Traveling in the car is a great way to vacation with a one year old! It can be tricky, but I got all the tips and tricks you need!
Plan to Stop every 2 hours, pack a variety of snacks and travel during nap times to make the trip go as smoothly as possible. Plan stops where babies can walk around and get in some exercise. Pack the essentials in arm’s reach to make stops easier.
When you are traveling with a 1 year old I like to keep a diaper basket under the seat. Keep diapers, wipes, diaper cream and a changing mat in this basket so that you can quickly grab everything for a diaper change.
Older babies can enjoy some toys on a road trip as well. Pack some books, small toys and snacks in another basket that is in easy reach.
Stopping every 2-3 hours is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics to help prevent positional asphyxia. This can happen when babies slouch down in their car seats and stop breathing.
This happens more often in younger babies, but it can happen in older babies if they get themselves in a weird position and cannot get out of it.
As a general rule, you should have an adult ride next to the baby to monitor their breathing and their comfort.
Be careful when offering snacks on the road and be sure that you monitor the baby if they are eating to ensure they are not choking.
Be sure to slow down and enjoy the trip. Traveling with a baby has it’s own pace and it may take some getting used to, but slowing down will make the trip much less stressful.
Spend an extra night at the hotel, make an extra bathroom stop, slow down and embrace the trip.
Packing for a 1 Year Old
When you are packing for your one year old I recommend that you pack 2 extra outfits per 5 days of your trip, and be sure to have a plan if you need to do laundry.
Eating habits can change on vacation and that can result in some messy outfits.
Be sure to pack your regular brand of diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream. This can avoid a painful rash or allergic reaction while away from home.
Choose engaging toys for travel times when your baby is awake and ready to play.
I have a packing for kids guide that might be helpful when you are making your packing list and organizing all the little outfits. There are some free printable checklists included in the linked post.
Great Road Trip Toys for a 1 Year Old
A 1 year old may be distracted by some well chosen toys on your road trip.
These are the best, low mess, solutions that have worked for our family on 10+ hour road trips.
Books
Small board books are a great toy for the car. We love big sets of small books like the linked set, and classics in small board book form.
Corduroy, We’re Going On a Bear Hunt, and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? have all been winners with my babies. I often find these at local thrift stores.
Reading these to babies can be a great distraction on a long stretch of driving.
Bubbles
When you need a sure fire distraction bubbles can be really special in the car. Choose a bottle that fits in the cupholder to keep the mess down.
If you have responsible older kids this can also be fun for them to blow bubbles for the baby.
Magnets
Magnet toys are great for the car and they stay contained very well!
We enjoy magnet blocks like Magna Tiles. Just 2-3 blocks are really fun for a 1 year old. They also rattle when they are shaken, which is fun for a baby as well.
Light Up Toys
If you will be traveling at night, a light up toy can be super engaging.
Simple toys like a small flashlight, a puck light, or glow sticks can be magical in a dark car.
I know that my kids love traveling at night because it is such a new experience and the light up toys are just magical even for my 7 year old.
Tips for a Traveling Alone With a Baby
I recommend that you travel with two adults whenever possible, but I know that sometimes you must travel on your own with a baby.
I love a good adventure and this is what I have learned by traveling alone with my babies.
Stop Frequently
You should plan to stop every 2 hours or less. This gives you time to check in on the baby and to be sure that they have what they need.
This also gives you a chance to feed and change the baby.
Mirrors that allow you to see your baby can be helpful, or a deadly distraction, consult your pediatrician about installing a mirror.
Pack Food
Pack snacks and drinks for both of you in case you need to change plans suddenly.
Be sure to pack any special foods that your baby needs, formula, snacks or medicine should be well stocked. Don’t forget mom’s favorites too, pack substantial snacks and cold drinks in the cooler.
Having everything you need just feels good and makes you feel more secure.
If you don’t feel comfortable stopping or your baby is sleeping you can choose to keep rolling and eat out of the cooler.
I always think of my car like Mary Poppins carpet bag, or Herminone’s purse. Full of everything we could possibly need. Magically prepared.
Be Sure To Rest
Drowsy driving is really dangerous and traveling alone with kids is exhausting.
Be sure you are getting enough sleep to safely drive. Caffeine can help for a short time, but if you find yourself getting tired, plan to stop.
Go Slow
The biggest tip I have for you is to go slowly. Do one thing at a time and try to be intentional.
For example, be sure to put the keys in your pocket before leaving the car to unbuckle the baby, be sure to change diapers at each stop and double check buckles before you start driving.
There are so many little things to do and check it is easy to forget and become overwhelmed.
Rushing can make things much more stressful.
When I travel with my husband he loves to rush and do things quickly, but I have to go slow or we will regret it later.
Don’t be embarrassed by your pace if you are with a group of kid free companions. Focus on mindfulness and be present in each task.
