ROAD TRIP WITH TODDLERS

How To Road Trip With Toddlers – What You Need!

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!

As a means for providing for my family, I may earn commissions if you shop through the links on this page at no additional cost to you. Thank you!


How To Use The Daily Toddler Learning Calendar


Tips For A Road Trip With Toddlers

  1. Drive during the night. If you can’t drive during the night, than leave EARLY.
  2. Pack plenty of snacks that your toddler enjoys. Be sure to include their favorites!
  3. Get your music playlists together and include your toddler’s favorite songs
  4. Open an Amazon Audible account and listen to children’s books. (Before your trip, sign up for a Free 30 Day Trial HERE.)
  5. Pack older toys your toddler hasn’t seen in a while and/or new toys that you haven’t given to them yet.
  6. Have someone sit in the back with your toddler. At least for a good bit of the trip.
  7. 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!
  8. Bring a few trash bags. (One for trash, but also some extras as a “puke bag” incase your toddler gets car sick.
  9. 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.
  10. Bring paper towels, disinfecting wipes and Lysol to clean up any unfortunate messes that occur.
This image is on a post about how to survive a road trip with toddlers. These helpful tips for long car rides with toddlers will save you a lot of head ache and make your road trip MUCH more enjoyable! Includes a Road Trip With Toddler Checklist to make sure you're prepared with all of the essentials!

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

Quick Reference List:

Foldable Portable Toddler Toilet Seat

Insulated Portable Toddler Cup

Car Seat Snack Tray

Amazon Fire Tablet

Headrest Tablet Holder

Toddler Headphones

Toddler Busy Board

Puffy Sticker Play Set

Bib That Covers Car Seat

Foldable Portable Toddler Toilet Seat

Jool Baby Folding Travel Potty Seat for Toddlers, Fits Round & Oval Toilets, Non-Slip Suction Cups, Includes Free Travel Bag (Aqua)
  • Our Folding Travel Toilet Seat fits most standard and public toilets securely, and works great for boys & girls.
  • Award winning: 1st place winner of the 2019 Drug Store News/ECRM Buyer’s Choice Award!
  • Perfect for on the Go: Small, lightweight, and includes a free travel bag that makes it easy to take around.
  • 8 super-suction cups keep it very sturdy, allowing toddlers to gain confidence when using the bathroom as a beginner.
  • BPA-Free materials. The manufacturer includes a 10 year warranty.

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.

GET IT HERE


Insulated Portable Toddler Cup

Sale
THERMOS FUNTAINER 12 Ounce Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Kids Straw Bottle, Frozen 2
  • STAYS COLD: THERMOS vacuum insulation technology keeps drinks cold for up to 12 hours; Our kids water bottles are built so their drinks are as cool on the inside as they look on the outside; Not for hot liquids
  • DURABLE FOR DAILY USE: High quality 18/8 stainless steel construction is built to handle drops, dings and assorted roughhousing; You can pop your FUNTAINER water bottle in the dishwasher, though washing by hand is recommended
  • KID-FRIENDLY DESIGN: Choose from a variety of fun colors or patterns! This 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
  • HYGIENIC COVERED STRAW: Help keep germs away with a hygienically covered pop-up straw that’s also removable for easy cleaning
  • PROTECT WHAT YOU LOVE: This THERMOS KIDS gear is made with durable, dishwasher safe materials meant to keep lunch and drinks how they like them; The lunchtime puzzle is officially solved

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!

GET IT HERE


Car Seat Snack Tray

My Travel Tray/Round – USA Made. Easily Convert Your Current Cup Holder to a Tray and Cup Holder for use with Car Seats, Booster,Stroller and Anywhere You Have a Cup Holder! (Blue)
  • 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!

GET IT HERE


Amazon Fire Tablet

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids tablet, 10.1″, 1080p Full HD, ages 3–7, 32 GB, Sky Blue
  • 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.

GET IT HERE


Car Headrest Tablet Holder

Sale
Macally Tablet Holder for car Headrest – Adjustable iPad Mount – Super Secure Backseat iPad Holder – Fits 4.7-12.9″ Devices (iPad/Nintendo Switch)
  • 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.

