When it comes to travel our generation is more of a road tripping one. We like to travel at our own pace taking breaks whenever and wherever we want to. But things become tricky when there's a baby on board. Here I'll be sharing tips and tricks that worked for me while we went on a road trip with our one-year-old.
- Plan your itinerary: Plan each and every day of your trip thoroughly. Your pit stops, where will you stop for breakfast, lunch etc. Are there enough public restrooms on the way? if so, where? This will help you in case of blowouts and washroom emergencies.
- Take enough breaks: Since one-year olds are not used to sitting at one place for long, make sure there is enough space for them in the vehicle to move. Also, take short breaks and let them out of the vehicle. This will break the monotony of being inside and make them happy.
- Pack Smartly: It's really difficult to know when the kids will fill hot or cold. So pack a pair of winter as well as regular clothing in your carry on. Also, do not forget to keep their blankets.
- Keep snacks handy: Road trip is all about snacking without interruption. Pack healthy and non-sugary snacks like fruits, boiled/sautéed vegetables, sweet potato fries etc. Keep a limit on the sugary snacks (if any). Too much sugar will only make the kids more energetic.
- Be on schedule: Try to follow the child's schedule as much as possible, especially the nap timings. This way the child will be at ease and able to enjoy the road trip. Following the schedule will also give you the opportunity to relax and not get overwhelmed.
- Keep their favorite toys and books: Do not forget to pack your child's favorite toys along with some books. I always try and carry a new toy or book while we travel. This makes him curious and also keeps him engaged for longer period. You can also carry mess free coloring books or reusable writing pads.
- Do not forget the medicines: Probably one of the most important things to pack. Keep all their regular medicines in a separate pouch in your carry-on bag. I always carry medicines for fever, loose motions, common cold and a nasal spray.
- Keep things comfy: My little one was not a fan of car seats, so we made a makeshift bed for him on the back seat of our vehicle. This really helped booth of us. He was able to lie down for his naps and slept peacefully. Also, it gave him enough space to sit and play during the rest of the trip. The makeshift bed turned out to be so big that even I napped lying next to him :). You can go ahead with whatever works best for you and your kid.
No matter how much we pack and prepare many times we tend to forget something or the other. Make a checklist beforehand and stick it on to your fridge or a place you seem to check often. This way you can crosscheck everything before you leave.
The most important part of traveling with our little ones is, making memories. These are the things you are going to cherish for the rest of your lives, so make the most of it.!
I hope my experiences and tips will help you and make your trip a memorable one. You can also check out my blog post on Traveling with a newborn and Traveling To Goa With A 2 Year Old, for some more tips and tricks.
Also, do check out my other blogs on postpartum care, newborn essentials, toddler friendly recipes and much more here.
You can also find us on YouTube. Happy parenting! :)
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