Traveling with kids is always a challenge. Even the best-behaved little one can get restless after a few hours in the car. There are some tips and tricks that can help you have a sane, fun road trip. Try a few of them out on your next vacation!

 

Bring Entertainment

 

A bored child is an unhappy child! Bringing toys, books, and little games is a great way to keep kids busy. I’ve found that purchasing a small bag of new to them toys from the dollar store keeps their interest even longer. We only bring those toys out during car rides, so they keep their novelty. Another timeless favorite is to listen to an audio book.

 

Don’t Let Hunger Strike!

 

Bad moods tend to strike when hunger is present. Bringing healthy snacks that fill tiny tummies is a simple way to fight the munchies. Cheese and meat sticks, fruit, and granola bars are easy to eat and contain lots of protein so they’ll stay full until you hit your destination.

 

Play a Game

 

Those car games that you used to play as a kid worked for a reason! They kept you busy and gave you something to think about besides the long ride. Car games are a timeless tradition and are a simple way to create a happy atmosphere. My personal favorites are I Spy, license plate scavenger hunts and 20 Questions. You can also purchase portable games like checkers and tic-tac-toe.

 

Make Rest Easy

 

Sleep will not only make time pass faster, but it will also make sure your family is able to fully enjoy themselves. Bring along a favorite blanket, pillow, or stuffed animal to make rest come easy. You may not be able to completely mimic bedtime routines, but having a few comfort objects along for the ride makes sleeping easier.

 

Plan Ahead

 

Careful planning can eliminate a lot of road trip frustrations. Create a loose itinerary to help your kids (and yourself!) know what to expect. Plan for any bathroom stops, snack breaks and attractions along the way. Make sure that you have items for any situation like medicines, extra clothes, and umbrellas. Planning ahead makes sure that you’re able to fully enjoy your trip without the stress of forgetting something!

 

Road trips don’t have to be the chaotic scene shown in most movies. You can have a peaceful, fun-filled time by using some of these tips. What’s your favorite road trip hack?

 

Congratulations, you’re expecting a little blessing! You’ve already got the nursery ready, wrote your birth plan and have baby shopped until you dropped. The only thing left to do is to pack the hospital bag. If you’re a new Mama, read on to see the must-haves for your hospital stay. If you’re a veteran Mama, I hope you learn some new tips!

Labor Necessities

You’ll want your hospital bag to contain a few basic things for labor. When packing for labor, think of comfort items. Things like fuzzy socks, a robe, lip balm, hair ties and a favorite pillow can do wonders when labor pangs hit. You may want things that will distract you such as a tablet, books/magazines, a specific playlist, or a favorite puzzle book. If your hospital allows eating and drinking during labor, pack some strengthening snacks like granola bars and juice. Packing things that calm you is also a great idea. Essential oils, calming music, visualization podcasts are great examples of nerve-soothing labor tools.

Don’t Forget Daddy!

Your partner will love having a few special things packed. It can be hard to leave a hospital room, so pack your man’s favorite snacks and drinks. A phone charger and pillow will help your partner have all the comforts of home and be able to rest. Pack an extra change of clothes for Daddy as well! Put Daddy in charge of electronics, like cell phones and cameras.

For After the Delivery

After your baby arrives, you deserve star treatment. Focus on packing items that help you feel comfortable and pampered. Pack comfortable clothes that will easily accommodate your healing body. Pack your favorite bath and beauty products for your post-partum shower. If you are nursing, pack things that will help the transition such as nipple cream, prenatal vitamins, and a nursing pillow. The hospital will have post-partum pads and underwear, so you don’t need to worry about those until you get home!

For Baby

The hospital will have diapers, wipes, pacifiers and baby hats. Pack those fun items that you chose specifically for your little one like knotted sleeper set (duh). They are easy to slip on and off for diaper changes. Bring baby lotion and other baby hygiene items.

Going Home!

For your trip home, you’ll want a comfy outfit for yourself and a special outfit for your little one. You’ll want to bring your car seat, as most hospitals check to make sure you know how to properly secure your baby. When leaving the hospital, go through your room and take leftover diapers, nose aspirators, hats, wipes, and pacifiers. These things can’t be used for another patient and are added to your bill, so they won’t be missed!

What are your hospital bag essentials?