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5 Great tips for doing a road trip with toddlers

 
Taking your toddler and doing a road trip around New Zealand might not be as daunting as you think, and is a great opportunity to enjoy new sights and explore new places as a family. Travelling with toddlers provides a perfect opportunity to strengthen family bonds as you are isolated in your own little world and can do all the crazy things you want to do!
Taking your toddler and doing a road trip around New Zealand might not be as daunting as you think, and is a great opportunity to enjoy new sights and explore new places as a family.

Travelling with toddlers provides a perfect opportunity to strengthen family bonds as you are isolated in your own little world and can do all the crazy things you want to do!

Follow these tips for a fun family road trip adventure.
 

5 Great tips for road tripping with toddlers

 

1. Travel Planning


Take time to plan your journey in as much detail as possible. If your objective is simply to get from A to B consider travelling through the night taking advantage of your toddler's normal sleeping hours.

Make sure to pack plenty of cool water, apple or carrot sticks if there is no convenient place to stop, these are crunchy, fun to eat and don’t make crumbs which could cause discomfort.

Offer your toddler healthy drinks and avoid sugar-laden drinks and fat heavy snacks which can cause imbalances that can make them restless and irritable.

One of the most useful travel packing tips is to pack a separate bag which is kept close to hand with things you'll need on the road, nappies, wet wipes, underwear etc.

Make your travel checklist to be sure not to forget anything important.
 

2. Enjoy plenty of stops


Make frequent stops, 10-15 minutes every 2 hours.

When making your road trip planner look for places to stop where there are playgrounds as letting your toddler run around, play and relax a while will help them to settle better for travel.

Stop at as many attractions as possible, drive through trees, petting farms, anything to make the journey special and fun.

Take advantage of these breaks to eat small healthy snacks or to have a meal.

Avoid eating and drinking on the move as this can cause indigestion and discomfort. Try to maintain regular mealtimes and to eat food your toddler is used to

 

3. Keep them entertained


Toddlers and preschoolers can be encouraged to observe the passing landscapes. Games such as i- spy or count the yellow cars can help them to enjoy the journey and feel part of it.

A good sing song of old favourite nursery rhymes or making up songs or stories about the passing scenery is always good fun.

If two adults are travelling, take turns driving and if there is room spend a while in the back beside your toddler, they will love this!


4. Travelling with a horde


Travelling with several small children can be very challenging, so be sure that each one has their own space and their own toys, sharing can often cause problems!

Perhaps bring along a device so that they can play games or watch a movie or listen to a story when they start to get restless.
 

5. Having a safe journey


All children under seven years old travelling in a car in New Zealand must be seated in a correctly fitted child seat.

If you are hiring a car for your road trip in New Zealand make sure that your New Zealand rental car provider supplies you with an appropriate car seat when you pick up your vehicle.

Make sure that each child is secured correctly and that they are comfortable, and that all straps and fastenings are adjusted so that they don't rub.

Dress your toddler in lightweight natural fabrics that don’t restrict their movements and which breathe so that they don't become sweaty and clammy.
 

Other kids travel articles to enjoy:

 
Source: This article was written by Merino Kids™ - a New Zealand based company that specialises in producing 100% natural baby and toddler sleepwear and clothing.
Image source: merakilane.com
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