Four Tips for Better Road Trips with Toddlers

Road trips! We love them…but we’re parents too, and know how tricky it can be to hit the open road with tiny tots in tow and keep a healthy routine.

Here are four easy tips to make your holiday travel a little bit easier and oh-so delicious as you head off for wherever your family adventure awaits this Labor Day weekend. 

1. Pack a cooler with protein-rich snacks.Protein-rich foods are a great option because they have staying power – protein takes longer to digest than simple carbohydrates, and can help your child stay satisfied longer between meals and snacks. In addition to the staple sandwich, pack a cooler with rolled-up certified USDA organic turkey or chicken breast slices (spread with a fresh summer pesto or honey mustard for added oomph), hard boiled eggs, a frittata wedge, edamame or tofu cubes, hummus or refried beans. Nut and seed butters are also nutritious options with staying power – and can be spread onto whole grain pretzels or Earth’s Best® Organic Crunchin’ Crackers®. Use food safe ice packs to keep snacks at a safe temperature.

2. Chill out with an organic fruit “slushy.” For a frozen treat that’s made with organic fruit or veggies, place your favorite Earth’s Best Organic®pouch in the freezer the night before your trip. Then simply pop the frozen pouches into your cooler (see tip #1) right before you leave…as they thaw, they become a refreshing wholesome organic slushie.

3. Stay well hydrated.Travel can disrupt even the most predictable potty routines, so help your little one stay regular by offering plenty of water throughout the day in a BPA-free sippy cup. It’s a good idea to minimize beverages which contain added sugars, as numerous studies have found that sugar-sweetened beverages contribute to “empty calories” for children. In addition to packing a reusable BPA-free water bottle, you can include a carton of certified organic low fat milk or organic yogurt or smoothie. (Hitting the friendly skies? No problem – TSA rules allow liquids for small children.)
4. Stash some fun in a “surprise” goodie bag. While a DVD player or well-chosen app can be a lifesaver for part of the trip, for entertainment beyond screen time fill a cute reusable party or gift bag with a few fun surprises from the good old days: a tiny roadster, a finger puppet, a bundle of brightly colored pipe cleaners tied with a ribbon (for creating stick figures and animals), a mini Etch A Sketch, a Rubik’s cube, or a fun row of stickers – these games can create a few more moments of fun. Magnetic, felt-tip activity boards are another mess-free idea that encourages busy imaginations to go to work. Or a mini dry-erase board (you can stash some Earth’s Best TenderCare® Chlorine Free Wipes for easy clean up). Let your little one “close their eyes” and reach their hand in and pick out something new each time.