Road Trip With Toddlers…just the sound of those words sent shivers down my spine! For our first long car ride with our toddler, we took a 9-10 hour trip to a beach in North Carolina. To say I was nervous about how to keep my toddler entertained and happy during that road trip would be an understatement! I’m not crazy about long car rides in general, so adding a crazy toddler to the mix seemed, well…miserable to be honest!
So I did what all of us moms do…I hit the internet to find all of the best tips for taking a road trip with a toddler! And my fellow moms did not let me down!
I’ve compiled all of the top tips, and the absolute BEST toddler road trip essentials to help make sure your road trip goes as smoothly as mine have! (I got you mama!) Scroll to the bottom of this post to get the FREE Road Trip With A Toddler Checklist.
Before we get into the must have essentials to keep your toddler entertained on that long car ride, let’s start with some quick tips that you’ll want to follow!
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Tips For A Road Trip With Toddlers
- Drive during the night. If you can’t drive during the night, than leave EARLY.
- Pack plenty of snacks that your toddler enjoys. Be sure to include their favorites!
- Get your music playlists together and include your toddler’s favorite songs
- Open an Amazon Audible account and listen to children’s books. (Before your trip, sign up for a Free 30 Day Trial HERE.)
- Pack older toys your toddler hasn’t seen in a while and/or new toys that you haven’t given to them yet.
- Have someone sit in the back with your toddler. At least for a good bit of the trip.
- Plan your stops as much as you can. Be sure you’re giving your toddler opportunity to stretch their legs and get out of that car seat for a while!
- Bring a few trash bags. (One for trash, but also some extras as a “puke bag” incase your toddler gets car sick.
- Pack a toddler diaper bag, so when you stop for meals, potty breaks, and leg stretches, you can easily grab what you need to without having to shuffle through a million bags.
- Bring paper towels, disinfecting wipes and Lysol to clean up any unfortunate messes that occur.
Alright mamas…now the fun part. The must have, totally essential items that will help you ROCK a road trip with toddlers!
Must Have Products For A Road Trip With Toddlers
Foldable Portable Toddler Toilet Seat
- THE ORIGINAL FOLDING POTTY SEAT & multiple award winner, featured in Best of Bump Awards, JPMA Innovation Award Finalists & ECRM 1st Place Buyer’s Choice Awards.
- EASY FOR ON-THE-GO: You & your potty training child can travel with confidence, knowing you can use any bathroom along the way with this portable potty seat.
- TRAVEL BAG INCLUDED: Folds compactly into the machine washable travel bag & weighs under 10 oz, making it easy to carry discreetly or throw it into your purse or diaper bag.
- ATTACHES SECURELY so your toddler can go securely. Suction cups help ensure potty won’t shift. Fits most toilets.
- WIPES CLEAN: Our foldable potty seat wipes clean easily after use, ready for your next adventure.
This portable toddler toilet seat is awesome for potty trained toddlers! (Or toddlers that are working on potty training.) It’s perfect for road trips, but it’s also just an essential to have in your toddler car kit/diaper bag. It folds up so it’s really portable and convenient.
I love this thing because I don’t like the idea of my toddler sitting on a dirty public toilet, and those darn paper covers can be a hassle! This is a definite MUST.
Insulated Portable Toddler Cup
- Stays cold: THERMOS vacuum insulation technology keeps drinks cold for up to 12 hours. Our stainless steel water bottles are built so their drinks are as cool on the inside as they look on the outside. Not for hot liquids
- Kid-friendly design: This reusable metal water bottle is lightweight and compact with a push button lid so it’s easy to carry and open. The integrated carry handle features a soft touch grip
- Daily durability: Perfect kids water bottle for school and daily use. Made with high-quality 18/8 stainless steel construction to handle drops, dings and provide everyday durability and reliability. Comes in a variety of fun colors and patterns
- Easy care and cleaning: Hygienically covered pop-up straw that’s also removable for easy cleaning. This kids water bottle is dishwasher safe, though washing by hand is recommended.
You’ll definitely need to bring an Insulated Toddler Cup to make sure they stay hydrated! Otherwise, you’ll find yourself making an extra stop because they need something to drink or because their drink “got hot”. These cups are also really cute with their favorite characters on it which is a fun plus!
Check out all the different character options!
Car Seat Snack Tray
- LESS MESS MEANS LESS STRESS: Reduce crumbs and spillages in your car! My Travel Tray keeps snacks and drinks out of your child’s lap, right at their side using their current cupholder.
- ADAPTABLE TO FIT MOST CUP HOLDERS: Complimentary cup adapter and “Grippi” to provide 4 different sizes, allowing you to adapt to most cup holders.
