December 26, 2018

6 Ways to Entertain Your Toddler on Long Road Trips + Maxi Cosi Car Seat Giveaway!!

This fun ideas for long road trips post is sponsored by Maxi Cosi, but all opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for helping me to support the brands I love.
Top US lifestyle blog, Walking in Memphis in High Heels, features some Fun Ideas for Long Road Trips to entertain your children

SHOP THIS LONG ROAD TRIP POST:

With winter gearing up, most people are getting ready to do a little holiday vacation or traveling to visit friends and family while the kids are out of school.  I’ve already been thinking about where all Leighton and I should go during the holidays, what all we should do and of course what I should pack to make the trip go even smoother.

Let’s face it, toddlers get bored.  Even adults do, and if we do, we can’t expect our children not to get tired of riding in a car for hours upon hours.  So today I’m sharing some of my favorite tips and fun ideas to entertain your toddler while on long road trips.  With each new age we’re given new challenges, and what worked when she was 2 doesn’t necessarily work these days.  = )

6 Fun Ideas for Long Road Trips

1.)  Only pack what you can’t rent, buy or borrow at your destination.  Remember everything you pack into your vehicle on your trip, you will have to pack, unpack, pack and unpack again.  If you don’t absolutely need it, then don’t pack it.

2.)  Pack some new and exciting toys that your child only gets to play with on road trips.  This way, they’re not already tired of them.  This also includes new or favorite movies your toddler hasn’t seen before so they don’t get bored.  = )  I also highly recommend this fun little travel easel.

3.)  Pack plenty of snacks.  And then pack some more.  And the same rule applies as with number 2.  Pack different, exciting or new snacks that your toddler loves but rarely gets.  And save the extra special ones for last when the meltdown won’t seem to end.

4.)  When the movies get old, try some music.  Leighton loves the Frozen and Moana soundtracks, so we play those, she sings, and we’re both happy.  = )  She’s also really gotten into music sang by other kids like Kidzbop, so check into that too.

5.)  Pack smarter.  When you’re driving or in the front passenger seat and your toddler needs something, you need to have it within arm’s distance.  I always pack the snacks and toys in a good bag with lots of pockets for organization.  Also pack plenty of wipes for messes, a plastic bag for trash and a change of clothes in an easily accessible bag.  You don’t want to have to stop and dig to the bottom of the suitcase pile to get what you need constantly.

6.)  Pack blankets, pillows and a neck pillow.  I usually like the air on full blast, but Leighton freezes in the backseat.  No matter how many great toys or snacks you have, if you’re cold or uncomfortable, you’re not going to be happy on a road trip.  This also pertains to your toddler’s car seat.  They need to be comfortable!

We use Maxi Cosi’s new Magellan Max 5-in-1 Convertaible Car Seat, and we love it!  It is so roomy and so plush and comfortable.  It is made with premium fabrics that are still machine washable too.  It includes an EZ out harness system to keep straps and the buckle from getting caught and bunched under your child.

It accommodates children from birth to age 10 or 5lbs. to 120lbs.  And it easily transitions between five modes of use:  baby rear-facing, toddler rear-facing, toddler forward-facing, child forward facing and belt positioning booster.  The Magellan Max is also the only convertible car seat equipped with Maxi-Cosi’s patented Adjustable Side Impact Protection which creates a customized fit for all growth stages and ensures maximum protection in the proper position.

I wish this car seat would have been around when Leighton was even younger!   I love that it can accommodate so many ages and sizes.  I love that I could also use it on my new niece for baby rear-facing or with my older nephew for belt positioning booster when I’m babysitting.

P.S.  I’m so excited to also be teaming up with Maxi Cosi to give away this same car seat to one lucky reader!  To enter, just use the rafflecopter widget below and good luck mamas!

Do you have any last minute holiday vacations planned?  Do you have any great traveling with toddler fun ideas to share long road trips?  Have you tried the new Magellan Max?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Loving these fun ideas for long road trips? Click here now for more travel essentials!!

