Guide to winning your child's tantrums on your next road trip

Healthcaretoday, children, parenting, roadtrip, long distance travel, travelling, travel, child onboard, child's tantrums, wailing child, family road trip, vacation, tantrums, baby, baby's nap time, little one, diapers, wet diapers, young children, kids,
It is always good to be over-prepared — You’ll never know when you need a tasty aversion for your little one during the road trip
​​The borders have finally opened after two-and-a half years and most people are getting a quick taste of travel again despite the long jams at the customs and on the highway.

When you are 20 and full of life, of course the wait isn’t a problem. However, what about those with little children in tow? The little ones get restless quick and it is probably every parent’s worst nightmare to be stuck in a standstill jam, confined within the walls of the car, and desperately trying to soothe your wailing child.
​
If you are a parent planning your family’s next road trip, here are five big tips for you to ace your vacation, keeping your little one’s tantrums at bay:

1. Always plan ahead
The key to minimising fuss from your little one is to not disrupt his/ her schedule as much as you can manage. That means planning the drive to coincide with the baby’s nap time, knowing how long it takes to get to each destination and coincide the activities planned with their waking hours. Know where the pit stops and toilet breaks are — planning ahead is crucial when you are travelling with your little one, especially when they are no longer in diapers. Knowing these details will also give you a little more confidence to tackle the road ahead!

2. Leave room for flexibility
I know the irony of flexibility right after planning ahead, but with kids or any travel in general, there will always be unpredictability. It is important not to ambitious and pack the day with activities, especially if you are travelling with young children! Leave plenty of time in between to take breaks, so there is no need to rush and let the kids run at the pit stops (bonus tip: choose one with a playground) to get some fresh air!
​
3. Overpack!
Their favourite snacks, fruits, wet wipes, books, toys, change of clothes, diapers, water, milk and juice — whatever you think you need, pack it and add a few more! It is always good to be over-prepared — You’ll never know when you need a tasty aversion for your little one during the road trip and a fully satiated baby will be a less fussy one.

4. Have a secret weapon
Maybe it’s their favourite movie, or their go-to game on your phone. Perhaps the addictive Coco-melon videos will quiet them down instantly, or even giving “forbidden” snacks like chocolates — Consider pre-loading the materials, and packing the items. It’s always nice to have a few tricks up your sleeve to fall back on when nothing seems to be working.

Article contributed by: ​HL Assurance

EXPLORE FURTHER