Car journeys: Travelling with toddlers by car
Long car journeys can be hell on wheels with a cranky toddler on board. Your child will likely just have gained a sense of independence, may have started to walk, may be starting to talk and can certainly be assertive in making everyone know exactly what he wants!
Being cooped up in a car for long journeys can seem like the cruelest punishment for a toddler intent on exploring the world. 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’re 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’re 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.
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.
Related Articles
Last Modified: 11/07/2007