Wee Little Wednesday

It's Wee Little Wednesday when I get to post about what I know best - all things kids! 

This week I am going to share some tips about traveling with kids.  My husbands family is a 4 hour drive away and my sister is a 2 hour drive.  To most, both of those trips are nothing but with young kids, it can be rough.  Let's go over the basics...

Packing
I over-pack.  Always. And yet I still manage to forget something EVERY TIME.  And, that's ok, because it's likely it's something we can either live without for a few days or purchase at a local store if it's a necessity. It helps to have a mini check-list that you keep IN the overnight bag, that way it's always handy!

It should include:
Socks, Underwear, PJs
Shirts, Pants, Something Warm
Extra Pair of Shoes (you never know)
Toothbrush/Paste
Facecloth
Diapers (if needed)
Favorite Thing - stuffed animal, blanket, etc

We always keep a set of toiletries in the bag (small shampoos, face wash, toothpaste, etc) and also travel packs of some meds (baby/kids tylenol, bandaids, dramamine, benadryl)

Entertainment
Keeping the kids entertained in the car is important.  Unfortunately my oldest gets car sick easily and can't play on a tablet, draw or anything that requires fixed concentration.  We give him motion sickness meds before we leave which will sometimes just knock him out for the majority of the trip.  We've been playing lots of car games that are simple, spot 3 red cars then see who can find the most blue ones. Eye Spy. Sing-A-Longs. 

We have "trip bags" I spend $20 on each child in the Target "Dollar" section.  Got coloring books, chalk, card games, glow sticks, water bottles, toy cars, etc. and they each have a tote bag it all goes in.  These are Road Trip Only items and are returned to the bag when we get home.  This keeps things interesting and a fresh assortment of toys for special times. I also add snacks and drinks to each bag before we leave. 

Timing
Timing is literally everything, especially when we make the longer 4 hour trip.  Leave after a meal so the kids are fed and, if you can, before bed time so they will sleep most of the ride.  Put them in comfy travel clothes and hit the road!  We usually end up making at minimum 2-4 potty breaks. The baby will most likely sleep most of the ride anyway but I'm sure as she gets older we will need to make more night trips. 

Safety
Lastly, make sure you have air in the tires, the seats are installed properly and you are in a good state to be driving a long distance. Do you have a phone charger?  Directions?  Caffeinated beverage?  Did you remember to use the bathroom before hopping in the car?  

These might seem like common sense but, I still manage to miss things now and again.  Comment your travel tips below!  Do you have any fun car games to share? 

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