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Children add an extra layer of complication for any vacation and a road trip is no different. But a little extra planning, your drive can be smooth, too!
Safety First
Regardless of age, every roadtripper should prepare for issues on the road. While many European countries require drivers to have safety equipment, the US is woefully behind. That doesn't mean you shouldn't carry it though!
Our emergency kit for our car includes: a safety vest, a road triangle, jumper cables, and a first aide kit. Be sure that the contents for your first aide kit are up to date. I do check before we hit the road, but I also set an annual calendar reminder to double-check everything. Even if you don't live somewhere prone to somewhere snowy, it is worth having a windshield scraper. My parents gave me one when I started driving because we do get wintry weather in North Texas, albiet rarely. My freshman year at UT, Austin had its first ice storm in almost a decade. My dormmates and I were equally thankful for my stepmom's foresight. After a freak whiteout on a drive to Colorado, I upgraded to this one with a brush. I like that you can hang it up during the summer months.
Before setting out, look into roadside assistance options - you are probably already covered! We have multiple access points to assistance: through our insurance and also through our credit cards with Chase and Capital One. Save the roadside numbers so they are handy in case you ever need them. Our vehicle came with a jack and spare tire installed, but not all do so it is important to check. Many tires also have a key for at least one bolt on the hub cap - be sure you don't leave home without it. Check your wiper blades, fluid levels, and tires (both pressure and tread) before you set out to save you other hassles on the road. If you don't know how to change a tire, ask a friend or family member, or even your mechanic, to show you how.
Pack a car charger or external charger. If you are traveling through areas with limited cell service, be sure to have maps downloaded offline. I made a tutorial for Google Maps here. Also, give a trusted person your travel information and expected arrival time. That way someone knows to alert authorities if you have not contacted by the agreed upon time.
Finally, have ample water, snacks, and proper clothing in case of a breakdown or road closure. While we've never experienced a breakdown, we have dealt with road closures due to weather and accidents. No one wants to deal with a multi-hour delay, but no water or food makes an inconvenience a nightmare, especially with kids.
Things to have on hand:
Bottled or jugs of water
Formula or shelf stable milk depending on child's age
Ample snacks, particularly proteins like trail mix, nut butters, crunchy edamame. GoGo squeeze even has shelf stable yogurt.
If traveling in the winter, make sure everyone has a coat and keep a few blankets in the car. In the summer, consider a battery powered stroller fan and something to create shade (even a beach towel) on hot days.
Keeping Little Ones Busy
If your children will sleep, try to plan longer stretches over nap time or early in the morning when you kids are most likely to dose off.
Pack a new toy or book for your trip. We let ours pick one small thing (nothing huge that would be a safety issue in an accident) for the car and save it for our trip so they are excited to get moving. If your child is still rearfacing, add a mirror for some entertainment. Be sure to pick one that attaches securely to the headrest and is shatterproof.
We love these toddler scavenger hunt cards for the home and park. The ring opens up so you can mix the sets together to make a pack appropriate for your trip. Adds a good visual to the regular "I Spy" game. I have made a few of my own, too. Stickers, books, and sing-alongs also pass the time.
Technology is always a win on the road. We love our Amazon Kids Fire tablet for our preschooler. Apps, e-books, and shows can be downloaded for offline access. Another option is to use this headrest holder to display a movie or show on your phone or tablet.
Give Yourself Ample Time
Plan to stop more frequently with young children. Both to get wiggles out and to use the bathroom regularly - if you are in a rural area, bring a training potty and a roll of toliet paper with you just in case. Young babies should not be in the car seat more than two hours consecutively, but feedings and diapering needs typically take care of that.
Make stops fun! Mark some places along your route to burn off energy, even a simple playground. This is also where reciprocal agreements come in handy for a cheap or free museum or garden stop. Google Maps lists most municipal parks and often has pictures. Also check out city websites to see what ammenities are available for your stop.
Most importantly, like all travel with young children, pack your patience!
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