A road trip with your toddler is perfect for bonding and creating memories while exploring new places. However, what is supposed to be a fun and exciting experience could quickly become a nightmare if you do not keep your child comfortable and busy. If you are planning a road trip, here are five tips for making your toddler comfortable for a safe and enjoyable journey.
1. Drive during the night
If you are comfortable driving at night, consider scheduling night travels. Toddlers will likely be asleep through the night, so you do not have to worry about keeping them occupied. There are also no traffic jams and roadworks at night, so you will get to your destination faster, keeping the babies from fatiguing.
However, ensure you are well-rested and get enough sleep during the day to avoid drowsy driving, which could result in accidents. Be sure to also bring a partner or friend with you so you can take turns driving.
2. Install quality car seats
One of the most effective ways to ensure your child experiences maximum comfort throughout the road trip is by investing in a quality car booster or seat. If you already have a car seat installed, schedule an inspection with a certified child passenger safety technician to ensure it is fitted correctly and in good shape before embarking on your road trip. A car seat has a five-point harness that holds your baby in place when traveling, ensuring safety.
According to a recent report, a car seat lowers the risk of injuries by up to 82% during car crashes. Check out diono.com to purchase the most comfortable toddler car seats to keep your baby as safe as possible.
3. Pack up snacks
A hungry baby stuck in their car seats can be one of the most frustrating aspects of your road trip, so you should ensure they are well-fed. Consider scheduling mealtime stops to nurse your baby or spoon-feed them.
You should also stock up on healthy travel snacks such as cheese cubes, whole grain cereals, baked bread, fruits, vegetables, and sandwiches, to mention a few, to keep your little one comfortable. This keeps them from distracting you.
Eating while driving increases the risk of choking, so having an adult keeping an eye on your baby can reduce injuries. With that being said, avoid sticky snacks like crisps and yogurt because they could leave a mess in your vehicle. Sugary snacks could also energize your little one, making it difficult to keep calm.
4. Schedule breaks
It can be tempting to drive for an extended period to enable you to reach your destination quicker. However, sitting for a long time is exhausting and uncomfortable, especially for toddlers, so you should plan for breaks to allow your child to move around.
5. Avoid leaving your child alone in the car
You may be tempted to leave your little one in the car, especially when they are fast asleep for a bathroom break or to grab snacks from the supermarket. However, this makes your baby vulnerable to heatstroke, which could result in death. Not to mention someone could break into your vehicle and take your child, so never leave your baby alone.
Endnote
A road trip with your toddler is as exciting as it is taxing. Invest in quality car seats, drive at night, schedule breaks, and pack up snacks to make your little one comfortable during the road trip.
