How to Road Trip with Young Kids

Road trips are no stranger to our family. Having lived in Southern California for 6 years, I am used to spending a good chunk of time in the car. With our current home in North Carolina, we are only 5 hours away from my family. So all of us have made quite a few road trips for visits. My kids do pretty well in the car, but taking road trips can still be stressful.

We just went on our first long family road trip (12-ish hours including stops), and it was a bit overwhelming. There is a lot that goes into having a successful road trip with a 2-year-old and almost 1-year-old. We had some rough times and crankiness during our trip, but overall I was really pleased with how my kids handled it. Here are all my tips and tricks for making your road trip enjoyable when you have little ones along for the ride!

How to Plan:

Plan for Pit Stops

It doesn’t matter how great your kids are in the car; when on a long road trip, you’re going to need to make pit stops along the way. Between meals, gas fill-ups, potty breaks, or just a need-a-break, stops are to be expected. While you can’t always plan exactly when you will need to make a pit stop, you can still prepare. By preparing yourself mentally that pit stops are inevitable, it will make them easier to accept when they do come along.

Plan it Over Nap Times

With road trips, timing is everything. If possible, try to time the driving time for when your kids are the happiest or will sleep. Depending on the length of the road trip and the time you can actually leave, it may vary, but this tip is so helpful. I always try to time when I leave the house and start driving with nap time for my kids; that way, they will sleep part of the way. On the way back home from our recent road trip, we drove mostly overnight, which made such a difference because both kids slept mostly the way! Find what time works best for your family and roll with it.

What to Bring:

Bring Toys

Never underestimate the power of distraction and comfort with toys. On a long road trip, I say bring all the toys! The more, the better. I packed a small duffle bag full of toys by my daughter’s feet for easy access during our recent road trip. I had some of her favorites and my son’s favorites. You will want toys they use often and have low-volume options (if they are sound toys). And trust me, you will want plenty of options.

Bring Snacks & Drinks

Who doesn’t want a snack on a road trip? Bring some easy-to-share items and don’t stress about the mess. You can always vacuum out the car seats later. When on the road, you’re not always going to want to stop or be able to whenever some hunger hits, so having a snack around is a great option! For bonus mom points, you can always pack some special treats like candy or other items your kids don’t have on the regular. I always pack some for my kids and some for me, close enough to reach. You’ll also want some drinks because food makes you thirsty.

Bring Their Favorite Music

A car dance party is always a good idea! Bring along your kids’ favorite music. You may get sick of listening to it over and over, but it can be used as a great distraction. Are the kids fussy or bored? Put on their favorite music, and you’re sure to get a happy result.

Bring Their Favorite Items

Do your kids have a favorite toy or item? Bring it! My daughter has to have her blanket and her favorite doll on trips. I keep them by her, and she always wants them on and off during the trip. I also make sure to bring her pacifier. She only uses it at bedtime, but she won’t nap in the car without it. My son has a favorite toy book that plays music and a little stuffed doll. Having comfort items that your child loves will help them be more at ease during the trip.

What to Do:

Play Games

One of my favorite road trip activities as a kid was playing games. My mom started what we call “The Movie Game,” where we would give clues and everyone else would have to guess what movie we were thinking of. This particular game isn’t the best for younger kids, but you catch my drift. Come up with some fun games that involve your kids and maybe even your surroundings. A favorite of my two-year-old’s is “I Spy”. When fussy in the car, starting up a quick game of I Spy is always a winner. It gets her involved and looking outside at our surroundings.

Take Breaks Outside of the Car

You will want to take breaks outside of the car. I repeat, you will want to take breaks outside of the car. Being confined to close quarters in the car can be an overload at times for not only the kids but yourself too. You will want to make some pit stops to get out of the car. You can still make the most of your time doing so, though. Grab a bite to eat by sitting inside a restaurant (even if it’s still fast food). Take a stop at a local park or rest area for the kids to get a break from their car seats and stretch their legs.

Keep a Towel & Wipes Handy

This was a huge help for me on our last road trip! I kept a pack of wipes in my door handle and a towel on the seat between my kids in the back. Both items came in super handy for messes and spills. This way you won’t have to dig around for items when something happens spur of the moment. Having a towel nearby is also a huge help on the off chance your kids get sick.

