Doodlebark
A long drive with little kids takes some planning, but it doesn’t have to be miserable. Most of the trick is having the right stuff within arm’s reach. Here’s a packing list that covers the basics.
Keep a front-seat bag
Pack one small bag that rides up front with you, so you’re not digging through the trunk at 60 miles an hour. Put the things you’ll need in the first two hours in it.
- Wipes, and more wipes
- A roll of paper towels
- Small trash bags
- A change of clothes for each kid
- Snacks and water bottles
- A small first aid kit and any medicine your kids take
- Phone chargers
Snacks that don’t make a mess
- Crackers, pretzels and dry cereal
- Cheese sticks (in a small cooler)
- Apple slices and grapes cut for little ones
- Granola bars or muffins
A snack container with a soft lid that kids can reach into without spilling is worth its weight in gold. So is a spill-proof cup.
Car activities
- A car seat tray. It gives kids a flat spot for snacks, stickers and coloring.
- Reusable sticker books. No mess and they last the whole trip.
- Mess-free coloring. Markers that only color on special paper save your seats.
- A few small new toys. Hand one out every hour or two. New is the magic part.
- Audiobooks and songs. Download them before you go in case you lose signal.
- Car games. I spy, finding colors of cars, or counting cows.
For sleeping in the car
- A small pillow and a favorite blanket
- Window shades to block the sun
- Their bedtime stuffed animal, so naps feel normal
Plan the stops
Little kids need to get out and move. Plan a stop every two hours or so. Rest areas, parks and big gas stations with grass are all good. Let them run, stretch and use the bathroom, even if they say they don’t need to.
Leave at the right time
Some families leave super early so kids sleep the first few hours. Others leave right after lunch to line up with nap time. Think about when your kids sleep best and plan around it.
One more tip
Lower the bar. There will be a spilled drink and probably some crying. That’s okay. You’re making a memory, not running a race.
Questions parents ask
How often should you stop on a road trip with toddlers?
Plan a stop about every two hours so little kids can run, stretch and use the bathroom.
What are the best car activities for toddlers?
Reusable sticker books, mess-free markers, a few small new toys, audiobooks and simple games like I spy.
What should I keep within reach in the car?
A front-seat bag with wipes, paper towels, small trash bags, snacks, water, a change of clothes and any medicine your kids need.