Single mom’s survival guide to car travel with a toddler
Photo by Diego Jimenez on Unsplash
Last weekend, I decided to take my little guy to visit his great grandmother in the small town where she lives, about three hours away. How hard could it be, right? Just me, a toddler, and the open road to see his GG.
Well, let me tell you by the time we pulled into her driveway, I felt like I'd survived some sort of endurance test. But we made it, my son got to spend precious time with his great grandmother, and I learned a few things about travelling solo with a tiny human that I wish I'd known before we left.
If you're a single mom contemplating any kind of car travel with your little one, from quick day trips to longer adventures, here's what I've figured out through trial and plenty of error.
Day trip essentials: The art of overpacking
For day trips – anything under three hours each way – I used to think I could just grab the diaper bag and go. Ha. Rookie mistake.
The snack situation: Pack twice as many snacks as you think you'll need. I'm talking individual portions of everything: goldfish, cheerios, fruit slices, crackers, and at least one special treat you can pull out during a meltdown. Make sure to keep an eye on sugar. I try to keep snacks as healthy and veggie focused as possible.
Entertainment bag: I keep a separate bag just for car or stroller entertainment that rotates every few weeks so the toys stay interesting. Right now it's got a few small books, sticker sheets (the reusable kind because regular stickers end up EVERYWHERE), and a doodle board. Especially for the car when I can’t always see him, I don’t pack anything with small pieces that can become projectiles or choking hazards.
Comfort items: Extra pacifiers if your kid uses them, their favorite lovey, and a small blanket. Even if it's summer, cars get cold with AC, and having their comfort items within reach can prevent epic meltdowns and make naps last longer.
The practical stuff: Wipes (so many wipes), at least two extra outfits for your kid and one for you (learned this the hard way after a diaper blowout), plastic bags for dirty clothes, and a first aid kit. I also always pack back up shoes because you never know when a blister will appear.
Long haul requirements: When you're in it for the duration
Anything over two hours in a car is a whole different beast. You're not just packing for a trip, you're creating a mobile survival kit.
Timing is everything: I've learned to time longer trips around nap schedules. If my little guy normally naps from 1-3 PM, we're leaving at 12:45 PM. Those two hours of peaceful driving are worth their weight in gold.
Food strategy: For longer trips, I pack a small cooler with real meals, not just snacks. Cut-up fruit, sandwiches, cheese sticks, things that feel like actual food and will keep him satisfied longer. I also bring at least two sippy cups because one will inevitably get dropped and become unreachable.
Backup plans for everything: Extra car chargers for your phone, physical maps (yes really, what if your phone dies?), emergency cash, and the phone numbers of people along your route who could help if needed. As a single mom, you're your own roadside assistance.
Strategic stops: I plan stops every 90 minutes, whether he needs them or not. Even if it's just a gas station where we can walk around for 10 minutes, getting out of the car seat resets his patience meter.
Screen-free entertainment: Because we're trying here
Look, I'm not anti-screen, but I do try to avoid the tablet for as long as possible during car rides. Here are the things that actually work to keep my toddler entertained:
Audio magic: Audiobooks and music on his Yoto player are lifesavers. We rotate between kids' stories, Disney soundtracks, and real musicians. If I don’t have the Yoto handy, then we’re doing with on the main car studio. Sorry about hearing “wheels on the bus” for 47 times but if it keeps your kid happy, all to the good.
Window games: "Find the red car," "count the trucks," "look for animals" – these work surprisingly well for toddlers who are old enough to understand. My little guy gets so excited when he spots a motorcycle that it's become our favourite travel game.
Surprise bags: I pre-pack small paper bags with one new activity each – maybe a small coloring book and crayons, or a tiny toy from the dollar store. Every half hour, he gets to pick a new bag. The anticipation keeps him happy, and the newness factor buys me serious peace.
Car singing: I'm not saying I'm good at it, but making up silly songs about what we're seeing out the window or singing his favorite nursery rhymes together can kill 20-30 minutes easily. Plus, it's actually pretty fun when you stop worrying about how you sound.
Safety first: The single mom considerations
Travelling alone with a little one adds extra safety considerations that partnered parents might not think about.
Share your route: I always text someone my exact route and expected arrival time. My mom gets a message like "Leaving at 2 PM, taking Highway 1 to Route 35, should arrive by 5 PM." If something happens, someone knows where to look for us.
Car maintenance: Before any longer trip, I check tire pressure, oil, and make sure I have emergency supplies in the car – jumper cables, emergency flares, extra water. I also make sure my AAA membership is current because calling for help is easier than trying to change a tire with a toddler watching.
Trust your gut: If something feels off about a rest stop or area, keep driving. Your safety instincts are more important than your toddler's need for a bathroom break. There's always another exit.
Emergency preparedness: I keep a small emergency bag in the car with basic first aid supplies, emergency snacks that don't expire, water, and a list of emergency contacts. I also have a car charger specifically for emergencies and keep my phone charged above 50% whenever possible.
Hotel safety: If we're staying overnight somewhere, I always book hotels with interior hallways (safer than exterior doors), and I pack a door wedge for extra security. I also research the area ahead of time and choose accommodations in well-lit, populated areas.
The reality check
Here's the truth: car travel with a toddler as a single mom is exhausting. You're the driver, the entertainer, the snack distributor, and the safety coordinator all at once. There will be moments when you question why you thought this was a good idea.
But there's also something incredibly empowering about loading up your car with your little one and hitting the road. Those moments when your toddler falls asleep in the back seat and you're driving through beautiful scenery with your favorite music playing, yeah those make all the chaos worth it.
My little guy and I have had some of our best adventures in the car. He's seen his first farm animals from his car seat, and we've had impromptu dance parties at rest stops. Sure, it's not always easy, but it's always an adventure.
And honestly? The independence of knowing I can pack us up and go anywhere we want to go is pretty amazing. We might arrive looking like we've been through a tornado, but we always arrive with great stories to tell.