Things to Pack for Kids to Make Your Holiday Road Trip Easier

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We all know that outings with kids can involve a lot of preparation and planning. Especially when they’re little, kids seem to require a lot of things to keep them happy and entertained when you’re out and about. Diapers? Check. Bottles? Check. Favorite toy, blanket, and/or stuffed animal? Check.

Flying with a baby is a task all its own, but if you have plans to take a road trip to visit family and friends for the holidays, you may be wondering how to make everything go smoothly the whole time you’re in the car. We can’t promise a meltdown-free car ride, but we’ve rounded up a few handy travel items you may want to have on hand. Here’s to hoping your travels this holiday season are a bit more fun and a lot less stressful!

calpak car organizer
Calpak

Car Organizer

Bringing along toys, books, an iPad, and more? Keep it all organized and in one spot with this handy organizer.

available in multiple colors

Walmart | Yogasleep

Portable White Noise Sound Machine

When you have little backseat riders, a portable white noise machine is a great way to drown out music or chit chat while you're driving.

Amazon | Rafow

Car Rear Side Window Sun Shade

Don't let the glaring sun interrupt nap time or screen time. These shades block the sun while still allowing you to roll down the window if needed!

The Baby's Brew

Portable Bottle Warmer & Formula Dispenser

Baby won't take a cold bottle? No problem! You can choose between three temperatures with this warmer, and it will stay warm for up to four hours.

road trip snacks
Morepeas

Essential Snack Cup

Snacks are a necessity on road trips, and having some spill-proof snack containers can help keep your car a little more clean. These cups from morepeas are a snack cup, dining bowl, and steamer all in one, meaning you can use it for snacks during the drive and for meals once you've reached your destination.

available in 4 colors

Target | Brica

Out-N-About Trunk Organizer & Changing Station

Make changing diapers a breeze by keeping everything you need in one central place. If you have a potty training toddler, you might want to pack their potty—or go back to Pull-Ups just for the drive.

bear blanket
Target | Pillowfort

Bear Throw Buddy

Puffy winter coats are a huge safety hazard when kids wear them in their car seats. Instead, pack a cozy blanket so kids can get comfy while enjoying the wintertime drive. This fleece blanket comes with a bear toy to help store it.

roadtrip playlist
Spotify

A Fun Playlist

Did your Spotify Wrapped consist entirely of the soundtracks for Encanto or Frozen? Then you know a playlist can help pep up the whole car. For a holiday road trip, try this Family Christmas Party (or Family Hanukkah Party) mix. Of course, Disney soundtracks work too!

moshi app
Moshi

A Calming App

Or, if you'd rather have a more low-key ride (i.e., sleeping kids), consider the Moshi app, which has audiobooks and meditation audios for kids.

Amazon | Lusso Gear

Kids Travel Tray

Make it easy for your kids to play and entertain themselves while on the road with this activity tray, complete with a cup holder!

water wow book
Kohl's | Melissa & Doug

Water Wow! Seasons Water-Reveal Pad

Compact and spiral-bound, this coloring activity with a refillable water pen is great for travel. Plus, it promotes fine motor and early writing skills without the mess of traditional markers.

road trip game
Amazon | Briarpatch

Travel Scavenger Hunt Card Game for Kids

This scavenger hunt card game is easy to pack and offers some screen-free fun!

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated for timeliness. 

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