6 USEFUL TIPS WHEN TRAVELING WITH TWINS BY CAR

You are finally going for that long-awaited trip to your in-laws, parents, or friends, and you can’t wait to get there.

Now that you have your two twin toddlers as travel companions, it is a little more time-consuming and has to be well thought out.

Gone are the days when you’d pack a bag in less than ten minutes and hit the road.

You have to carry extra clothing, diapers, food, feeding gear, and all your stuff.

It can be extremely exhausting if you are not well prepared.

Here are some tips to help parents prepare for a car trip when traveling by car.

PACK SMART

Chances are that you have already familiarised yourself with all the essential gear and must-haves for your little ones.

However, when it comes to traveling with twins by car, you need to add a few other items to your carry-on.

They may not come in handy immediately but keep you prepared in case you lose your luggage or encounter an emergency.

You may also need an additional bag where you can stash all your stuff for enhanced comfort. Here’s a checklist of essentials you should include:

• Feeding utensils and food: You need to keep your little ones well-fed throughout the trip. A full belly will keep them calm for a longer time so that you don’t need to make as many stops. If you are still breastfeeding, be sure to carry pumped milk, a breast pump in case you need to express milk during the trip and extra bottles. If the kids are weaning, bring snacks such as wholegrain cereals and crackers.
• Diapers: Carry enough diapers for the trip. Keep in mind that you are packing for two; it doesn’t hurt to carry an extra packet. Wipes come in handy when making diaper changes and cleaning minor food messes. Remember to pack a bag which you can use to dispose of the dirty diapers.
• Toys: Kids get bored fast, so there is a need to arm yourself with plenty of distractions to pass the time. Carry their favorite toys; they can be plush animals, rattles and teethers, learning games or musical toys.
• Additional clothing: You never know when your kid will throw up, or have a diaper blowout! Pack at least two additional pairs of outfit for each twin. They should include shoes and socks.
• Lightweight strollers: You can look for two cheap umbrella strollers regular pushchair is too big and heavy to store in your vehicle. They can also double up as feeding chairs, storage for baby items, and can fit in spaces where double pushchairs can’t, e.g., narrow pavements and public toilets.

LEAVE EARLY 

Leave your house early if your trip involves long-distance driving. This is to allow adequate time for travel and arrival before it is dark.

You also want to have ample time for your little ones to enjoy the experience, which is pretty exciting if they have been indoors for a long time.

Start packing early so that you won’t rush before heading out. Always finish an hour before the decided time to cater for emergencies.

DIVIDE ROLES

Traveling with twins by car can be overwhelming if you are alone. If you are travelling with your partner, divide the roles so that you have enough time to rest.

Take turns to drive and sorting out the twins during the trip.

However, if you’re traveling alone, be sure to prepare adequately by planning stops so you can rest and eat something, and feed and change the children.

BE FLEXIBLE

You need to relax your usual at-home rules a little on the twins when traveling by car.

While you may have been giving them one treat per day at home, you may want to add an extra packet of snacks while on the road.

You don’t want them throwing tantrums throughout the journey just because they are hungry.

DON’T PANIC

It’s easy to get overwhelmed or anxious when both babies start crying or throwing tantrums.

If you need to, take a pit stop to placate the children. Together with your partner, divide and conquer!

PLAN FOR PIT STOPS

Traveling with twins by car is different from using a plane or train. If you have a long drive ahead of you, make stops every two to three hours to feed your little ones.

If the babies are crying, stop the car and sooth them but never take them out of their car seats when the vehicle is moving.

Happy and safe travels!

About the Author

Riya is a writer who enjoys decorating her home, crafting, and trying new recipes.

She is also a runner who likes to enjoy the morning breeze.

Connect with her on Twitter.