While traveling on the road with children can be stressful, it also offers numerous benefits. If you’re planning for a road adventure with your little ones, here are 13 essential items you should bring to make the entire experience more enjoyable and less challenging.
1. Easy-to-eat snacks
Snacks are a necessity during road travels, so make sure to bring everyone’s favorites. Before heading out to the grocery store, ask your kids what they want to eat while on the road. Opt for easy snacks with a long shelf life, especially if you’re going for a long road trip. Pack a combination of healthy and unhealthy snacks that your little ones can easily munch on but try to limit their sugary treats. Some food items you can bring include granola bars, whole wheat crackers, hard-boiled eggs, protein bars, cheese sticks, nuts, pretzels, and dried fruits.
2. Car seats
Car seats are non-negotiables during road trips as children must be in federally approved safety seats while inside a vehicle. Your kids’ car seats should suit their age group and should be properly installed. Most car seats expire six years after the manufacturer’s date, so you must replace them accordingly, especially if they no longer meet the recommended safety standards. Do your research and go with a trusted company such as Diono, whose products are engineered to ensure that your little ones are safe and comfortable on the road.
3. Blankets
If your trip begins at night, bring blankets for your little ones. Children without proper sleep tend to be cranky during the day and are more prone to tantrums. Blankets will help keep them warm and comfortable, ensuring they get a good night’s rest while road traveling.
4. Headphones
Driving with kids can be challenging, especially if their gadgets are at full volume. For a few minutes or hours of silence, give your children a pair of kid-friendly headphones that they can plug into their phones, tablets, and other gadgets. For wireless Bluetooth headsets, ensure they’re fully charged and paired correctly.
5. Wet wipes
Wet wipes can be lifesavers during road trips, as accidental messes are inevitable when traveling with children. Bring enough wet wipes to wipe in-car spills, cleanse your kids’ hands and faces, clean your baby’s diaper blowout, and disinfect common eating areas during stop-overs.
6. Water
Bringing potable water is essential during road trips, as it will prevent your children from getting water from contaminated sources. Kids are highly susceptible to stomach illnesses and travel-related problems, so make it a point to bring enough water for everyone. To reduce plastic waste, use environment-friendly water bottles that are safe and easy to clean.
7. Cooler
While cargo space is a necessity, a sturdy cooler can help ensure that your frozen snacks and drinks remain cold during the long car journey. Load it with ice packs and place it nearby so you don’t need to stop whenever your kids are hungry. Having a cooler will also allow you to buy fresh fruits along the road as you can safely store them and ensure their freshness.
8. Garbage bags
Instead of stuffing trash between the seats or on the floor, instruct your kids to store it in garbage bags. Not only will it keep your vehicle tidy, it can also teach your children to be responsible and mindful of their waste. Dispose of these garbage bags at rest stops to keep them from accumulating. Trash bags will also come in handy when your kids experience motion sickness.
9. In-car entertainment
Being cooped inside a vehicle for long hours can be draining for children, so it is essential that you create a plan for their entertainment. While gadgets are great tools to keep your kids distracted, too much screen time can affect their mental development. Aside from loading your little ones’ tablets with their favorite games and shows, bring travel toys and books, and prepare enough games to keep them occupied and entertained. Use this opportunity to engage in meaningful communication with your kids so you can further learn about their current interests and vice versa.
10. First-aid kit
A well-stocked first-aid kit should be a priority in your road trip packing list, as accidents and emergencies can happen regardless of how meticulously you prepare. Your first-aid kit should include prescription and kid-friendly over-the-counter medications, thermometer, mosquito repellant, sunscreen, wound cleaning supplies, diaper rash cream, stuffy nose supplies, ointments, and cold remedies. Before your trip, have your kids checked by their doctor to ensure that they’re fit to travel and their necessary prescriptions are updated.
11. Extra clothes
Even if your road trip will only last for one to two days, it would be best to have extra clothing for unforeseen events. Keep some of the clothes in a handy bag so that you don’t need to dig through your suitcase while the car is moving. Check your destination’s weather forecast and the areas you’ll be passing through to ensure that your kids are dressed appropriately.
12. Roadside emergency kit
Aside from a first-aid kit, you must also bring a fully-stocked roadside emergency kit. As per the National Safety Council, your car emergency supply kit should contain a compass, jumper cables, a multipurpose utility tool, extra batteries, flashlight, tripod jack, a properly inflated spare tire, duct tape, fire extinguisher, nonperishable and high-energy foods, reflective triangles, rain poncho, cell phone charger, drinking water, and tools for cold weather. Have your vehicle serviced before your road trip to ensure it runs smoothly.
13. Go-to-bag
For road travels with kids, being organized is essential. You will be more efficient if you have a go-to bag to keep necessary travel items. Choose a durable open bag, preferably water-resistant and with multiple pockets. Keep it within reach for easy access. The last thing you want is to empty your luggage on the side of the road, looking for your essentials.
Preparation is the key to a successful road trip with kids. Include these items in your packing list for your next family road adventure, and remember to create precious memories with your little ones.