Road Trip 101
Sitting still for hours on end is difficult for children of any age, but with an active toddler trapped in a car on a road trip, chaos can ensue. "Kids love to be entertained and there is nothing more difficult than a long car ride where your baby can't get the attention he needs and you can't focus on the road," says Christine Gutierrez, a New York-based psychotherapist. Instead, plan for a fun-filled adventure, complete with snacks, games and quiet activities.
Pack the Snacks
Keep those little mouths busy during your trip with healthy snacks. Choose a few non-messy food items, such as carrots or fruit gummies, to dole out when your toddler gets antsy. Juice packs and milk stored in a mini cooler bag may also save the day when your sleepy little tyke refuses to rest.
Break Out the Electronics
Although you might limit your toddler's time with electronic games and tablets at home, these gadgets can be just what she needs when traveling for hours on end. "You can clip them on the back of the seat and have entertaining and educational kids' videos playing during the trip," suggests Gutierrez.
Listen Up
Provide entertainment for the entire family with audio books your toddler loves. If you have older children, consider letting each child choose an audio book to alternate during the ride. "Compromise is key here," says Gutierrez. "Make the toddler happy and the rest of you shall be happy in the car as well."
Make Magnetic Magic
Get creative with road trip activities and use cooking accessories. Claire Haas, vice president of education for Kiddie Academy, a national child care provider, recommends bringing a cookie sheet with magnets along for the ride. Let your toddler create a work of art with magnets or use the cookie sheet as a lap desk. "The raised edge can help prevent crayons and cars from landing on the floor, too," says Haas.
Create Mind Maps
Add some educational value to the long drive by crafting a map of your trip before you leave. As you travel through various areas, share fun tidbits and facts about these locations. A printed map can also be used to play the license plate game with your toddler, says Haas. Simply have your child look for license plates from different states and add a sticker or a star to the map.
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Discover the ABCs
Offer mobile teaching moments for your toddler by playing games that will enhance his mind. "The ABC game is a great, educational game to play with toddlers in the car," says Thad Pryor, CEO of Children of America Educational Childcare and Academy, a national child care provider. "Ask your child to find the letters of the alphabet, in order, on signs you pass during the trip." Keep it simple by having an example of each letter to help your child identify his ABCs.
Play "I Spy"
Keep your anxious toddler on her toes with a game of I Spy in the car. This classic game prompts your child to "spy" something on the road and give clues so others can guess the item. "The concept is easy for young children to understand and teaches them about shapes and colors," says Pryor.
Pack Emergency Items
If your toddler gets car sick, it's crucial to have an emergency travel bag packed. Keep towels, wipes and water nearby for when a cleanup is necessary. In addition, Pryor recommends having sunscreen, extra clothing, undergarments or diapers and wipes readily available. "It's a good idea to pack a blanket and extra essentials in case things get a little messy," he says.
