Traveling long distance in the car with kids can be stressful. If you already planned properly, so you can make it hassle-free and fun for both yourself and kids. Here are tips and a checklist for safe and fun long-distance car travel with young kids.
Organization:
Most important part of any travel is organizing and keeping it all organized. Use as many Ziploc as you want. It will be very helpful in keeping things separate and organized. A separate Ziploc for all medicines, another one for tiny socks, etc., another one for bottles/nipples, one for baby utensils so on and so forth.
Hygiene and Cleanliness:
Kids can create and generate a lot of mess. Whether their diapers or throwing food around. Purchase scented garbage bags from the dollar store. They are about 50 for a dollar. They come very handy and keeps the smell away. No need to buy expensive diaper trash bags or other scented bags – no need to waste money.
Feeding Time:
If you are with infants and they are just breastfeeding or on the bottle that you can do in the car or in some rest area. If the baby is on the bottle or using jar food, keep disposable bottle liners and utensils. You can keep a small plastic cup to mix the cereal or take out food and then throw away when done. This will keep your car clean and cut the need to wash things on go. Thus leaving more time for enjoyment. These disposable do not cost that much either.
Taking Breaks:
I would suggest taking a break in the rest area where there is little more space for kids to use their energy. For infants who are crawling, bring a big comforter. So that they can use that to crawl and you don’t have to worry about them getting dirty in a place that has might have so many germs. For older kids, you may want to take a break at McDonald’s or that kind of places where there are play areas. You can keep them excited by reminding them of the up-coming play area.
Games and Treats:
You will find many resources on the internet about games and activities you can do in the car to keep kids occupied. You better bring some goody bags for children to open at the destination. Or get them excited about some activity you will do or a movie that you will watch when you arrive at the destination.
Health:
While traveling and particularly with kids, one can forget to take care of health. Try to eat as much healthy food as possible. Try to eat at least one healthy meal a day. Keep nuts and dry fruits handy to munch. It will energize you during long drives and boost your immune system too.
Comfort:
Last but not least important is the comfort and safety of travelers There needs to be a replacement driver so that it can take turns. Keep sunglasses, sun shades flip-flop anything that makes you comfortable while driving handy and use them.
