rides With a Toddler
Some of us; dread going anywhere further than 10 miles with a toddler in the back seat. The endless seat kicking, snack smacking and "are we there yet" questions are enough to lead any parent to crank the stereo volume to the highest level and threaten to pull over or turn arround and go home!
Stay strong, Moms and Dads. There is hope! Here are some tried and true methods to travel peacefully with your toddler!
1. Put them in comfortable clothes. We know. We know. When you are going to see Grandma it is tempting to put your daughter in the sequined dress she bought her for Christmas or the adorable boutique set with all the ruffles and glitter. DON"T DO IT! Pack it! Unless of course you like to hear "this itches" 87 times a minute. But hey, if you don't mind the bows being forcefully removed because "it was touching my arm" or juice spilled all down the front from that pot hole that's cool too! ;) On the off chance that doesn't appeal to you; put them in the most comfortable clothes possible and change when you reach your destination... no one has to know!
2. Have a changing station or travel potty! Yes, I realize that it may seem easier to just take them into a rest stop and use the oh-so-clean changing tables they provide (can you sense my sarcasm?), but consider not having to walk past the candy isle, not having your child scream in the middle of the store bc "I don't need to go!!!" Further more if you are outnumbered by littles; it can be taxing to get them both out, into the store, changed or "relieved" and back to the car in under 20 minutes!
3. Drive at night! Whenever possible you should definitely try this tactic! Far less stops, noise, and distractions. Not to mention you get total control over the music selection if you have a good sleeper!
I am going to derail here for a second. I took this picture before I was full aware of the vast number of carseat do's and don'ts for example: his strap covers are after market--don't, and his jacket (even though it is light) adds extra bulk and impacts the security of the seat! You can't see it well in this picture, but the head rest isnt the top of the seat (which should be 2 inches above his head) which is actually tall enough. For more information on car seat safety visit: www.saferiders.org or tune in for next weeks Tip Tuesday Post on Car Seat Safety.
4. Pack Snacks. For you and your little ones. I'd say it is a general rule of thumb to steer clear of anything red or super sticky, but again totally your choice. Consider the cups or juices you choose as well. For example, juice boxes are very convenient, but do they fit in her cup holder? Also, pack a non-melting and room temp snack; so you aren't stopping to access the cooler in the back of the car at every exit! Another key is to pack snacks that aren't too high in sugar. If you somehow evade the Sugar Crazed toddler storm; you will surely fall victim to the tummy ache. You don't have to be a genius to realize that an upset stomach and a car ride are not friends... especially not if that stomach belongs to a tiny person with a giant voice. Two words: splash zone!
1. Nuts
2. Trail Mix
3. Popcorn
4. Crackers (if you are exceptionally fond of crumbs)
5. Dried Fruit
6. GoGo Squeeze or similar product.
7. Cereal
8. Fruit Snacks
9. Granola Bars
10. FRUIT (apple, banana, etc. keep it as mess free as possible)
5. Pack toys. These should be small and car friendly. It's a little hard to play with a 2ft. tall dinosaur while confined in a 5 point harness. You could buy new toys for an added suprise, or do what I do and hide a favorite toy for a week or two leading up to the trip and then SURPRISE, I found it!!
6. Technology.
Give in, even if it is a "only in the car" compromise! Grab a DVD player for the car or better yet a tablet! Now I wouldn't suggest letting the two year old occupy the tablet for a 5 hour drive, but when you get desparate; it is a great tool to have up your sleeve. A few hours of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse or Chuggington might just leave you with a shred of sanity!
7. Engage their mind. A bored toddler is a tornado on the horizon! Talk to them; keep their mind off of "how much longer til' we get there". Play a game of I Spy, or give the older ones a scavenger hunt list. Keeping them busy and distracted from the boredom of the road and traffic is a solid strategy.
8. Don't believe them. When they say "I don't need to go" after drinking 2 cups of water and a juice... they are being lazy. Their bladder will disagree! Make them attempt to go, and offer them a small reward if they do so without a fight! (I'm not above a little bribing #SorryNotSorry).
9. Pack extra. Extra food. Extra diapers, Extra clothes. Extra wipes. Extra batteries. Extra EVERYTHING!
It is better to have it and not need it; than to need it and not have it.
Forget about packing light; parents should excercise the pack smart philosophy. If you are limited on space consider packing dark colors so their food stains from the ride aren't so visible when they mess up the shirt for day 2. I'm kidding... sort of.
10. Respect personal space.
No matter how much your toddler wants to sit by your preschooler... don't do it. Sure enough you will be standing on the side of the road an hour later separating them! The middle seat should be a boundary. There is no, "she hit me" or "he won't quit taking my chips" when their tiny arms cannot reach across the invisible force field that is The Middle Seat. If you are smart enough to have purchased a vehicle with Captain's Chairs... why didn't you let the rest of us in on your plan? Your battle is half won!
Safe Journies To You and Your Littles!
Have a car hack of your own? Share it with us in the comment section below!
