How to Make the Long Drive More Comfortable when Traveling with Kids

Traveling long distances is often difficult for adults, so you can imagine what it's like for a busy child who is used to almost constant activity from the time he wakes until he goes to bed. While some parents opt to drive through the night, this can leave parents exhausted and kids cranky. You can make your next long drive more comfortable with just a little planning and organization before you leave.

Instructions

    • 1

      Pack the car so that your children have enough room to freely stretch and move. Keep luggage and other travel necessities in the trunk and reserve the back seat for your children, their car or booster seats, a small cooler and their activities. This keeps your children from feeling suffocated, cramped and uncomfortable.

    • 2

      Pack a variety of activities for your children. Younger children may like board books, favorite stuffed animals and musical toys. Older children may enjoy coloring or activity books, reading books, action figures and portable game systems. Keep the activities in a tote organizer placed on the seat between your children, or create a small "survival kit" tote for each child. Children who are able to use a listening device with headphones may also like to listen to recorded books or music.

    • 3

      Wear comfortable traveling clothes. Choose an outfit for your children that is loose-fitting and non-constricting. Bring a change of clothes, shoes, raincoat and, for younger children, bibs. Store these additional items in a small bag within easy reach so you can get to it without stopping if necessary.

    • 4

      Bring a pillow and a small blanket from home for each child. The pillows allow your children to sleep during the car ride, and the blankets allow them to regulate their own temperature and prevent the inevitable "I'm hot, but I'm cold," complaints.

    • 5

      Pack snacks and drinks in a small cooler for the drive. Keep the cooler on the floor of the passenger side or back seat. Include juice boxes and snacks like dry cereal, bananas, apple slices, nuts and soy beans. For young children, make sure to pack breastmilk, formula or juice (if your child uses a bottle or infant cup) along with any bite-sized finger food your child may eat. Be sure to put a bib on your young child before she eats or drinks to protect her clothing and give her one piece of food at a time.

    • 6

      Plan rest breaks for your children to use the restroom or have a diaper changed. Resist the urge to hurry and allow your children a chance to stretch their legs and move around. You might plan for a picnic at a highway rest stop and allow your kids to play before getting back in the car. Stop at sightseeing locations you pass to help keep your kids from getting bored and allow your family the opportunity to visit places they might not normally see.

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