Planning a car journey with your young child? Make it truly stress-free with our essential tricks and tips
Blustery days out on the British coast and trips to visit family around the country – you've probably dreamed of a whole host of cute days out with your little one. But just one car journey from hell can be enough to put you off any trip longer than five minutes!
From drink spillages and boredom to potty accidents and non-stop tears, journeys with a toddler or pre-schooler in tow are no mean feat.
It doesn't have to be that way, though. With some helpful hacks and a little forward planning, the world (well, the UK) can be your oyster again. Here's how to navigate a toddler trip...
The best car-friendly games and toys
There's no need to spend a fortune but a handful of toys and activities are a must for long journeys with a young family.
Although pricey, a tablet might be a smart investment if you frequently spend time in the car, offering endless entertainment when pre-loaded with films and TV shows. You can also use your own smartphone for this. Just place it into a tablet holder on the seat in front and consider child-friendly headphones if Paw Patrol and Peppa Pig aren't your thing.
Want to limit their TV time? Opt for games without too many fiddly parts such as talking soft toys or play watches, books with flaps, and electronic books featuring lights and noise. Age-appropriate magnetic activities and sticker books will also keep them happily occupied.
Classic car games aren't just for older kids. Play I-Spy with colours, rather than letters, or play 'car bingo' by printing out pictures of things they might spot – such as lorries, umbrellas, cows and planes – and encouraging them to circle each along the way.
Playing nursery rhymes and singing is a good way to help distract little ones, as are audio books if your tot is a little older.
Mess-free snacks
Pack double the amount of food you think you might require... and then some. Not only is it essential fuel for traffic jams or – god forbid – breakdowns, but snacks make for a brilliant distraction for little ones.
Bite-sized foods, like dried fruits or cheese, smoothie pouches and squeezy yogurts are good choices – check out ASDA's picnic and kids' ranges for ideas. Remember to avoid anything that could pose a choking hazard, such as grapes, gummy sweets or lollipops, and ensure an adult passenger is sitting next to them while they eat.
If you thought road trips required some prep pre-children, prepare for military levels of planning now!
Consider both your route and the time of day you're going to be travelling. While you can't schedule children's naps to perfection (in fact, do kids ever sleep when you'd actually like them to?) it can be really helpful to co-ordinate the trip around their usual rest times.
Research suitable places to stop before you set off. The government's 'Think!' road safety initiative advises drivers to take a 15-minute break every two to three hours although you may find you need to do so more frequently with children for toilet stops and stretches.
Ensure you have several options as if your little one's sound asleep, you might want to cruise on for a little longer.
Aside from service stations, garden centres make for great stopovers. Even in the winter, getting fresh air is key for all ages, so look for somewhere with safe open space and pack some warm waterproofs if the weather's not great. Less than half an hour of running around or looking at different scenery can provide the stimulation your child needs, encouraging them to rest or sleep during the next stint of your journey. Bliss...
Car safety for toddlers
Safety should be at the forefront of your mind when travelling and remember there are even stricter car rules and regulations to follow when a child's on board.
According to GOV and ROSPA advice, these include but are not limited to the following:
Children must normally use a child car seat until they're 12 years old or 135cm tall, whichever comes first
Child car seats must be suitable for your child's weight and size, and they must be correctly fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions
Child car seats must be rear-facing until your child is over 15 months old
Front airbags must be deactivated before fitting a rear-facing baby seat in a front seat of the car
Car journeys with a toddler: your checklist
Other useful items include:
A blanket
Soothers if your toddler uses them
Pyjamas to change into if you're travelling during the evening
Portable potty or nappies and your changing kit
Baby wipes
A travel first aid kit
Car window shade
Their favourite comforter
Two spare outfits in case of spills or accidents
Motion sickness medicine (your pharmacist can advise on child-friendly options)