Top US lifestyle blog, Walking in Memphis in High Heels, features some Fun Ideas for Long Road Trips to entertain your children: image of a toddler in her Maxi Cosi car seat Top US lifestyle blog, Walking in Memphis in High Heels, features some Fun Ideas for Long Road Trips to entertain your children: image of a toddler in her Maxi Cosi car seat Top US lifestyle blog, Walking in Memphis in High Heels, features some Fun Ideas for Long Road Trips to entertain your children: image of a toddler in her Maxi Cosi car seat

SHOP THIS LONG ROAD TRIP POST:

Loving these fun ideas for long road trips? Click here now for more travel essentials!!

Top US lifestyle blog, Walking in Memphis in High Heels, features some Fun Ideas for Long Road Trips to entertain your children: image of a toddler in her Maxi Cosi car seat Top US lifestyle blog, Walking in Memphis in High Heels, features some Fun Ideas for Long Road Trips to entertain your children: image of a toddler in her Maxi Cosi car seat

SHOP THIS LONG ROAD TRIP POST:

Loving these fun ideas for long road trips? Click here now for more travel essentials!!

 

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308 thoughts on “6 Ways to Entertain Your Toddler on Long Road Trips + Maxi Cosi Car Seat Giveaway!!”

  1. Snacks and new toys are such good idea! My mom always packed a few new toys for me on road trips, and every hour I would get a new one. It kept me entertained the whole ride!

    xx Mollie

  2. Best travel advice with little ones is to pick up lots of little surprises & treats to periodically give them along the way. And don’t forget the iPad!

  3. Thank you for this opportunity. My dad sometimes watches my daughter and does not have a car seat so we end up switching cars. This would make things easier! We always bring lots of toys! The latest thing we got it a drawing board called the boogie board that we have been loving!

  4. We love maxi cosi!!! Would love to win ❤️❤️It’s hands down the best car seat ever!! We have had the infant, and now use the Pria 85 ❤️So comfy and our daughter never complains about her car seat!!

  5. have a bag of tricks to keep the little one occupied! I always try to get a bunch of little things from the dollar store or target’s dollar spot to pop out during trips for new entertainment!

  6. I borrow toys from friends or family before a road trip so they’re brand new to my kid!
    I also keep a special book that has little figures to play with in my car just for restaurants! It helps keep my son entertained while out to eat since he doesn’t normally get it ?

  7. I’m best tip to plan your travel time during their nap time. I know you can’t always do that but it helps for not just them but everyone else in the car. Also, be prepared with snacks and activities to keep them happily and safely occupied.

  8. Always go to the dollar store for new gifts and then wrap them in gift wrap. Every thirty minutes or so when they get board out comes a new dollar toy that they are thrilled with

  9. When we travel long distance with our kids, we like to make frequent stops. We found some unique and free things to see by getting out to stretch and take a break that we wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Everyone is also in a better mood when not stuck in a car from point A to B.

  10. My husband works nights, so luckily we can leave at night close to the kids’ bedtime. We also bring toys that we ‘reveal’ throughout the trip. OOoo our new thing is audiobooks! They’ve helped a ton and can be interactive!

  11. We always had fun surprises along the days long road trips…I wrap little toys and activities that would entertain them for a good portion of the trip. And sweet treats too!

  12. Have lots of things to keep them entertained, from snacks, to movies and games, kid friendly music that you can all sing too and their favorite blanket and neck pillow for them to fall asleep with some support.

  13. I haven’t tried the car seat – but with 5 kids we need a new one! I pack lots to do for each child and of all things – Band-aids are a big hit! They put them all over their feet for an hour of fun in the car seat!!

  14. My best tip for traveling with a little one is for the driver to deal with the car driving details and leave the task of attending to the little one with a fellow passenger.

  15. Be sure to have escape plan if any emergency that may come up.Plus goodies,drinks,and what they enjoy watching,reading,plus other states car tags we see on our trip.

