Car journeys with toddlers
Going on a long car journey can
be a taxing experience for anyone, but especially so if you have a cranky
toddler on board.
The problem lies with the fact that toddlers will only just
have developed a sense of independence, may have started to walk, may be
starting to talk and can certainly be assertive in letting everyone know
exactly what they want. Being cooped up in a car for long journeys can seem
like the cruelest punishment for a toddler intent on exploring the world. The
key here is to borrow from the scouts and ‘be prepared’! Here are gurgle’s
tips on surviving a long car journey with a happy toddler and happy mommy and
daddy:
Make sure your child is seated
in the right car seat for his weight and age:
- Infant-only seats are
rear-facing seats for babies from birth up to 22 or 30 pounds depending on the
model.
- Infant-toddler/convertible
seats are used rear-facing from birth until your baby weighs at least 20 pounds
and can then be switched to face forward (some models can be used rear-facing
up to 30 pounds, which is safer for your baby).
- Combination/booster seats are
designed for children of around four years plus, who have outgrown their
toddler seats. They can be used as both a forward-facing seat with harness and
a belt-positioning booster.
- Backless booster seats are
used for older kids as long as your car seats have head supports. Some combination
seats have removable backs that detach to leave a booster cushion. Traffic
safety experts recommend that children use a booster until they are at least
four foot nine inches tall (around eight or nine years of age).
Read our articles which car seat does my child need? and car seat laws to find out more about car safety.
- Consider making your journey
at times when your toddler normally sleeps. This could mean starting just
before a daytime nap or leaving in the evening just before your toddler goes to
sleep. This way you can keep the same bedtime routine (bath, story, pjs) at
home and then put your toddler into his car seat just before he falls asleep.
When you arrive at your destination you can lift your child from the car into a
crib and he will (hopefully!) go back to sleep. The other option is to leave
early in the morning, lifting your child from his sleep into the car with the
hope he will go back to sleep. It also means you will have a full day once you
arrive at your destination and can be ideal for a wedding if you are not
planning to stay over.
Bear in mind that if you choose
to leave late at night or early in the morning, you must make sure that whoever
is driving is well-rested and alert, as these are dangerous times for feeling
tired. Take plenty of breaks and keep drinking lots of water to keep yourself
hydrated if you’re driving first thing.
- If you do have to travel in
the daytime, explain to your toddler where you are going and why – for example,
“we’re going on long car journey but at the end of it we will see grandma and
grandpa”. That way he knows there is a treat at the end. Explain to him that he
should tell you if he needs to go potty or is hungry/thirsty.
- Carry a good supply of drinks
and snacks with you. Opt for water or dilute fruit juice and sugar-free snacks
so your toddler isn’t wired from the sugar and wriggling to escape the car.
Rice cakes, sandwiches, carrot sticks and fruit are good healthy snacks.??
- Pack a little ‘traveling bag’
for each child with special toys only allowed on car journeys. That way your
toddler will get excited about the toy and it will hopefully distract him from
the journey. You can also pack his favorite toy or blanket, or try theming the
bags depending on where you are going (if grandma and grandpa live by the coast
you could have underwater/fish/seaside themes to the bags).
- Story tapes, nursery rhymes or
any music your toddler is fond of can help make a car journey pleasant.
Listening to ‘the wheels on the bus’ for hours may not seem like fun to you,
but your toddler will love it!
- Pack toys such as picture
books, puzzles, magazines, paper and crayons. Avoid toys that play tunes and
could distract the driver.
- Play games with your toddler,
for instance, “Can you see the red car?”, “Can you see the bird flying near our
car?” Or say, “you’re not allowed to eat another raisin until you see a house
with a red roof” (or pick a landmark you know is coming up). This will keep
your toddler busy searching the scenery.
- Factor in a few stops
depending how long your journey is. Most gas stations have a grassy area where
children can stretch their legs, but consider taking a soccer ball to play some
ball games so that children can release a bit of energy (and hopefully be tired
enough to fall asleep for the last leg of the journey).
- Similarly if you have to leave
in the afternoon make sure you have lots of active play with your toddler in
the morning so he is tired by the time you need to set off.
- If it’s nap time while you
travel, try to keep the routine as much the same as possible for example, you
can tell a story (you might have to make one up) put his favorite lullaby CD on
and give him a milk drink and comfort blanket/favorite toy that he always falls
asleep with.
- Sunshades are great for
keeping out the sun, but also for stopping too much light coming in for daytime
naps.
- Once your toddler wakes from
his naps he will be ready for play so take this opportunity to stop for a snack
and to stretch your legs.
- Keep talking to your toddler
– he may feel a bit lonely in the back seat especially if he is on his own
there! Point out interesting things he can see from the window and tell him
stories if he seems bored. If it is just you and your toddler traveling alone,
invest in a child mirror that fixes below your rearview mirror, so you can
check your child is OK without having to turn around or take your eyes off the
road.
- If you are potty training,
bring a portable potty with you to avoid frequent stops at gas stations. Also
bring a good supply of diapers, wipes,
water and extra blankets. And don’t forget snacks for you.
- Buggy books can be attached
to car seats if your child has a habit of dropping books; the same goes for
toys.
- Follow the buckle up rule: the
car does not move until everyone (including all adults) has his or her seat
belt on.
Go to our Kit section to where you can read reviews and ratings on a range of car
seats available now. You may also get
ideas on which toys to buy for a long car journey within the play
page of this section. Let us
know if you agree with our ratings by adding your comments to the bottom of
each product review.
The information in this feature is intended for
educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the
health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a
doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 11/07/2007