“Are we there yet?” “I’m hungry!” “I have to go potty!” The sounds from the backseat are enough to make anyone think twice before heading out in the car with her kids. But the ride to your relaxing vacation does not have to be torture. With a little planning, and a lot of videos, the journey to your destination can be part of the fun. Use the list below to ensure you have the essentials to keep the bellyaching to a minimum!
1. Snacks and Snack Cups
Whether traveling by plane, train, or automobile you are bound to be on the move when someone gets hungry. Make sure you have easy to distribute, inexpensive, fun snacks such as, Cheerios, graham crackers and dried fruit. Include spill proof snack cups for each kid to cut down on backseat messes. 2.
2. Sippy Cups
Pack two insulated sippy cups per child and you’ll be set for the entire trip. In the car place a large container of milk in an ice-filled cooler and refill the cups as needed. Store the cup in the cooler when not in use so the milk doesn’t spoil. Use the second cup for juice or water. Buy fun cups decorated with your children’s favorite characters or cups with inserts they can color themselves to add excitement to the journey.
3. Travel Potty
Why is it that as soon as someone needs to go to the bathroom there isn’t a rest stop or gas station in sight? Don’t put potty training on hold just because you’re traveling. Invest in a travel potty and you’ll always be prepared. The travel potty also works great at the beach and for preschoolers who just can’t “hold it” long enough to get back to the hotel room.
4. Change of Clothes
Of course, you have a whole week’s worth of outfits in the suitcase why pack another in the backseat? When motion sickness hits your two year, old having to unpack and repack the car looking for clean clothes will put a damper on your traveling spirit. Keep the change of clothes in a gallon-sized plastic bag. If you do need to use the spare outfit you have a place to store the soiled one.
5. Extra Wipes
Include double the amount of baby wipes you anticipate using for diaper changes. These little “miracle workers” not only clean bottoms, but also clothes, hands, toys, car seats and the sticky table at the fast food restaurant you stop at for lunch.
Stock these basics along with board books, stuffed animals and videos and you may find your self saying, “Wow! Are we here already?”
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