  16. Great ideas! When I was little, many years ago, Mom just said bring something to do (coloring books, small toys, etc.). Car seats weren’t required back then either. Dang, I am old.

  17. She is so cute. It’s been so long since mine were toddlers but I tried to make sure I had paper and colors they could draw and color or write. And I would keep snacks with me for them also. My daughters little boy that is 5 months old now goes asleep every single time he gets in his car seat which has been great.

  18. We’ve gone on a couple road trips with our 3 kiddos and I am so happy we have the DVD players bc those movies keep them occupied for awhile! Also, our kids have their Kindle tablets which are great. Since they are all under 4, they don’t REALLY understand games at this point but that will be implemented later on! And of course all the snacks, but not too many drinks bc heyyyy potty breaks every exit! haha!! Thanks for the chance!

  19. We took a 42 hour road trip over the summer with my girls, and the best tips I have are to keep snacks and various activities handy. We brought activity books, tablets, and a few toys, and would tell the kids what we were going to be doing next…little things to give them things to look forward to. We also made sure to split the days of driving up nicely which helped a lot.

  20. My best travel tip is to give them their own travel money! We give each kid a few dollars per day to spend and nobody harasses is for drinks or treats. They can spend their own money, feel independent and learn how to budget.

  21. We definitely try to pace ourselves, I don’t want to use up all our snacks and new toys right away. If we’re at the airport we do lots of exploring if we have extra time, and save movies for the plane.

  22. I like these road trip tips! I always try and pack a small bag for my older kiddos of their stuff so they can easily grab some toys or a coloring book or a book to read and I’m not reaching back every five minutes to give them something.

  23. Be prepared with snacks and entertainment. My toddler wants out right away so we have lots of activities for him. His tablet works great for traveling.

  24. We bring a potty chair for our four year old who doesn’t give you much warning when she needs to go. It is by far the quickest way to have lots of potty breaks and I can feel good about keeping her hydrated properly without making tons of extra pit stops at nasty bathrooms.

  25. We bring a potty chair for our four year old who doesn’t give you much warning when she needs to go. It is by far the quickest way to have lots of potty breaks and I can feel good about keeping her hydrated properly without making tons of extra pit stops at nasty bathrooms.

  26. My best advice for long road trips for you little ones, would be to make sure you bring plenty of snacks and also a movie to pass the time. We even play games with the kids while were on the road like i see and even just looking at the scenery.

  27. I have a few tips for traveling with littles (we travel often);
    1. Be super organized (I package each of the kids outfits for each day we’re going to be gone into gallon baggies and write on the bag which shoes, etc. go with it.)
    2. Pack extra (If you’re going to be gone for 6 days, pack for 10, you’ll need extra.)
    3. Snacks & Activivites (I bring one of those plastic stands with drawers for the back of the car and a container for in between seats. We travel long distances and it cuts down on stops if we don’t have to stop for food all the time.)
    4. Stop early! (It seems like a good idea to drive longer but maintaining your usual schedule makes everything run more smoothly)

    We stick to these and it makes the whole trip more fun for everyone!

  28. When I am traveling with my crew, I’m always sure to bring snacks, drinks, and extras! Extra clothes, socks, diapers, wipes, etc! I’ve been in a situation where I didn’t have any, it was a stressful mess!

  29. These are such great ideas for keeping your toddler entertained while on the road. I always make the mistake of not having enough in arms reach for when Mason gets bored or needs more snacks!

    xo, Laura

  30. Never heard of a maxi cosi car seat but from the pictures it does look comfy. I would love to have one for my daughter. Some Road trip tips I can give is bring a portable CD player with some good movies/favorites to choose from, make sure you have extra battery chargers charged up for cell phones because they like to watch a lot of YouTube and cartoons and just have a good selection of books, food and some car board games like Checkers, Connect Four, & Battleship just to name a few those are always fun.

  31. We do not have any holiday vacations planned at the moment but will be making plans here soon!  We always pack snacks and coloring books for long trips because it keeps the kids busy. I have not tried the new Magellan Max yet but would absolutely love too!!