GET IT HERE


Toddler Headphones

iClever Kids Bluetooth Headphones LED Light Up with Safe Volume, 25H Playtime, Stereo Sound Mic, Bluetooth 5.0, Foldable, On Ear Kids Wireless Headphones for Tablet/Airplane/Travel, BTH03 Blue
  • 【Safe Volume & Colorful Lights】:Looks cool, sounds great! To protect kids’ hearing, the headphones are limited to an output of 94dB. In addition to the 40mm drivers that…
  • 【25H Playtime】:Whether you’ re on a family road trip, the kids are walking to school or they are doing homework, the iClever kids bluetooth headphones will give you 25 hours of…
  • 【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 5.0 & Hands-Free Call】: No more helping your child untangle cords on wired headphones, these useful and time-saving iClever kids wireless headphones use Bluetooth…
  • 【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!

GET IT HERE


Toddler Busy Board

Toddler Busy Board – Montessori Fine Motor Skills Toy – Zipper Buckle Button Shoe Tying Practice Board – Sensory Activity Busy Board for Toddlers – Soft Felt Travel Learning Toys for Kids Ages 3 4 5
  • 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!)

GET IT HERE


Melissa & Doug Puffy Sticker Play Sets

Sale
Melissa & Doug Puffy Sticker Play Sets – Safari, Pirate, On the Farm – Reusable Dress Up Doll Stickers, Restickable Puffy Sticker Book For Kids Ages 4+
  • Three themed reusable puffy sticker play sets (Pirate, Safari, and Farm)
  • Each set has 40 50 plus reusable puffy stickers
  • Each set has folding, double sided, glossy background cards to fill, peel, and re fill
  • Convenient carrying handle perfect for travel
  • Ages 4 plus; 8.25 x 11.5 inches each when folded

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.

GET IT HERE


Limited Time Only $9.99

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.

GET IT HERE


Kids Travel Tray

Sale
Lusso Gear Kids Travel Tray for Toddler & Kids Car Seat, Lap Tray for Airplane, Kids Travel Desk Essential Accessories, Table Tray for Road Trip Activities (Black)
  • Travel Tray for Kids Car Seat: Entertain your kids and keep their toys organized with this baby and toddler travel tray. The dry erase top of this travel tray is large and can be…
  • Kid Safe Materials: Crafted from Oxford cloth and kid-safe plastic, our kids travel tray for car seat is sturdy enough for years of use in the car, airplane, train, or bus. This…
  • No-Drop Tablet Holder: Compatible with various devices, we designed the tablet holder to be secure and stable when travelling with restless kids. The no-drop holder on this carseat…
  • Ideal For Road Trips: Our car seat activity lap trays make ideal entertainment accessories or organizer for long roadtrip activities with young kids, but can also be used on…
  • Lusso Gear Promise: At Lusso Gear, we believe that you will love this activity lap desk for car seat. If you encounter any issue with your travel tray for kids, contact our…

Last, but DEFINITELY not least, get yourself a Kids Travel Tray.

Features:

