How to Road-Trip Solo with a Toddler

Traveling solo with a child in tow can be very stressful. If that child is an infant or toddler, it is even more so as they are still very dependant on you for food, mobility and entertainment in the vehicle. I travel alone with my 19-month-old daughter often as all of her grandparents live in Virginia and we live in New York. It's about a seven hour trip down Interstate 81 that we have made more times than I can even count. Here are some tips that I have that can help make the journey a little less intimidating.

First, about a week before I even plan on leaving, I start to make a list of things that we use at home every day that our host probably will not have. Things like sippy cups, the portable crib, crib sheets, monitors, and favorite blankets or toys that you do not want to be without when you are away from home are essential to have in writing so you do not forget them in the last minute. It can also save you a trip to the store as soon as you get there to purchase forgotten supplies as you will be tired when you arrive and not too excited to have to get right back in the car to go and get things you need. It also helps your budget not having to buy these things all over again that you could have brought from home.

The second tip I have is to check up on the weather where you are visiting and pack your child's suitcase ahead of time. This way you can make sure that you have all the cute outfits packed that your host bought your child and you are not scrambling to get laundry done the night before your trip to get all the things you need to take clean for the next day. This is also a good time to gather all the accessories that you usually need but might not think about like barrettes, socks, extra shoes, rubber bands, etc.

The third tip I have is to pack up the car the night before. Not only does this give you the opportunity to realize if you have forgotten something, but it also lets you see ahead of time if you have enough room for everything you need to take and make the necessary adjustments. It would not be a great start to a long car trip to constantly be packing and re-packing the vehicle while your child anxiously waits to get going.