- DISHWASHER FRIENDLY EASY CLEAN: Top rack dishwasher-safe, built with convenience in mind. This accessory is perfect for busy people, reducing distractions and creating less mess.
- SAFE MATERIALS, PREMIUM QUALITY: Crafted from high-quality ABS plastic, our tray is sturdy and durable, providing you the travel support you need. Free from BPA, PHT, and PVC.
This Car Seat Snack Tray is really convenient for keeping your little snacker satisfied during the long drive!
Amazon Fire Tablet
- SAVE UP TO $70: Get a full-featured tablet (not a toy) for kids ages 3–7 that includes 1 year of Amazon Kids+, parental controls, a Kid-Proof Case, and 2-year guarantee, versus items purchased separately.
- 2 YEAR WORRY-FREE GUARANTEE INCLUDED: If it breaks, return it and we’ll replace it for free.
- CONTENT KIDS LOVE: Includes 1 year of Amazon Kids+ – a digital subscription designed for kids to safely learn, grow and explore. On the Fire HD 10 Kids, kids can enjoy thousands of ad-free books, games, videos, apps and more. After 1 year, your subscription will automatically renew every month starting at just $4.99/month plus applicable tax. You may cancel any time by visiting the Amazon Parent Dashboard or contacting Customer Service.
- BUILT TOUGH FOR KIDS: Every Fire Kids tablet comes with a sturdy Kid-Proof case designed to protect against drops and bumps.
- NO-HASSLE PARENT CONTROLS: Easy-to-use Parent Dashboard allows you to filter content based on child’s age, set educational goals and time limits, and grant access to additional content like Netflix and Disney+.
Moms…you NEED a tablet for a long road trip with toddlers.
Let me say that again for those of you whose kids were screaming while you were trying to read this…YOU NEED A TABLET FOR A ROAD TRIP WITH TODDLERS!
I love this Amazon Fire Tablet because it’s basically indestructible, it’s affordable, and it’s built for kids so it comes with a lot of toddler appropriate games and videos. This will save you a lot of headache during that long drive. (It comes in handy at home too!)
Sign Up For A FREE Amazon Prime Trial Here and get tons of music and movies for the drive.
Car Headrest Tablet Holder
- Kid Tested Parents Approved: Keep your children or other backseat passengers entertained on long drives drive in peace and avoid paying for expensive backseat entertainment systems
- Your Preferred Adjustability: Choose having your tablet directly behind a car seat for a single passenger or in between the driver and passenger seats for multiple passengers The ball-head also allows for different viewing angles and for 360° rotation
- Tablet and Smartphone Compatibility: Cradle fits tablets with the bulkiest of cases and any other mobile device between 4 5” to 10” wide securely
- Secure and Stable: Designed to keep the tablet stable and from bouncing while driving with the strong aluminum shaft
- Quick and Easy Installation: With no tools required, simply twist the knobs to quickly attach or detach the mount to most headrest posts (2” and 7.25” wide)
This Car Headrest Tablet Holder is perfect for putting a movie/videos on the tablet and letting your little one watch it. It also helps make sure they don’t accidently click out of the movie their watching. Plus you don’t have to be bothered with them constantly dropping it.
Toddler Headphones
- 【Safe Volume & Colorful Lights】: Looks cool, sounds great! To protect kids’ hearing, the Kids headphones are limited to an output of 85dB. In addition to the 40mm drivers that…
- 【Long Battery Life】: Whether you’ re on a family road trip, the kids are walking to school or they are doing homework, the bluetooth headphones for kids will give you 100 hours…
- 【All-Day Comfort】: Comfort is paramount to the experience of the iClever kids headphones which are enriched by Memory foam ear cushions, soft and breathable material that makes…
- 【Bluetooth 5.4 & Hands-Free Call】: No more helping your child untangle cords on wired headphones, these useful and time-saving iClever wireless headphones for kids use…
- 【Foldable & Durable】: Make the walk home that much more enjoyable when you listen to the iClever kids headphones for school, which are conveniently foldable to fit in a…
Unless you want to listen to freaking Blippi and Cocomelon on repeat for hours on end, get your toddler these fun Toddler Headphones.
They come in 8 different colors. They are WIRELESS. Plus they are built for young kids with a volume restrictor to ensure they don’t listen to things too loudly. And get this…they have built-in microphone for 2-way calling! Great for quick check ins with the grandparents, or other family members!
