Kids Travel Kits
With summer fast approaching, I see lots of road trips and car time in our future. It has taken many ups and downs to come up with a good system to keep everyone happy in the car. The last thing we need is mommy continually turning around and climbing over the seat to help someone! I have learned that this is not a one size fits all answer. My babes are 9, 5, and 18 months and have very different interests. I will walk you through these cute little baskets I put together for the kids before we travel to help keep them happy and entertained while on the road. Add an iPad to what I have packed in the basket, and we will survive whatever road trip is infront of us.
I'll start with the baby, aka Peachy. Now she is currently my harshest critic. Homegirl has very high standards and very little patience. The key with the baby is three things for me: First is access to a big kid! Thankfully, I have two at her disposal. The second is snacks. If she is eating, she is happy. I keep her basket full of snacks that are easy for her to eat.
The third and final thing to make our baby happy is a bag full of junk! In my nine years of parenting and many years of being a nanny, I have learned that the little babes love to play with unconventional things. This is one of my favorite mommy hacks and my go-to first birthday gift. I will take a medium-sized makeup bag and fill it with all kinds of random items (in sizes that are not a choking hazard). I often collect things and save them just to make these bags. Some of my go-to items are free hotel room keys, old spice jars, the scoop cups in protein powder, empty three spools, and old keys on key rings. I will also pick up things at the dollar store, like packs of spoons, combs and brush sets, sponges, toothbrushes, and scrunches. I also check out the toy section for things I think would be easy to grab, such as play bracelets, slinkies, rubber bath toys, and cars. Now all you do is load it all up into the bag, and I’m telling you it’s going to keep them entertained. They will spend lots of time taking things out one by one, examining them, and then putting them back in the bag. If you take anything from this post, I’m telling you this is it!!!! Now I will also add a few small toys and books to round out her basket, so she has some options, and of course, we can’t forget her water bottle. This is my 100% absolute favorite cup for toddlers. I will not spill, and it has a little weight in the bottom so that the straw will go to the liquid. (one of my go-to baby gifts)
On to the middle child, we call BooBoos. Jack is five and is my laid-back, easy-going kid. Thankfully he is grateful for everything and is not hard to please (he is his daddy). With the big kids, I think activities are key. If I can find small projects for them to do in-between stops and maybe a show or two, they are happy.
In his baskets I have:
Wikki Stix (wax sticks that are moldable)
Chalk board with his name on it to practice writing
Melissa & Doug water wow and starch art
My first Big Book of Coloring (these are great for the little kids)
Snacks and water bottle
For the most part I try to find activities that are mess free and can be done without any assistance.
Last but not least is my Sweet Gracie Girl. My oldest who is 100% me and is a true first born (wants to be in charge and run the show). As long as she is not fighting with her brother, she is 100% helpful. She will help the other two with opening snacks, turning on electronics, and picking up things that have been dropped.
In her basket I have:
A Coloring book on how to draw flowers
Car Scavenger Hunt for kids (this is a good chunk of time for entertainment)
Melissa & Doug color by numbers
Snacks and a water bottle
Old iPod (so, both Aaron and I had old iPods laying around from way back in the day. We loaded it up with all of her favorite music and bam she thinks she is a teenager!!)
I try to keep these next to them or at their feet. It helps limit the clutter they want to bring with them and keep the car a little clean...keyword little!! When we travel, we try to map out our trips and see if we can find parks to stop at if the kids need to get out and burn some energy along the way. Between food stops, potty breaks, a show or 2, some fun activities, and maybe a cocktail or two (Jk don’t drink in the car), we will survive and make it to our destination.
Happy Traveling Babes
XOXO
