Are you planning a family road trip in 2020? Still, trying to figure out how your children (or yourself) will cope? I get it. I understand. It’s all a nightmare, right?

Recently, I have been asked a lot about the New Mexico road trip. I admit I wouldn’t want to spend so much time in the car with a baby. You can drive while they sleep, and I wish you all the best. It’s not possible to breastfeed while they are strapped in.

FAMILY TRAVEL: MAKE ROAD TRIP FUN FOR KIDS

Are you planning a family road trip in 2020? Still, trying to figure out how your children (or yourself) will cope? I get it. I understand. It’s all a nightmare, right?

Recently, I have been asked a lot about the New Mexico road trip. I admit I wouldn’t want to spend so much time in the car with a baby. You can drive while they sleep, and I wish you all the best. It’s not possible to breastfeed while they are strapped in. Yes, I have tried in a cab. I recommend something else.

There are many ways to make your time more enjoyable once you can look out the window or ask for what you want. After having “survived” (read: mostly loved and sometimes tolerated) quite a few road trips with my family, I thought it would be a good idea to share some of my tips and tricks to keep everyone happy. Please share yours below. I am always open to new ideas.

Choose the correct route

You will always find many search results when you type in queries such as “best stops along [insert long highway route].” If you are looking for a place with a playground, park, or another point of interest, research a bit. It is sometimes a good idea to drive longer if there are more stops. This argument is why you should consider between Hwy 101 and Hwy 5 when crossing California. Check ahead to ensure you don’t pass through any major cities during rush hour.

Grab food while on the move

Children who eat food are happier kids, so I prepared a grab-and-go option for them the night before. You can freeze yogurt sticks or bananas on a bar! You can freeze yogurt sticks or bananas on a post the night before. They are sweet and take some time to finish. These berry muffins taste delicious and filling. I would make mini-ones and then put a few in zip locks for the ride.

A bathroom stop can allow you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and sit down at a picnic table with a packed lunch. My general philosophy is to continue to sit at a restaurant with my little ones.

It is a good idea to find out how your children feel on longer road trips. Some children get car sick, and some smells won’t go away no matter what you do.

Did I mention snacks?

It is essential to pack meals, but snacks are even more critical. Having items that are easy to consume (and dispense) with little assistance is crucial. (In other words, things that avoid the frantic, blind arm-waving to grab a knocked-over-cup-of-yogurt disaster that is bound to happen otherwise.)

A couple of thermoses with no spill are great for long trips with kids. These trays can be used for sandwiches, hard-boiled eggs, carrots, hummus, and other foods. All of your items can be packed into an insulated backpack. To contain little ones, consider taking a roll-up bib.

Oh! Oh! These can be used as a treat after a meal or to encourage quiet (while the kids see how long it can last without biting). You can also use lollipops to soothe a sore stomach.

 Audiobooks and Podcasts for children (or magical quiet for adults)

Audiobooks are great! Audible Children has a great selection. My favorite stories include Benjamin Bunny and Peter Rabbit. You can also record your own. (Here’s how.)

An engaging story will keep everyone focused on the present and help them see out the window. (I had always felt queasy when I looked down too much–a common problem among children.)

We are now really into podcasts. These are our top podcasts for driving. (And a follow-up post about the topic.

Remember to bring headphones for your kids (with a splitter). You can either plug in and have your kids listen or share a device.

 They packed a bag

Skyler and Hudson each have a small backpack containing a few books, a cozy place to sleep, their headphones for taking the iPhone, and their favorite activities.

There are so many options available now. Crayola markers can only be used on unique papers (not your leather); you could also pick up the search and find books. We love these reusable stickers and these felt boards. Here’s how you can make your own felt boards.

Other winning activity books include:

Mazes: The Kumon practice books, designed for different age groups, are fantastic.

Hidden Pictures Highlights has a series of stickers that was a big hit. These stickers can also be used as coloring pages.

Water Wow Occasionally, they spill water from the pen, but it is rarely a big deal, and you can refill it at your desk. They can reuse the pages repeatedly. They can use the pages over and over again. These were a favorite of Skyler.

Scratch-art: These were created right after Water Wow was finished in our home. Hudson used to love them. Although they’re messy (think Lottery ticket), they are deeply satisfying (again, Lottery ticket).

Color by Number: We love all the Usborne activities books.

Reusable sticker pads These Melissa and Doug scenes are too big for planes but great for two-year-olds. (Has anyone discovered smaller ones?

These are the things that you should bring to your destination

It’s easy to make a magnetic whiteboard or chalkboard. I bought this and then carried around little bags of magnetic toys. Magnatiles and Alphabet are great choices. You can also make your magnetic strip from scratch. They also sell magnet paint primers. The best thing? The best part? You don’t have to reach back to retrieve any of the toys that have fallen.