Toddler Busy Board
- The Montessori busy board for toddlers is designed to promote hands-on learning and the development of basic dressing and fine motor skills
- Originally launched in 2018, this busy board features a patented design created by Kenley’s La-La-Llama parents for their own kids
- Specifically designed for children ages 2, 3, and 4, this toddler busy board includes buckles, buttons, zipper, velcro fasteners, and shoe ties
- The buckles and buttons on the board have varying difficulty levels, allowing toddlers to enjoy the challenge of puzzles or use the toy as soothing repetitive activities
- Made of soft wool, the felt board measures 11×12.5 inches and weighs just 0.4 pounds, making it an ideal travel activity toy for cars, trains, and airplanes
This Montessori Sensory Activity Board for Toddlers is awesome for keeping toddler’s entertained on road trips and as a bonus it’s great for strengthening their fine motor skills! (Win Win!)
Melissa & Doug Puffy Sticker Play Sets
- Three-Themed Reusable Sticker Books: Bundle includes 3 fold-out double sided glossy backgrounds (Pirate, Safari, Farm) and 65+ puffy restickable pieces to mix, match & decorate multiple scenes
- Travel Toy Pack: Compact fold-out boards with built-in carry handles make it ideal for on-the-go screen-free playtime—road trips, restaurants, waiting rooms, or quiet moments wherever you are
- Supports Early Learning & Skill Development: Mix-and-match play encourages creative storytelling while helping kids build fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and independence through hands-on fun
- Gift for Every Occasion Kids Ages 4+: A thoughtful back to school staple, holiday gift or birthday gift; fun alternative to cars, crayons,scrapbooking, or arts & crafts for screen-free, mess-free play
- Wholesome Play for 35+ Years: Melissa & Doug inspires kid-powered play with its learning toys for kids, baby & toddler toys, puzzles, games, building toys & stuffed animals, dolls, & even a doll hous
My toddler LOVES playing with stickers. I’m pretty sure all toddlers do. These Sticker Play Sets are really cool because they come with cute puffy stickers and double-sided glossy background cards to put the stickers and create a fun little scene! You can peel the stickers off and use the background cards again and again.
BIB THAT COVERS THE CAR SEAT
No one likes vacuuming out those dang car seats! They get SO gross with all the crumbs that our little ones smash deep into the cushions.
When you’re on a road trip with a toddler, they’re going to be snacking in their car seat A LOT! So save yourself some trouble by getting one of these Bibs that cover the car seat! You’ll be glad that you did!
They come in 10 fun designs that your toddler will love.
Kids Travel Tray
- Adventure Ready: Transform any car into a toddler adventure zone with Lusso Gear’s car seat tray. Perfect for snacks and toys, this travel car seat table makes road trips and…
- Durable Fun: Keep your kids entertained and organized with our tough 600D Oxford cloth car seat snack tray. It’s a reliable companion for every journey, whether it’s a quick trip…
- Tablet Holder Magic: No more worries about dropped devices with our secure tablet holder. This car seat tray for kids travel activities keeps everything steady, making it perfect…
- Multipurpose Organizer: Say goodbye to backseat chaos with this car organizer for kids. From travel kids essentials to toys, everything has its place, making it a must-have for…
- Neat and Tidy: Keep your car looking neat with this back seat organizer for kids featuring a handy cup holder. It’s all about maximizing space, making it an essential part of your…
Last, but DEFINITELY not least, get yourself a Kids Travel Tray.
I also love this ECOFANTASY Kids Travel Tray is a great option! It has all the bells and whistles, and comes with 2 activity sheets and 4 erasable markers along with 20 downloadable sheets.
