Taking A Road Trip With A Small Child

Younger children are not as easily entertained as older ones when you are in a car. While you can give an older child a book or a handheld video game, it takes a lot more to lease smaller children. Here are some helpful tips that will keep your little one happy on your next trip.

Create activity kits that can be used while on the road. Since smaller children have a shorter attention span, you need to make sure that you make a lot of them. You should include some toys and games that you know your child will have fun with. Some parents think that it is good to bring familiar toys and games, but it might be good to bring a mix of the old and new. Children will be glad to see their favorite things, but they may be a little more excited at the concept of using something new. Use large Ziploc bags for the activity kits to make things convenient and less messy in the car. If there are several children in the car, try to bring items that they can play with together.

Pack some snacks or you will end up with a hungry and cranky child to deal with. Smaller children have a habit of asking for something to eat when they are not particularly hungry. You should have healthy snacks available for these times. Even though you know your child may not really want anything, you can decrease the chances of a tantrum by having snacks available. Also, bring along drinks, but limit the amount you serve them. You do not want to have to stop a lot more often to allow them to use the bathroom.

Bring along some music that you know your little one enjoys. You may not want to listen to these things for too long, but they will keep your child happy and calm. The music you bring should be a combination of music that they can sing along with and songs you may be able to teach them. Learn all of the words before leaving for your trip since singing along will make the time go faster for you as well.

If you are not the driver, it is pretty much your job to keep the children occupied during the trip. Younger children love to be read to, so bring along some books. You do not want to distract the driver, so do not read anything that may cause the children to become overly excited. Lullabies are a great choice because they encourage you to read softly. Children will have to pay closer attention to make sure that they are not missing anything.

Road trips with smaller children can be a nightmare. Use the tips to make things more pleasant for everyone in the car. Hopefully, you get where you are going with minimal issues and you enjoy yourself. You may even like traveling with the children so much you will be looking forward to the trip back.