What To Bring: Toddler Road Trip Essentials

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Planning a road trip with your toddler? Whether you’re embarking on a short weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, traveling with a little one requires extra preparation and thoughtful packing. The right essentials can make the difference between a smooth, enjoyable journey and a stressful, chaotic one. From snacks and entertainment to comfort items and safety gear, being well-prepared ensures that everyone has a great time on the road. Below we will share the ultimate guide to toddler road trip essentials, so you can hit the road with confidence and create meaningful memories along the way.

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1. Snacks and Meals

• Healthy Snacks: Pack a small cooler with a variety of healthy snacks like fruit slices, cheese sticks, and yogurt pouches. Choose snacks that are easy to eat and not too messy. Great pre-packaged items also include goldfish, freeze-dried fruit, flat gummies, crackers, fruit bars, or fig newton bars.
• Meals on the Go: Prepare sandwiches, wraps, or pasta salads for easy, no-fuss meals. Bring a cooler to keep items fresh. A PB&J is always a win at our house and makes for a great on-the-go option. Make this ahead of time and add an applesauce pouch on the side and you have a good, balanced lunch that is great for the car and low on mess.
• Drinks: Keep a supply of water and diluted fruit juices (to make it easier, dilute the juice beforehand!). Use spill-proof sippy cups to avoid messes.
• Optional-Travel Tray: We love the travel tray for our car which is a tray that sits in the car seat cup holder and holds a cup and snacks. It makes snacking easy and much more mess-free.

2. Comfort Items

• Blankets and Comfort Items: Bring your toddler’s favorite blanket and/or comfort item to help them nap comfortably.
• Stuffed Animals: A beloved stuffed animal or toy can provide comfort and familiarity in a new environment.

3. Entertainment

• Toys and Books: Pack a selection of your toddler’s favorite toys and books. Opt for new or forgotten toys to keep their interest longer.
• Electronic Devices: A tablet with pre-downloaded educational games and videos can be a lifesaver. We try to keep screen time to a minimum at our house normally, but in the car, desperate times call for desperate measures! We use screen time on road trips as a last resort, but it’s so worth it to have everyone happy while stuck in the car. Don’t forget the headphones!
• Travel Games: Magnetic puzzles, coloring books, and sticker sets are great for keeping little hands busy. I’m going to list some of our favorite travel games:

Reusable Sticker Book

Magnetic Puzzle Book

Doodle Drawing Pad

Water Wow! Reusable Water Coloring

Toddler Busy Book

Alphabet Water Cards

4. Clothing and Essentials

• Comfortable Clothing: Dress your toddler in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes. No one likes to be uncomfortable in the car!
• Extra Outfits: Accidents happen! Pack extra clothes, including socks and diapers/pull-ups/underwear, in an easily accessible bag. Use a handy car caddy to organize everything you need, all at arms reach.
• Shoes: Slip-on shoes are convenient for quick stops.

5. Health and Hygiene

• Diapers and Wipes: Bring more than you think you’ll need – these items are something you should overpack. Wipes are handy for cleaning up spills and sticky hands.
• Hand Sanitizer: Keep it within reach for quick cleanups. I keep mine hooked right on my diaper bag for easy access.
• First Aid Kit: Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications. Always have a basic first aid kit in the car for emergencies.
• Sun Protection: Pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses if you’ll be spending time outdoors. We love the Thinksport Kids Mineral Sunscreen – it has a pleasant smell, is waterproof, and works really well.

6. Sleeping Arrangements

• Portable Crib: If your trip involves overnight stays, a portable crib or travel bed can ensure your toddler has a safe place to sleep.
• White Noise Machine: A portable white noise machine can help drown out unfamiliar sounds and soothe your toddler to sleep. The Yogasleep Portable Sound Machine is great for on the go, and we use the Hatch Sound Machine for when we reach our destination and stay the night.
• Optional – Slumberpod: This can be put over any travel crib or travel toddler bed and creates a blackout environment for your kiddo. It also makes room sharing a lot easier if that isn’t something you are used to doing.

7. Safety

• Car Seat: Ensure your toddler’s car seat is properly installed and appropriate for their size and weight. You can double-check if it is correctly installed at your local fire or police station.
• Window Shades: Protect your little one from the sun’s glare with window shades – these also work well for naps in the car!
• Emergency Contact Information: Keep a list of emergency contacts and your toddler’s medical information handy in case of an emergency.

8. Travel-Friendly Bags

• Backpack: A small backpack for your toddler can make them feel included and responsible for their own items. Our toddler is in the stage where she loves carrying her own backpack!
• Diaper Bag: Pack a well-organized diaper bag that has quick access to essentials.

9. Plan Your Stops

• Rest Areas: Plan your route with frequent stops for bathroom breaks, stretching, and playtime. These are super helpful to plan out ahead of time!
• Attractions: Look for kid-friendly attractions along the way to break up the trip and create fun memories if time allows.

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