Can Long-Distance Traveling Affect My Toddler?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Traveling is stressful enough, but it’s even more stressful when traveling with young children

. But don’t fret, we have a whole bunch of tips to make the trip easier for parents and more comfortable for children.

How long can a 2 year old travel in a car seat?

SO WHAT IS THE 2 HOUR RULE? Many car seat manufacturers recommend that a baby should not be in a car seat for longer than

2 hours, within a 24 hour time period

. This is because when a baby is in a semi-upright position for a prolonged period of time it can result in: 1.

How long can a toddler travel in a car?

Lots of parents want to know “how long can babies stay in car seats?” The general advice is that your baby should sit/sleep in their car seat for

no more than two hours at a time

.

What should a toddler take on a long car ride?

  1. Frequent Stops. Research rest stops prior to the trip. …
  2. A Full Cooler. Bring foods that are nutrient-dense, delicious and not packed full of sugar. …
  3. A Fully Stocked Car. …
  4. Changing Pads. …
  5. First Aid Kit. …
  6. Plastic Bags & Extra Clothes. …
  7. Sling or Front Carrier. …
  8. Entertainment.

How do long road trips keep toddlers busy?

  1. Stickers.
  2. Fuzzy Felt or similar.
  3. Melissa and Doug reusuable stickers.
  4. Interactive Apps – See my separate post on Apps.
  5. Magnetic boards games.
  6. Finger Puppets.

Is traveling with a toddler worth it?


Emphatically, yes

. Travelling with young children isn’t about them remembering the things that you’ve seen and done on your travels. It’s about creating shared experiences as a family – learning and growing together. It’s about understanding other cultures and seeing the world from a first-hand perspective.

When can a toddler travel?

The best times, most agree, are

between three and nine months, when kids aren’t yet mobile, and any time after age two or three

. The idea here is to bypass the toddler phase, and, more importantly, to avoid flying with young infants.

How do you travel with a 22 month old?

  1. Pick the right flight and time. …
  2. Maximize your chances of getting an extra seat. …
  3. Electronics are a must. …
  4. Bring non-electronic entertainment to keep little fingers busy. …
  5. Bring a wide variety of snacks. …
  6. Walk the aisle. …
  7. Pack a baby carrier. …
  8. Don’t stress the nap.

How long is too long road trip with kids?

I recommend that if you want to drive while the kids sleep, you leave in the early morning hours, not overnight. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids do not spend more than

2 hours

in a car seat without a break.

How can a 1 year old drive long distances?

  1. Don’t overdo it.
  2. Schedule the right drive times.
  3. Get in the backseat for playtime with baby.
  4. Distract babies and toddlers with road trip snacks.
  5. Be sure to buckle up correctly.
  6. Pack a roadside emergency kit.
  7. Listen to music during the journey.
  8. Watch movies on the road.

How often should toddlers stop road trips?

How long can you travel with a baby in a car seat? According to whattoexpect.com, babies who cannot sit up on their own need to be taken out of their car seats

every hour or two

.

How do you travel long distance with a baby?

  1. Accept that a road trip with a baby is going to take you longer. …
  2. Pack as much of the car as you can the night before your road trip with baby. …
  3. Try to sync up long drives with your baby’s sleeping schedule. …
  4. Pack extra snacks and meals for road trips.

When can a baby sit longer than 30 minutes?


In the first four-to-six weeks after birth

parents should try to avoid car journeys of more than 30 minutes for their baby, and whenever possible an adult should travel with the baby in the back seat of the car to keep a check on their position and well-being.

How do I keep my 2 year old busy in the car?

  1. Try listening to some new music or even playing an audio book. …
  2. Let them zone out with some app time. …
  3. Play some games like what’s missing? …
  4. Bring along a new coloring book or color pages for kids. …
  5. Grab some of these fun cards which give you 52 activities for kids in the car!

How can I make my long drive child comfortable?