  32. Hands down, cheap junky dollar store toys And washable markers are the best way to occupy on a road trip! Use paper or let your kiddo use themselves as a canvas because it’s washable!

  33. I always take snacks, dvd player, and coloring pages to make traveling easy. Also i try to see what fun toddler friendly sites or parks, they have in each so the kids wont get so fussy.

  34. I LOVE this car seat! My grandbaby – Abigail needs a new car seat – and it would be awesome for this first time grandma to win it! Thanks for the chance….Happy New Year!

  35. It is a must that we have plenty of snacks but also everyone must get out and stretch when we stop for gas. we have to make it a game for the little ones. otherwise they will complain about getting back into their car seats. there is usually a basket of toys to play with too so they do not get bored too easily.

  36. Snacks, games, songs and movies are a must for long trips. I also have to pack extra clothes for my little girl just in case she gets car sick along the way.

  37. A couple new toys always help keep them entertained.We usually buy a couple new things at the dollar store.And snacks are a must.Thank you so much for the chance

  38. I think kids are never too young to enjoy music – which makes it easier to play the music you like if they do too or learn car games (headlight game, punch buggy, license plate game… if too young to read, can tell the kids the name and what cool things you know about the state etc)

  39. My kids’ fire tablets have made traveling so much easier! They are happy to watch a video of play learning games on their tablets and it gives me full control of the radio and zero whining crying children.

  40. For long trips we try to travel at night, so the littles will not get their sleep pattern messed up. We also take snacks and tablets… for the older ones.

  41. All of your tips are excellent. My tip is to bring activities to keep the kids busy. For example, play road games, sing, movies, and of course drinks and snacks.

  42. Pack new activities and lots of snacks. Plus, build in time for fun detours and stops along the way to stretch your legs and enjoy the journey itself more.

  43. Thankfully my kids aren’t toddlers anymore but I remember those days when I would pack almost everything for them. So I definitely agree with packing ONLY the things you really need.

  44. Bubbles they saved us so many times (we got the wedding favors kind so it wasnt a huge mess) we would hold the wand in front of the vents and just let them flow

  45. Snacks, tablet for movies, an extra phone or tablet for other kids that don’t want to share, and drinks! Makes my whole life easier in the car, whether it’s 5 minutes or 5 hours!

  46. We always have our favorite snacks handy, and the kids make sure to have their favorite blankets! We never travel anywhere without the blankets, even small trips to the store or daycare!

  47. Take breaks so that they can stretch their legs and get out some of the restlessness. You can do stretches and some simply yoga with them to help them relax and calm down. Have a music they love to listen to or a book to read.

  48. My littlest brings her doodle board and small toys to stay entertained. My oldest brings something to write and draw with to make stories and also brings books on audio.i pack them both lots of snacks and make lots of stretching stops. They love to play “I spy” and the “animal guessing” game.

  49. My kid loves her food, so definitely all kinds of fun snacks and I love the idea of new toys. We stopped at Target’s dollar spot and let her pick out a few new toys. They had shape/color flash cards and that was the hit of the trip!

  50. Plenty of snacks and drinks. Frequent stops to run if traveling long distance. Singing songs, road games to play and window blinds for bright sun shine through.

  51. always prepare for the worst and try to prevent that from happening! bring lots of snacks games drinks activities and a special treat even to bribe them when it gets really bad plan on taking a few breaks if you’re on a really long journey do some exercises if they’re a little bigger such as jumping jacks running around the car exedra. also if you’re not familiar with nursery rhymes pronouncing lyrics are very useful

  52. My best tip for traveling with a little one is sit in the back next to them and read, read, read! I always did that with my son, and now I have the chance with my grandchildren.

  53. Chrissy McPherson-Lee

    Be prepared. I make & take activity books, charge all electronics & always have snacks, wipes & anything we might need while out on the road.

  54. The best thing to have when traveling with little ones is a portable potty ( just in case you can’t pull over fast enough to find a bathroom), activities for the car, and definitely snacks!

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