So, you want to go on a long road trip with a baby and a toddler. First, are you insane? Do you actively seek out torture? Why would you put your family through such a traumatic experience?
No, I’m joking! Don’t listen to the naysayers spreading family car trip horror stories!
New parents shouldn’t think that having kids has now hindered their ability to seek adventure. The creature comforts of the family vehicle often leave me preferring road trips as opposed to airline travel.
I have friends who won’t do any family road trip over an hour. One hour, that’s their max. They’ve completely changed the way they vacation to avoid being in the car for any amount of time that may upset the children.
Is this the new reality for all parents with babies or toddlers? It doesn’t have to be.
Of course, there are going to be some changes to the road trip format — there is now a lot more to take into consideration. Car sickness, diaper blowouts, snacks, more snacks, and of course after-snack snack time.
When it comes to traveling with your precious cargo, there are many moving pieces to keep in mind. Any parent daring enough to take on the journey must prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
I’m on the East Coast USA and have trekked it all. Six hours up north to Delaware for the holidays, twelve hours down to South Carolina for fun in the sun. From beach towns to hiking havens, to big city emersions, each road trip can be done.
As a parent, the spontaneity of hopping in the car and driving until you’re drowsy has long passed, but with the proper planning and a few essential items for the kiddos, lengthy road trips can be great experiences for the whole family.
Here are my road trip tips for success.
9 Tips to Long Road Trip with a Baby and a Toddler
1. Safety First
First Aid Kit
Perhaps it’s been a while since you stocked up the first aid kit, perhaps you never had one to begin with.
Now is the time to get some bandaids, hydrogen peroxide, and over the counter medicine together just to give you peace of mind. I stow my kit deep in the piles of luggage, and 90% of the time it is not required — but when it is, I’m happy I have it.
Car Seat
Check to make sure your child’s car seat is properly installed. My husband especially has a knack for twisting the belt straps (drives me nuts) or all together losing the harness pads.
I’ve also found it installed with the shoulder strap in the wrong position. These are minor things, but worth getting right before you embark on a long road trip with a baby.
I like to give my kid’s car seats some extra attention to really get them travel ready. Now is the time to make any minor adjustments that may help keep your baby happy and comfortable for the long periods of time they will be spending strapped in.
My particular car seat has some different settings for the unit itself. I find a little more reclined to start the drive helps them sleep longer (or at least I like to think this is the case).
The individual head cushions have the ability to be adjusted or completely removed. Whatever the make/model of your car seat, check to see if there is any tinkering you want to do before you set off for hours in an enclosed space with your loved ones.
Is the car seat going to get wrecked on this road trip? Undoubtedly. But once you start the drive the last thing you want are any car seat issues that could have been easily avoided had you double checked before departure.
2. Early Bird Special
You want to know how to road trip with a baby and/or a toddler? Do it while they sleep.
I highly recommend getting up early and getting to it. Waking up with the sun (or dare I say earlier) and starting your drive has many benefits.
Is that Baby Sleeping?
One obvious standout is that your precious cargo should (fingers crossed) fall asleep in the back seat and give you a chance to knock out the first leg of the drive drama-free. It doesn’t always work out this way, but most of the time I’ve had success.
Our family is getting up before sunrise to get on the road. We keep the kids in their pajamas, sneaking into their room and transferring them to their car seats is the final step before turning the ignition and driving off.
While perplexed and confused, both of my little munchkins typically nod back off to sleep for an hour or so, allowing me to focus on the road and get some miles under my belt.
Through excited whispers, my husband and I can sip coffee and enjoy some conversation before the babies wake up to truly discover their surroundings.
Sunset
I also like arriving when it’s still light outside. An early departure ensures the family doesn’t arrive at night when spills and crumbs and favorite stuffys tend to get lost in the pitch dark.
Depending on the length of the car trip, arriving in the light of day may be difficult, but when possible it is certainly advisable.
3. Target Nap Times
New parents learn quickly how efficient they can be during their child’s nap time — the car is no different.
Some of the easiest stretches of road trips happen when babies are fast asleep. Of course you want them to experience the road and see some sights, but the truth is that kids are just easier when they are snoozing.
If your only doing a day trip, or for whatever reason you can’t leave early, consider a pre-nap departure. I’ve found the sweet spot is leaving one hour before nap time, allowing the children to relax an settle in the car before they eventually give into their drowsiness.
