We have seen increasing numbers of holidaymakers this year that are heading to a UK destination for a break as opposed to travelling overseas. If you intend to travel by car for hour after hour, then you are probably advised to prepare yourself well, particularly if you are bringing young children with you on the journey. It can certainly be difficult to travel with a toddler; your baby becoming a toddler brings new challenges as far as travelling is concerned.
Maintaining the Routine
You may be able to avert any possibly difficult tantrums from your toddler if you keep your routine close to normal, particularly as far as meal times and sleeping times are concerned. Whilst leaving early in the morning may seem logical if you are set for a long journey in the car, this can actually be the worst time to start your journey with a toddler. You are advised to spend time playing with your child in the morning to prepare for the extended trip in the car. Kids that are toddlers frequently take a nap in the afternoon, making just after lunch time the best time at which to start your journey, after everybody has had something to eat and drink.
Happy Sleeping
You should also remember the item that is used by your toddler to fall asleep. Being fussy, kids will often need a certain ‘snugly something’ to get to sleep. This could be a favourite toy, a blanket or perhaps a juice beaker. A shaded spot should also always be provided for the car seat of your toddler. You are advised in advance to buy a sunshade so that your child is protected from direct sunlight through your car’s windows during the journey. Your child may become restless if they have direct sun beaming through the windows at them, and as a result, they may find it difficult to sleep whilst in the car on the trip.
Smiling and Entertained
Bringing lots of toys is the key as far as keeping your toddler occupied on the journey is concerned. They will soon find the same old toy boring, so try giving him or her one at a time. At the point that they no longer seem to be occupied for any period of time by the toys, trying playing some audio tapes or music – a range of audio tapes are available to purchase that are child-friendly, particularly for car journeys to ensure that your little ones remain occupied.
There are other essentials that you’ll need to remember in addition to keeping your toddler happy on the journey. You will require a tax disc, MOT and insurance policy that are all up to date. It is easy enough to find the best deals on car insurance online, meaning that you can arrange it before you start your journey.
Hannah Warder is a writer for MediaVest (Manchester) on a range of topics such as car insurance.