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

GET IT HERE

Bestseller No. 1
MENZOKE Kids Travel Tray for Toddler Car Seat, Lap Tray for Girl Activities with Dry Erase Board & Cooler Cup Holder, Road Trip Essentials Accessories with No-Drop Large Tablet iPad Holder Stand,Pink
  • ENTERTAINING AT THEIR FINGERTIPS – MENZOKE kids travel tray for car seat is a kids road trip essentials and airplane travel essentials. Kids use the car lap desk for hours of…
  • 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…
  • 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…
Bestseller No. 2
My Travel Tray/Round – USA Made. Easily Convert Your Current Cup Holder to a Tray and Cup Holder for use with Car Seats, Booster,Stroller and Anywhere You Have a Cup Holder! (Dino Green)
  • 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…
  • 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.
SaleBestseller No. 3
PILLANI Kids Travel Tray for Car – Car Seat Tray for Kids Travel, Car Trays for Kids Roadtrip Essentials,Carseat Table Tray for Kids Road Trip Activities -Toddler Lap Desk Organizer for Airplane
  • 【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…
SaleBestseller No. 4
Kids Travel Tray with Dry Erase Board, Car Seat Tray for Food & Play Activity, Carseat Table Trays for Toddler, Kid Activity Desk for Air Travel, No-Drop Tablet Holder & Borders (Grey with Blue Frame)
  • ✔️PEACE OF MIND WHILE TRAVELING – Do you know researchers found that children are 12 times more distracting to drivers than talking on a cell phone while at the wheel….
  • ✔️A MUST-HAVE CAR SEAT TABLE FOR SAFE TRAVELS WITHOUT FRUSTRATION – A stand-alone tablet or iPad holder becomes STRONGER hook and loop with detachable back ensures and children…
  • ✔️A CAR SEAT ORGANIZER PLUS DESK ORGANIZER Tablet holder with special slots for charging cable on the left side. Don’t worry anymore liquid spill on tablet or smartphone…
Bestseller No. 5
Blissful Diary Travel Tray For Kids Car Seat, Toddler Road Trip Essentials With Drawing Kit, Carseat Tray – Black
  • Road Trip Must Have for Kids – The Blissful Diary Kids Travel Tray is designed for road trips and entertainment! Kids can draw, write, eat snacks, play with toys and watch tablets…
  • Durable & Easy to Clean – Made of five layers of material, the 600D Oxford material ensures a lightweight yet tough quality. The surface of the product adopts a wipeable panel,…
  • Wide Application Size – Adjustable strap and 16″X12″X4″ size are suitable for most kids car seats or airplane seats, the longest adjustable length of the strap is 52.3 inches,…
SaleBestseller No. 6
Lusso Gear Kids Travel Tray for Toddler & Kids Car Seat, Lap Tray for Airplane, Kids Travel Desk Essential Accessories, Table Tray for Road Trip Activities (Black)
  • Travel Tray for Kids Car Seat: Entertain your kids and keep their toys organized with this baby and toddler travel tray. The dry erase top of this travel tray is large and can be…
  • Kid Safe Materials: Crafted from Oxford cloth and kid-safe plastic, our kids travel tray for car seat is sturdy enough for years of use in the car, airplane, train, or bus. This…
  • No-Drop Tablet Holder: Compatible with various devices, we designed the tablet holder to be secure and stable when travelling with restless kids. The no-drop holder on this carseat…
Bestseller No. 7
COOLBEBE Kids Travel Tray for Toddler Car Seat, Travel Tray for Airplane, Toddler Car Seat Lap Tray, Carseat Table Tray for Kids Travel Activities (Black-1)
  • 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,…
Bestseller No. 8
Lusso Gear Kids Tray Table Cover with Pockets – Airplane Travel Essentials for Babies, Toddlers, Adults – Travel Tray for Kids on Plane or Train – Airplane Must Haves and Flying Essentials – Mermaids
  • Multipurpose airplane travel essentials: For use in planes, trains, buses, or any method of transport with a tray table. Use as a handy kids lap desk cover, tablet holder, activity…
  • Convenience and customization: Choose from 5 amazing patterned designs. After use, pack the small tray table cover away by either folding or rolling it up and tucking it away. Upon…
  • Safe and sanitary: Airline tray tables can be filthy. Rather than dealing with an elaborate and time consuming decontamination process, slide our tray table cover over it for the…
SaleBestseller No. 9
SEVEN SPARTA Travel Tray for Kids Toddler Car Seat, Rotatable and Removable Cup Holder Food Tray for Snacks and Entertainment with Soft Rubber Base, Family Road Trip Essentials
  • 🚘【Life Saver During Road Trips】Our car seat travel tray keeps your kid’s snacks and toys within easy reach, providing a good place for your kid to eat, color and play. No…
  • 🍟【Suitable for Most Cup Holders】Our upgraded soft base ensures wide compatibility with cup holders (2.8”-3.2” diameter). It is quick and easy to install with the push-in…
  • 🥪【Large Rotatable & Removable Tray】Enjoy a spacious tray that can hold a single McDonald’s meal, allowing you to eat and play without feeling cramped. Tray edges are 1”…
Bestseller No. 10
Kenley Kids Travel Tray, Toddler Car Seat Lap Tray, Road Trip Essentials Activity Table,16.5 x 13.5 Inches (Blue/Gray)
  • The Original Kenley Kids Activity Tray – No matter if your toddler is hungry or bored, our lap tray is a “road trip must haves” favorite. From keeping little ones entertained on a…
  • Storage Room To Spare – With a medium sized tablet pouch (10”w), two cup holders and a removable/collapsible storage compartment, you’ll have more room to know what to do with!…
  • Road Trip Essential – Are you the travelling kind? Our fully collapsible design makes transport a breeze, and the padded carrying strap makes it that much easier… even when the…


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    This image is on a post about how to survive a road trip with toddlers. These helpful tips for long car rides with toddlers will save you a lot of head ache and make your road trip MUCH more enjoyable! Includes a Road Trip With Toddler Checklist to make sure you're prepared with all of the essentials!