Trying to schedule chunks of the driving around that precious baby sleep time is a pro move for any family road tripping long distances.
4. Frequent Stops
Children need to stretch and release energy, and regular breaks can help manage restlessness and discomfort.
Besides the diaper changes every few hours, most reputable health organizations go by the two-hour rule; it’s generally not a good idea for babies to be strapped into their car seats for extended periods lasting over two hours.
Plan Out Stops
Impromptu stops can work, but don’t put that stress on yourself. Plan ahead. Try to find rest areas along the way where the everyone can get some fresh air and stretch their legs.
A park with a nearby gas station. A town you’ve always wanted to visit. Plot out a couple of stops along your route.
Where to Eat?
Meals are a great way to plan out your detours. I like to choose a chain restaurant I know everyone enjoys – shout out Chick-fil-a (always clean/has a changing station) and Cracker Barrel (actual meal rather than constant hamburgers and pizza).
Another trick to completely bypass the restaurant is packing your lunch. A rest stop is a great place for a picnic – consider packing a cooler with some of the foods your kids love.
Packing a lunch is a great way to save money and ensure the children get something healthy in their systems.
Depending on travel time, try to determine where you may stop for breakfast, lunch, and or dinner.
5. Curveballs
Plan to be Surprised
Regardless of “the plan”, road tripping parents must always prepare for flexibility. Things can go from smooth to rocky in a moments notice.
If the kids are still sleeping, our family will perhaps bypass a planned stop.
If baby is asleep in their car seat I will also detour away from a potential traffic jam – taking local roads will keep the car in motion, avoid heavy braking, and in most cases allow for extended napping.
Unfortunately, the opposite is more often the case — baby is awake and something has gone awry. Don’t get discouraged when Timmy gets sick, or you smell a dirty diaper.
It’s okay to take a pause and ease up on the game plan.
I am not hesitant to break out the pack n play at rest stops and spend a few extra minutes relaxing. For our family, this means one parent can peruse a rest area store or make a phone call while the other watches the babies.
Despite your best efforts, the unexpected will inevitably occur — don’t let it frustrate you. Try to go with the flow and prepare your mindset for some road trip curveballs.
6. The Gear
Baby Gear Rental
Any road trip with a baby (or older kids) is going to require some expert packing. Your back seat and trunk only have so much room to offer.
For any trip with a baby especially, consider renting a few items. It’s a great way to try out different types of baby gear as well as save space in your car.
I’m obsessed with all things new for parents and want to try every stroller and wagon to see which is best. Perhaps you’re not into it as much but just find it nice to pack light.
There are a couple different baby gear rental options that offer drop-off and pickup at your final destination. My favorite is Baby Quip — use this my link for 10% discount of your rental.
Diaper Bag
One thing you can always count on for any trip with a baby is diaper changes.
The diaper bag is always with me in the passenger seat for any car ride, and a long road trip is no different. Mine is packed with my baby’s diaper, changing pad, diaper rash cream, baby bottles, baby wipes — all the essentials.
When our family takes long road trips I also like to stow away a bonus bag with extra clothes and more of the same — more diapers and baby wipes — extra sippy cups and snacks if your child is eating solids — I pack plenty just in case.
Aside from the obvious (diapers, additional diapers, and items to manage the mess created by dirty diapers), the items below are a few products I won’t go road tripping without.
Baby Bottle Warmer
With young babies, if you’re still bottle feeding, a portable bottle warmer can really come in handy on your road trip.
I also own a very good thermos bottle that is excellent at keeping liquids warm. Before departure, I will fill it with hot water to use for mixing baby formulas.
If you use formula, having both warm and cold water readily available in the car can help mix those first couple of bottles on the trip.
It’s not the easiest to make bottles when your in a moving car, develop a system that works for you.
Portable Highchair
A good portable highchair can be a lifesaver on the road.
Some restaurants don’t offer booster seats or highchairs. If you pack a meal, picnic tables at rest areas can also present a challenge in this regard.
I love this ‘Fast Table Chair‘ from Inglesina. Lightweight and travels well, the arms on this chair twist tightly to attach to almost any type of table — I’ve also seen similar products that use magnets to fasten.
This Summer Infant Pop-n-Fit is another great option. This one’s great for meals without a table — it also comes with a convenient travel bag.
My absolute favorite portable high chair for babies would be the Bombol pop up booster, which is folds up like a purse.
