How to Make a Car Ride Easier for Your Toddler and You

There are some very easy things that you can do to make sure that you and your toddler have a pleasant car ride. Before you are even in the car if you have not already it is a good idea to change your child's diaper. This way they will have a completely dry and soft diaper on and that will make them enjoy the ride more because they will be more comfortable. Comfortability is a big factor in why a child of any age is unhappy on a car ride. When strapping your toddler into their car seat make sure that they are positioned so they are comfortable. Ideally you want to have them in very comfortable clothes when you know there will be a car trip that day and you want to make sure their straps and buckles of their car seat are both correctly done, safe and comfortable for your child. A comfortable toddler is going to remain happier longer than one who is uncomfortable.

Next you will want to make sure that you have some options of toys for your toddler to play with while they are on a car ride. You don't have to have an array of toys and books in the back seat but you should at least try to keep three or more things for your little one to have on the trip. These toys preferably should be ones that are favored by your toddler and if possible toys that are not recently played with, so they remain sort of new and fresh. You could choose three toys that your child really enjoys that are good for car rides and keep them in the car. Your child won't have seen them since the last car rice making them a fun treat. When these toys become boring you can rotate them with others for the next car trips. Most toddlers are not known for getting car sick while looking at picture books while in their car seat which is why books can be an excellent thing to have as entertainment for you toddler in the car.

In addition to having toys in the car it is also a very good idea to have some water and a small snack for your toddler in the car too. The snack needs to be something that they can safely eat while sitting in the car seat, something that is not a choking hazard. The water ideally should be kept in a sippy cup or a straw cup to prevent spills and of course should always be fresh. Once your little one has everything that they initially need for the car trip and they are safely and comfortably strapped in you will want to do one more thing before starting the car. Take a look around and make sure that everything that may need to be grabbed by your toddler, toys, drink and food, is within their reach or at least within your reach from the front seat.

To keep the trip fun for your toddler engage in a conversation with them. A full blown conversation may not be quite what you are doing but talking to your toddler will distract them from boredom or wanting to get out of their seat. Also you can choose to play music in the car that everyone, including your toddler, will enjoy. This will help them be distracted as well. Keeping your toddler happy while in the car will make a fifteen minute drive to the grocery store very easy or a hour long drive to grandma's house even easy. No matter what the length of the drive that you have is you and your toddler can have a very, very pleasant trip. With each trip you'll become more and more aware of what works for your toddler and what doesn't.