  1. Drive at Night. …
  2. 2. … …
  3. Take Care of the Driver. …
  4. Give Up the Wingman. …
  5. Don’t Overload on Electronics. …
  6. Get Crafty. …
  7. Spend Quality Time with the Kids. …
  8. Pack Healthy — and Not-So-Messy — Snacks.

How should I bring my toddler on a road trip?

  1. Car Seat Travel Tray.
  2. Comfortable Car Seat.
  3. Car Sunshade.
  4. Insulated Cooler Bag.
  5. First Aid Kit.
  6. Laundry Bag (For Dirty Clothes)
  7. Portable Diaper Changing Pad.

How do I entertain my 18 month old on a road trip?

  1. KEEP THE ROAD TRIP SHORT. To the best of your ability, try to keep the total driving time 4-6 hours a day. …
  2. TIMING IS EVERYTHING. …
  3. ROAD TRIP SNACKS. …
  4. ROAD TRIP GAMES. …
  5. ROAD TRIP MUSIC. …
  6. LISTEN TO AUDIOBOOKS AND PODCASTS. …
  7. ROAD TRIP TOYS. …
  8. FIRST AID KIT.

How can a 3 year old survive a road trip?

  1. First Thing: Plan Accordingly. …
  2. Best Rest Stop & Meals Tip EVER. …
  3. Diaper Bag for Rest Stops Only. …
  4. Book Basket Recommendations. …
  5. Secret Hidden Box of Toys. …
  6. Let The Child Pack a Bag! …
  7. Activity Binders. …
  8. Plastic Bags for Trash.

How do you survive a long road trip with kids?

  1. Maintain Your Chill. There’s major traffic. …
  2. Forget Making Great Time. …
  3. Make Strategic Seating Decisions. …
  4. Keep Things Clean. …
  5. Assume There Will Be Barf. …
  6. Keep Kids and Cargo Separate. …
  7. Stop Every Three Hours. …
  8. Really Stretch Those Legs.

How do I keep my 3 year old entertained on a road trip?

Feed ’em. Pack lots of snacks and drinks. Plan stops around kid-friendly attractions or search for nearby playgrounds, so your tiny human can run out some energy before getting back into the car. Utilize a tablet or DVD player to play games or watch movies.

Where does 2 year old sleep on vacation?

Can my 2-year-old sleep in a travel cot? Certain travel cots are appropriate for 2-year-olds, but young 2-year-olds who haven’t yet transitioned to a toddler bed may be more comfortable and safer in

a more crib-like pack-and-play or a travel bed with safety rails

.

Is Travelling important for kids?

One of the most important reasons for families to travel is because it’s fun! But even more important than how much fun it is,

there are endless opportunities for kids to learn and grow

. Travel can open their world to new foods, cultures, knowledge, and experiences that aren’t available in a classroom.

How do you travel the world with kids?

  1. Know your audience. …
  2. Set goals for the trip. …
  3. Prepare for the long flight. …
  4. Look for a hotel or resort that doesn’t just accept kids, but encourages the little ones to check in. …
  5. Admit that the best laid plans often go awry. …
  6. A little water goes a long way.

How hard is it to travel with a toddler?

Having flown with babies and toddlers, I can say without a doubt

the age between 12 months to 18 months is the most difficult

. Flying with a toddler takes patience and setting the right expectations.

What do you do with a toddler on vacation?
  1. Golden Gate Bridge. PO Box 9000, …
  2. San Diego Zoo. 2920 Zoo Dr, …
  3. Disneyland. Disneyland Park 1313. …
  4. Griffith Observatory. …
  5. Lake Tahoe. …
  6. Santa Monica Pier. …
  7. Yosemite National Park. …
  8. Crystal Cove State Park.

How do you travel with a 2 year old?


Plan in advance and book your seats so you can get a bassinet seat if traveling with a young baby, or an aisle seat if traveling with a toddler

. Pre-book a child meal to ease the pressure of carrying too much food. Check in all luggage so you only have a stroller and a carry-on bag for baby.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.