9 Items To Pack For A Road Trip With Your Baby & Toddler

A road trip with your baby and toddler can go one of many ways, depending on your children’s temperament and how prepared you are. If there’s one thing you don’t want to be, especially in a car with hangry little ones, it’s underprepared. Whether you’re headed to a vacation spot a few hours from home, or you’re crossing state lines to see family, the prospect of a long car journey with your kiddos can be daunting. As adults, few of us can handle a road trip without frequent pit stops to stretch our legs, use the restroom, or grab a bite to eat. Factor in tiny humans who operate on twice the energy and half the patience, and even a short car ride can become a nightmare. The key to a successful journey is to be prepared. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 9 must-have items to have in your vehicle the next time you’re headed somewhere far on the road.

1. Toki Mats Play Cushion

Made from 2 inches of thick, soft latex foam, this play cushion is a take-anywhere spot for your littles to sit and play. A waterproof vegan leather cover means it can lay on any surface from sand to damp ground and wipe clean afterward. Need a comfortable place to change the baby? Simply pop the trunk and lay your little one on the mat for fuss-free changing.

2. Farasla All-in-One Car Trash Can

It’s no secret that kids make messes. Rather than collecting pieces of trash during every rest stop, direct all waste to this handy car trash can that has a leak-proof liner and a compartment to quickly grab tissues or wipes to clean sticky hands. The large capacity makes it super handy for long journeys, and it collapses to store flat when not in use.

3. YETI Roadie 24 Cooler

This heavy duty cooler keeps food and drinks fresh with its permafrost insulation, and is designed for easy hauling. Say goodbye to sun-warmed bottles and enjoy ice cold water throughout your road trip. The effective cooling technology also allows you to safely store food to either eat throughout the journey or take to your destination.

4. Hatch Rest Go

Every parent knows just how valuable a sound machine is during the days when sleep is elusive and every little noise wakes your baby. The Hatch Rest is on every new parent’s registry, and this mini portable version is perfect for on-the-go! Help your little ones sleep peacefully in the car, so you can have some peace and quiet of your own.

5. Infants’ Tylenol

There’s nothing worse than your baby getting sick—except when it happens away from home. When you’re headed hundreds of miles away from home, the last thing you’ll want to happen is your little one spiking a fever or screaming from teething pains. When it comes to your kids, you can never be too prepared, so we suggest having this on hand for those what-are-the-chances moments.

6. Wash. It. Later. Soak & Save Bags

If you’ve ever had to deal with a blowout when you’re out of the house, you know the logistics of getting a soiled outfit home are…not fun. If you happen to have a plastic bag with you, you still have to deal with the ickiness of getting the poop-covered onesie out of the bag once you’re home. Gross. These handy bags have detergent inside, so all you have to do is add water, throw the clothing in, seal, and shake! Once you get home, the pre-soaked clothes can go straight in the wash.

7. OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty

Although every parent waits for the day their child is finally potty trained, this newfound skill can create complications when you’re on the go. When you hear your little one needs to go, there’s usually a very small window of time in which you need to find a bathroom before an accident occurs. This handy travel potty not only fits over a toilet seat to accommodate your little one, it also features legs that you can use to set it down on any surface. Disposable bags make cleanup simple and easy, so your toddler can go anytime, anywhere.

8. GoBe Kids Original Snack Spinner

Say goodbye to the days of wrestling with Tupperware lids while you’re driving. This portable snack container features five compartments for mini snack portions and a push button to rotate, so your little one can access their food all on their own. A leak-proof design minimizes mess, while high quality materials that are BPA free and REACH compliant put your mind at ease.

9.Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Portable Travel Bottle Warmer

It doesn’t get much simpler than this portable bottle warmer from Tommee Tippee. A straightforward, fuss-free design means this insulated steel flask just requires hot water to warm your bottle. When it’s time to feed, simply pour the hot water from the thermos into the upturned container, and place your baby bottle inside! Compact and leak proof, this is a must-have when you’re on the go.