I bring all three in the car with us for long road trips! I know it might be overkill but sometimes my daughter especially will request one particular highchair. I’ve also found having extra is better just in case family or friends with little ones forget their gear.
Any meal void of highchairs will require eating with the baby on my lap (which is often difficult). A nice travel highchair has helped our family in many scenarios and I would consider brining something similar on your trip.
A Lightweight Carrier
Tush Baby Carrier is my personal favorite.
There’s often moments at gas stations or rest stops when I want to be hands free. I need to bring the baby for a diaper change, but my back aches from sitting too long.
I don’t want to carry baby but also don’t want spend time dragging the stroller out of the car – I just want a carrier that’s quick and easy.
Tush Baby does the trick. It’s fast to attach around my waist and allows me to just toss the kiddos on my hip and go. I would suggest having easy access to something similar in your car.
Car Seat Mirror
For younger babies still in a rear facing car seat, mirrors are a must.
I feel the need to see the kids’ faces for many reasons; is a baby cry just a cry? Is baby still asleep? Are they using the marker for their busy book or are they drawing all over their face?
For the peace of mind they afford, invest in a cheap car seat mirror.
7. The Snacks
Speaking of mirrors, they are a good way to ensure your child isn’t gagging or choking on a snack. Some medical institutions believe you should avoid snacks in the car altogether, I don’t think our family could survive without them.
When kids are under one, you obviously want to stay away from harder crunchy snacks they may have difficulty with. Perhaps you’re still in the baby food stage — if that’s the case be sure to stock up.
When our family is road tripping, there is typically an array of different plastic bags filled with snacks. Carrots and animal crackers are the current top picks. Trader Joes has some great freeze dried fruits that my kids love.
You know your child best and what they can handle.
Regardless of what types and how many snacks you bring, prepare for your child’s car seats to get dirty – actually, prepare for the entire car to get dirty — it’s okay.
I always expect a back seat mess after long car rides with babies, but I try to remember, it’s not often we take a long road trip. You can always do a good car seat cleaning once you return to home base.
8. The Toys
Screens
We avoid screens in the car. My kids always complain about not having the right video or they hit an ad, it’s just not something I’m into.
Other parents may be different when it comes to screen time on road trips, no judgement here whatsoever. I get it, you need to keep baby entertained in their car seat somehow, right?
I allow it at the dinner table when we eat out, for some reason the car has just always been a no-go zone. My baby’s attention is typically directed out the window at our surroundings, or I use an activity travel tray for spans of the road trip to keep them contained in their own little world.
If your little one has a tablet for the car, you’ll want to download shows and have it all set up for use without wifi.
Comfort Items
Most babies have those one or two items they cannot be without. My oldest girl loves her bun bun, and I’ve purchased a backup just in case anything ever happens to her original precious bunny stuffy.
Make sure you don’t forget those soft toys attached to your child’s sense of home — it can help your baby feel secure on this new adventure.
I also like to buy a few small toys for the children — this will be my last ditch effort to calm a crying baby or get them back in the car after a stop. New always peaks their interest, and desperate times call for desperate measures.
9. Interactive Games
When the kids are awake, I try to find ways to get them involved. I’m constantly pointing out trucks and construction equipment – excavators seem to be a big favorite. Our family moos with cows and neighs with horses every time one gets spotted along the drive.
My oldest especially likes to play “I Spy”, which is a great way to incorporate the kids as well as potentially learn some new words.
When the fun riles down and the silence sets in, having the right playlist for the kids helps to stir some action.
I always have a playlist planned – a few songs the kids love. My secret however is to play music only when closing in a stop. A gas break or other planned destination needs to be within 15-20 minutes if I’m starting the children’s music.
Otherwise, I’ve found the demands for “more” or “again” eventually hurt more than help. When things are stagnant and the target is within reach, the right playlist can lift everyone’s spirits.
Wrapping Up
There you have it, my tips for a successful long road trip with a baby and a toddler. The right gear and some type of game plan can really help your traveling go smoothly — but remember the most important advice I can offer is to be flexible.
Prepare for your patience to be tested, and some portion of the drive to not go as expected, but don’t get thrown off by it.
You’re in control, you can do this, and without the bitter the sweet just isn’t as sweet! Your final destination awaits!
The plethora of memories created for your family will be well worth all the arguments over missed turns and soiled clothes stinking up car seats.
Best of luck to your awesome renegade family and all your long road tripping adventures!
