Since it’s Saturday and the beginning of Summer, I thought I’d share a post with you that I wrote as a guest on another blog, Your Modern Family. These are my tips and tricks to going anywhere with your kids. I hope you’ll find it helpful as you head out on your road trips, or even a trip to the store.
In my house, with twin toddlers and a 5-year-old, we spend more time getting in the car than at the destination. Sometimes, I’m not sure if it’s worth the effort. However, if I plan ahead of time and follow a few simple rules, everyone has a much better time. Including me!
Tip #1
Make sure everyone has a full tummy. You know how you get cranky when you haven’t eaten? Well, now imagine a toddler with an empty belly. Yikes. They want something to eat, and they want it NOW. So, before we leave, I try to make sure everyone has eaten something. Even if it’s fruit snacks, pretzels, or a banana, they need to have a little something.
Tip #2
Make sure you have plenty of snacks and drinks. Even though everyone has just eaten a little something, it’s almost guaranteed that someone will want something in the car. I keep granola bars, fruit snacks, suckers (for when I’m really desperate,) graham crackers, goldfish crackers, etc. in my purse. I buy individually wrapped packages especially for the car. Also, I always bring their sippy cups. I transport them in an insulated lunch bag. If your kids are good with straws, you could bring juice boxes or those containers of milk. My twins just squeeze those things all over themselves, so we have to stick with cups.
Tip #3
Keep a packed bag of “stuff” in the car. I keep a bag filled with wipes, diapers, a couple changes of clothes, tissues, more wipes, a few small toy cars, a couple of books, and more wipes. That way, in case I forget to bring anything, I already have extras in the car. Don’t forget to replenish what you use! I speak from experience. Books and toys are great not only for the car, but for anywhere you might have an unexpected wait. The changes of clothes are great in case of accidents or a sudden change of weather. Or if your brother dumps their milk on you.
Tip #4
Did I mention the wipes? I love wipes. Baby wipes. Hand wipes. Cleaning wipes. I’m not picky. Not only do you need them for diaper changes, but there great for wiping hands after eating all those snacks. Or wiping out the car seats after eating all those snacks. They also come in handy for wiping down restaurant high chairs, shopping carts (while most stores have wipes, they always seem to be out!) or any surface or object your toddler may put in their mouth. If they are anything like mine, it is anything gross they can find. Especially if it’s been on the floor.
Tip #5
Keep to your schedule as much as possible. And by schedule, I mean nap-time schedule. I’m actually a little embarrassed to even write this one because before I had kids, I was very against this. I remember thinking there was NO WAY I would plan my life around when my child had to take a nap. Then I had kids. Oh, how times have changed! Sleep is very important for your toddler, and your sanity. If you leave for somewhere right when they are supposed to be taking a nap, you are in for a very crabby trip. Sure, they can sleep in the car, but will they? Mine are terrible in the car, so that would be a no for me. If yours are good car sleepers, just make sure you will be in the car for a long enough time. Having to wake up a sleeping toddler may be even worse than one without a nap. I know it may be a pain to plan around a certain time, but it will be well worth it. I find if I have to run any errands, we get going early in the morning. If we’re going on a trip, we also leave early. Actually, mornings are the only time we start going anywhere. Aren’t you happier when you’re well rested?
I know these rules may not apply to every toddler and may not always work, but they have made my life a little easier. With 3 boys, I’ll use any little tip I can find! What are your best toddler tips?
Ha! That last tip is so on point. I was the same, I was not going to let nap time dictate our schedule. I was oh so wrong, lol! Everybody is much happier when the little one gets a nap!
Exactly! Thanks!
As a mom I really appreciate great post like yours! Thank you so much for the awesome tips ^_^
Great tips! I’ll have to remember these for when Caleb’s a little older!
Loved your tips … though my children are grown these will come in handy when I have grandbabies!
Great! Thank you!
this is a topic I can’t relate to at the moment, but still it’s an excellent post! I love your format and blog style. Keep doing what you’re doing, it works!
Thank you!
I don’t have kids but I do have to be well fed to be happy 🙂
Ha! Me too!
Frequent breaks! I know when we went on road trips we’d stop a lot just to let the little man get out of the car and run around at a rest area. If you don’t want your littles attached to a device books are a must. My son most of the time will happily read in the car to me. 😛
How could I have forgot the breaks! Thanks! My little ones don’t read yet, but soon enough. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Very good tips! We just traveled internationally with 2 kids and it was very stressful to prepare! Loving your blog!
Thank you so much Nicole!
LOL so true!!! thanks for the tips..by the way, I’m a fan of your twins
Awe. Thank you so much!
Yes! I agree with all your tips. And I love nap time too! If my older kids fall asleep in the car they won’t take a nap in their bed, so we try to be home in enough time to get them in bed.
Yes, my older one was exactly like that. My twins won’t fall asleep in the car no matter how long I drive around.
Great tips for busy parents!
Thank you!
Awesome tips! I’m also the mama of three, it can be tough to get all the kids up and out! I totally agree with the full bellies, plus snacks because those full bellies always seem to find more room, haha.
Exactly! Thanks Jessica!
Awesome tips! Do you have one on flying with an infant? Cause I’ll be needing that super soon!
We have yet to take the kids on a plane!
Very interesting and helpful tips. Sharing it with my friends who are moms 🙂
Thank you! I appreciate that.
Great tips! When mines were younger, number 2 was the biggest one that got us through.
Thanks JcCee!
Great list! My girls sleep in the car on our rides to our parent’s houses so that always helps. 🙂