9 tricks to keep your toddler happy in the car

Hitting the road with your toddler in tow can be a daunting prospect, especially if you’ve got a long drive ahead. Little ones can get grumpy when strapped into a car seat and unable to move around, but with our tips in mind, you’ll have an easy ride ahead of you!

1. Check the car seat: if you don’t drive regularly, check your car seat is still the correct size for your little one. Make any adjustments before setting off to ensure your child is safe and comfortable.
2. Always carry drinks and snacks. Choose easy finger foods that toddlers can eat without any help in order to keep hunger tantrums at bay. And don’t forget the snacks for mom and dad!
3. Pack a few of their favorite toys, such as teddies, finger puppets and books. Introduce items one at a time to get the maximum entertainment from each, before your little one gets bored. Avoid noise-making toys… you’ll thank us later!
4. Choose clean activities. No one wants to arrive at their destination to find crayon all over the cream leather upholstery. Ditch the felt-tips for mess-free creative activities such as sticker books.
5. Save screen time for as late as possible in the journey. Once they’ve lost interest in toys and activities, it’s time to bring out the big guns: the iPad or portable DVD player. Download your child’s favorite movies and TV shows before you go, so you don’t risk buffering or signal failure.
6. Use a satnav. Toddlers are distracting and can demand a lot of your attention. Relying on satnav for directions gives you one less thing to worry about.
7. Play kids’ songs. Singing songs together is great entertainment and having them available to play on your car stereo will save you performing your little one’s favorite tune on demand (for the twentieth time!). Slightly older toddlers, aged three and above, will be able to grasp simple storylines, so why not try an audiobook of children’s stories?
8. Before longer trips, check the route and plan toilet stops for potty-trained toddlers. Just don’t forget the potty!
9. If you’ve got a really long journey, consider driving at night. Not only will you avoid peak traffic, but you can pop your little one into their PJs before you set off. If you’re lucky, they may even fall sleep!