Whether you are just getting from point A to point B running errands OR you’re embarking on a road trip, we all want a peaceful car ride. A little prep before said car ride can go a long way in achieving some peace for mama on said drive. If your car rides also involve a plane ride, check out my airplane travel tips too!
Car Snack Kit
This car snack kit is not anything fancy. I grab a Gallon Ziploc Bag, fill it up with individually packaged snacks, and store it in the car. Whenever someone asks for a snack, I hand over one of my choosing. If your car ride begins during snack time, I like to stuff a snack catcher with cheerios and freeze dried fruit and place it in their cup holder. Pixar Ziploc bags have also been a hit in my older kiddo – its a little too risky with the younger one. Having snacks on hand is key for a peaceful drive in this household.
Also, don’t forget, if you give a toddler a snack, they’re going to ask for some water! We’ve enjoyed this water bottle and this water bottle as of late.
Car Diaper Change Kit
To ensure I always have what I need in one place, I secure all diaper change related things in this Portable Changing Pad. I grab it and bring it inside with me (if needed). When I have enough room, I fold it out and change my kiddo in the back seat. In the past, I struggled finding all the things I need for a diaper change. The pockets at the top of this make it easy to store all the things I may need.
Things I store in this Portable Changing Pad:
- My Favorite Wipes: a nice full pack before any long adventures
- Diapers: of course
- Travel Hand Sanitizer: because when its needed, you want it in reach!
- Odor Neutralizing Trash Bags: minimize the stink! especially when you can’t find a place to throw out the diaper! Additionally, I use these bags to store any soiled clothes in the car until I’m able to wash them 🙂
- Distraction Toy: If your little one fights diaper changes, a little toy might help here. Most of the time, I’m able to get away with just giving away one of my wipes though 🙂
- Spare lightweight outfit: Of course you’ll need an extra outfit, but specifically I try to make sure I store a lightweight outfit. My kiddos tend to get hot in their carseats (especially on longer drives). If you do opt to put baby in a onesie, I recommend always putting a pair of shorts over it in case of a blowout! Trust me on this one – its a lot easier to store poopy clothes than to travel with a poopy carseat that your kiddo needs to sit in! (these shorts are too cute!!)
Car Toy Organizer
I love hanging a place for all the car toys (even though they inevitably get thrown on the floor. I registered for this Car Toy Organizer with my first baby and have used it ever since! The car seat organizer gives a great place for not just toys, but MORE wipes, water bottles, etc!
Bonus: Tunes for the Road
Children’s tunes today have definitely been channeling millennial nostalgia lately. I’ve been digging Caspar Babypants – Stompy the Bear anyone? And don’t forget Anabelle Pancake. JAMS
Movie soundtracks are a great hit as well. How can anyone NOT be happy while listening to You’ve Got a Friend in Me? I must admit, although I was skeptical the Lightyear Soundtrack is pretty enjoyable driving music. Did I really just say that?
Final Words
I spent a little too long being afraid of car rides. As we all do, I learned what to change one cry at a time 🙂 I love learning all the mom hacks! What helps you keep sane during car rides? Any tips for long road trips? Let me know in the comments! Good luck, mamas!