I’m sharing #JOHNSONS in my life as part of a JOHNSON’S® sponsored series for Socialstars™
It’s that time again, Holiday’s come with travel for most of us and with kids, a baby or especially a toddler, that can be extremely challenging. We live about 4 hours from our parents, so that means long car rides for holidays and celebrations. While we are hoping to move back closer to home in the future, right now, we have to make the drives. We have made quite a few with Brooke since she was born and each stage has been a little different, with new challenged, but overall, here a few Holiday Toddler Traveling Tips:
Make Your List
This is always very helpful for me. Between my husband, myself and Brooke, it is super easy to forget things. Making a list of items we need to bring is really helpful and takes the stress out of packing. We always pack the night before we leave and set aside last minute items that we need to grab as we head out the door. I tend to break my list up by person, and then by food items and toys. Our list is something that has changed as Brooke has gotten older. When she was a baby, we had to remember to pack bottles, special food, and really minimal toys. Now, as a toddler, we just grab 2 sippy cups, some snacks and a lot of toys.
Pack The Bags
Next comes actually packing the bags. I always pack Brooke’s bag separate (and sometimes even two bags if its a long trip). I make sure she has enough clothes, pjs, diapers, and wipes. We also bring NEW JOHNSON’S® HEAD-TO-TOE™ baby cleansing cloths. These are great for travel because they provide a quick and gentle all over clean between baths. They are 2x the size of average baby wipes, super soft and gentle enough for their face. Sometimes, schedules are busier when traveling and these are a great option when you can give them a full traditional bath. We also pack our normal JOHNSON’S BEDTIME® Moisture Wash because it contains gentle cleansers and nourishing emollients that rinse quickly and soften baby’s skin. The aroma is really calming and really helps set the tone for night time. Along with bath time items, we grab stuff to make a pallet on the floor (she won’t sleep in a pack n play anymore).
Snacks
Also, don’t forget the snacks! We use these for emergency’s! We try not to offer snacks to Brooke while traveling unless she is super cranky. If its meal time, we tend to stop and eat which is a great break for her as well. I also pack snacks for me and Kevin, because… yum…
Small Toys
Toys for entertainment are a huge must now! We make sure we have plenty of book options, at least two stuffed animals, a few toys that make noise and some other learning toys. In the car, Brooke still sleeps a lot but when she’s awake, she tends to like to look at a book the most. However, toys are important for when you arrive as well. I try to make sure we have a wide variety of types of toys.
iPad
Brooke just recently got interested in watching movies on the iPad. We only use this for emergencies because we don’t want her watching too much television, but it is perfect to grab her attention when she gets over being in the car. Her favorites are Frozen and Boz.
Switch It Up
When all else fails, switch it up. If your toddler is throwing a fit in the car, try different toys, snacks, iPad and then even try switching drivers. Yep, try letting your husband drive or vice versa and switching it up. Sometimes just changing who they can play with works wonders.
Take A Break
& if that fails, consider taking a break. Stop at gas station or park and let them run around for a few minutes. If you are in a hurry, turn up your radio…lol.. kidding. Kind of.
I hope my tips help! Sidetone: Its no secret around here that we love JOHNSON’S® and they are a must pack item! Recently, since Brooke’s hair is getting longer, we tried out JOHNSON’S® NO MORE TANGLES detangling spray. It goes to work instantly to unlock knots and tangles making it easier to care for your babe’s hair. You can use it on wet or dry hair and it makes for great trouble-free combing. We haven’t taken this traveling yet, but we will be packing it next time! I hope you have a great holiday traveling experience!!