Roadtrip Essentials For Traveling With Toddlers
In early June, we embarked on a 14+ hour journey from Shawnee, KS to Destin, Florida.
Here’s a detailed list of our road trip essentials. I hope these tips for beach trips with toddlers help make your packing process a breeze!
**This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase from these links.**
Travel Stroller –
I wanted a stroller that was smaller and more compact than the Mockingbird. When I saw that this one folded down and looked like luggage, I was sold! We love it. It’s simple and basic, but that’s all I needed.
Snacklebox –
Where have these been all our lives? The snacklebox concept is so fun! Some days we pack ours with healthy snacks like fresh fruit and veggies. Other days, we fill it up with trail mix, Nilla Wafers, and candy! Is it obvious that we are an ‘everything in moderation’ family?
Shoe Caddy –
I saw this hack on tik tok and it actually works so well! I packed my daughters little pieces of clothes in the shoe caddy compartments and then I hung it up in the closet when we arrived. *Don’t forget to pack the hooks to hang it up*
Pack & Play Mattress –
We love this pack and play mattress. It tri-folds and fits into a bag for easy traveling. Since I am not a sleep expert, I recommend doing your own research on what you’d like to put in your pack and play.
Slumberpod –
Not pictured in the collage above, but this is actually my #1 most recommended product for traveling! I even googled to see if they made these for adults. Our daughter loved the SlumberPod and slept so well. Plus, we were able to turn on the bedroom light and move around the room freely without waking her. 10/10 recommend!
Mesh Zip Bags (18 pack) –
My friend had these mesh bags in her diaper bag and told me I had to buy them. She changed the game for me and my organization. We packed everything in small mesh bags so that I could easily find what I needed: toy bag, sunscreen bag, medicine bag, snacks bag, diaper/wipes bag, hair accessories bag, etc.
Outlet Car Charger –
I knew I wanted to work during the drive down and back, so I purchased this outlet car adapter to charge my laptop while we drove. This might not be necessary for everyone, but it’s incredibly helpful if you need to charge laptops, iPads, Kindles, etc., and your car doesn’t have compatible plugs.
Mini Car Trash Can –
Pretty self-explanatory: I hate when we travel and napkins, straw wrappers, candy wrappers, and receipts get littered on the floorboards. This mini trash bag clipped around the front seat for us, and we used it all the way there and back. I plan to keep it attached to the middle console in the car from now on.
5-Outlet Extender –
Not only do I think you need this in your house, but I swear by it for travel! You never know what the outlet situation will be like at your hotel or house, so having this to easily plug in all of your chargers, sound machines, fans, and more is one less thing you have to deal with upon arrival. I have multiple in my home—10/10!
Portable Charger –
And last but not least, this portable charger is perfect for anyone who constantly lets their phone die. Couldn’t be me….! 😉
It’s a bit heavy, but it really works! It holds a long charge and has multiple plug-in options. I’ve owned many portable chargers in the past, but none have matched this standard. I was impressed, especially for the affordable price!
Thank you for taking the time to read about my favorite road trip essentials for traveling with a toddler. For more items we brought on our trip, visit my blog on Beach Essential Items For Babies & Toddlers or check out my Amazon Storefront.
Friendly Reminder: Everything I share is a recommendation, plain and simple. You know your kids and family best, so only buy what you know you’ll love and use!
Do me a favor and leave a comment letting me know which products you bought for your trip and whether you’d recommend them to others!

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