Dry Erase Board Doubles as Eating Tray
iPad/Tablet Stand Secures in Place
Detachable Cup Holder & Storage Compartment
Mesh Storage Pockets With Pen Holders
Stores Everything Your Child Needs
Attaches Securely to Any Car Seat
Also Use With Stroller, High Chair, Kids Chair, & More
Easy to Take In & Out of Vehicle
Multiple Color Choices
- 【Travel and Roadtrip Essentials】- Keep your toddler entertained for hours, even on long drives! Our kids travel tray & road trip must have is designed to hold up their iPad or…
- 【Portable Carseat Tray and Road Trip Must Haves】- Our car seat tray for kids has a compact size of 16.5 x 13 x 4.5 inches with easily accessible organization pockets. It sits…
- 【Premium Quality for Long-Lasting Use】- Made of high-quality materials to give your kids a travel companion that will last a long time. Its 600D Oxford material ensures a…
- 【Travel and Roadtrip Essentials】- Keep your toddler entertained for hours, even on long drives! Our kids travel tray & road trip must have is designed to hold up their iPad or…
- 【Portable Carseat Tray and Road Trip Must Haves】- Our car seat tray for kids has a compact size of 16.5 x 13 x 4.5 inches with easily accessible organization pockets. It sits…
- 【Premium Quality for Long-Lasting Use】- Made of high-quality materials to give your kids a travel companion that will last a long time. Its 600D Oxford material ensures a…
- Entertaining At Their Fingertips: MENZOKE kids travel tray is a kids road trip essentials and airplane travel essentials. Kids use the car lap desk for hours of entertainment…
- Carry It Everywhere: The car seat tray for kids travel comes with a detachable adjustable strap for not only stablizing the kids travel tray for car seat by wrapped around car seat…
- Fits Most Car Seats: The 16.5″ x 13″ design allows the car tray for kids to fit most car seats and strollers, including toddler car seat 25-60 lbs. In addition, the car seat tray…
- Travel Tray for Kids Car Seat: Our kids travel tray is designed for road trips and entertainment! completely immersing themselves in their world of entertainment. Our car seat…
- Car Seat Table Size : Our 17″ x 13.5″ x 1.5″ kids travel tray for car seat is compatible with most kids car seats and airplane seats. The adjustable shoulder strap and foldable…
- Multi-Function Travel Tray For Kids Car Seat: Our car tray for kids features convenient organizational pockets to hold your kids small cards, and a built-in portable tissue holder…
- Travel in Style: Let your kiddo travel in style with the Lusso Gear Kids Airplane Tray Cover with Pockets. This travel tray for kids is an airplane must-have for toddlers. These…
- Stay Neat & Tidy: Keep your child’s travel space neat with this awesome tray cover. With pockets for toddler airplane toys and snacks, it’s a must-have for anyone traveling with…
- Extra Room for Fun: This stretchy tray cover gives your little one extra space for play and snacks. Perfect for toddler flight essentials, it fits most plane tray tables, providing…
- Car seat snack tray with cup holder – fits Miracle 360 Sippy Cups as well as other toddler cups
- Easy toddler snacking and drinking on the go
- Fits most standard-size child carseats
- Kids Travel Tray: This travel tray is a very convenient product that allows children to enjoy drawing, playing with toys, watching tablets, eating and so on in the car during the…
- Multiple Uses: The Toddler Car Seat Tray is easy to carry and install, adjustable shoulder straps hold the car seat tray on your child, you can also always put something in your…
- Perfect Organizer: The travel tray for airplanes helps overcome stress on the move. This car activity tray is designed with dividers to prevent pens and snacks from spilling out,…
- Kids Travel Tray: This travel tray is a very convenient product that allows children to enjoy drawing, playing with toys, watching tablets, eating and so on in the car during the…
- Multiple Uses: The Toddler Car Seat Tray is easy to carry and install, adjustable shoulder straps hold the car seat tray on your child, you can also always put something in your…
- Perfect Organizer: The travel tray for airplanes helps overcome stress on the move. This car activity tray is designed with dividers to prevent pens and snacks from spilling out,…
- Portable Kids Travel Tray Organizer – We designed our car lap tray for kids with an educational world map which coupled with the wide design provides the perfect spot for kids to…
- Durable And Multi-Purpose Car Tray – This carseat activity tray for toddlers is made using non-toxic Polyester and strong stitching without relying on any harsh materials to offer…
- Let Kids Play & Learn – Our car seat tray for kids travel comes with 2 activity sheets and 4 erasable markers along with 20 downloadable sheets so your little one can draw, play…
- Ultimate Travel Companion: Lusso Gear Kids Travel Tray keeps your little ones entertained during the journey. It’s a must-have for any travel car seat setup, making road trip…
- Kid-Friendly Durability: Crafted from sturdy 600D Oxford material, this lap desk for car handles any adventure. The secure strap keeps this car seat table tray in place, even when…
- On-the-Go Entertainment: The built-in tablet holder lets kids enjoy shows on long drives, turning backseat boredom into fun. This kids travel tray is perfect for tablet lovers and…
Preparing For A Road Trip With Toddlers – Get The Checklist!
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About Mom-Thoughts
Hi, I’m Heather! I’m the proud mom of one beautiful, wonderfully weird, and hilariously sassy little girl (seriously, the sass is unmatched!). After losing both of my parents before my daughter was born, I often found myself navigating motherhood without the advice and support I so desperately needed.
Add to that the constant presence of mom-shamers lurking around every corner, and it can feel nearly impossible to be appreciated for the rock star of a woman you truly are.
That’s why at Mom-Thoughts, we’re all about embracing what works best for you and your family—no judgment, no shame. We believe in real, down-to-earth parenting that prioritizes you too, Mama, because taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your little ones.
So, welcome to the club. You belong here. <3