Keep Diapers & a Change of Clothes Handy

You never know how many stops you will have to make or if any emergency diaper changes will be needed. You may need a spare outfit for many reasons: a dirty diaper, a spill, a sick child, etc. I always keep extra diapers and clothes in the diaper bag and keep them within reach for easy access during stops. You will want these items nearby just in case.

When it comes to road trips, it’s better to be prepared than sorry. You learn a lot by trial and error. Going through it, you will find what works best for you and what you need and don’t need. These are the essentials that I have found work best for us. You don’t need to cringe your whole drive. You CAN enjoy the ride!

Postpartum Must-Haves

Recovery post-birth is not something women like to focus on, especially if you’re having your first baby. I don’t blame you. I was the same way. But it is so important to be prepared. Yes, there is some truth to the fact that you won’t know what to expect completely until you go through it, and you won’t know what you like until you try it. But you still need to be aware.

Knowing what options are out there can be such a huge help in the long run! I learned the majority of what I know about recovery relief from my nurse after having my first baby. I thought I was prepared ahead of time, but there were so many things I never knew before birth. So it is so important to me to share what I have learned to help any other new mommas out there be better prepared.

Postpartum recovery is not pretty, but it is essential, and it is worth it to have your new little one. So without further ado, here are my personal top essential must-haves when recovering from birth.

Perry Bottle

Before I had kids, I heard other moms say the Perry Bottle would be my best friend. I didn’t get all the hype and honestly didn’t even know what one looked like before having my first baby. But they were all right! You will LOVE this thing! They give you one at the hospital, and it is your best friend long after you come home.

Dermoplast Pain Relieving Spray

This was another of my faves and an essential item I used every time I pottied after birth. It helps numb and ease the pain. I hadn’t heard of this before birth. The nurses at my hospital gave it to me post-birth to use, and I quickly carried it to the bathroom with me every time. You may want to purchase some ahead of time too because hospitals may vary. Neither of my sisters got this at their hospital when giving birth.

Earth Momma Herbal Perineal Spray

This was something I found accidentally online on my own prior to birth. I ordered it to give it a try and LOVE it. You can now purchase it in-store at Walmart. I used this after my pain spray ran out. Added bonus: because of the cucumber and other ingredients, it doubles as a facial spray too. I still use it on my face to this day.

Belly Band

I did a lot of research before birth on tips and tricks to help you get your body back after baby. Belly bands were something I came across in my research. After giving birth, for about 6-8 weeks, your body releases a hormone that helps your body shrink back. By using a belly band, it helps your body shrink back faster while the hormone is still in your system. Now I don’t have anything to compare it to, as I have used my belly and hip bands after both kids, but I definitely think it has helped to shrink my belly down faster. I will always wear one after having a baby!

Witch Hazel Pads

This was another cool thing my recovery nurse gave me after my first baby. I didn’t know this was a thing, but it did come in quite handy, and I used the whole container they gave me. They’re small circular wet pads soaked in witch hazel that you put on your pad when you change it out.

Frozen Padsicles

After doing research during pregnancy on what I would need for postpartum, I found some good recipes to make your own frozen padsicles and made a bunch prior to birth. With my first baby, I preferred having warming pads over cold early on. But I did still use the frozen pads later, and they came in so handy.

Large Pads

You will need giant pads. Postpartum, you bleed a lot. It can vary depending on the person and your recovery, but you will need big overnight pads to make sure all blood is caught. You cannot use tampons during your early postpartum recovery.

Big Undies

Due to having to use big pads, you will want to have some good ol' granny panties. I know they’re not fashionable, but trust me, they are exactly what you need comfort-wise post-birth. I bought a cheap 4- or 5-pack at Walmart to use and was so glad I did! A bonus: if you have any stains or anything come through, you can just toss them and not ruin your cute underwear.

Maternity Clothes

If you are breastfeeding, you will want to use maternity/nursing bras after having a baby. You will probably want to keep your maternity clothes out for a while too. In my case, I still wore my maternity shorts, pants & shirts for a while after birth because they felt more comfortable and were some of the only clothes that fit me right after birth.

Stretchy Clothes

I cannot stress this enough — you will want your comfy clothes. You will want big shirts and stretchy fabrics. You will want all the yoga pants. You will be sore, and having tight clothes or items that cling will make you uncomfortable and self-conscious. Don’t go there. Just stay comfy.

Big Water Bottle

Staying hydrated and drinking lots of water is essential after birth. For yourself and also for your baby if you are nursing, you need to make sure you are getting plenty of fluids. Having a big water bottle by you at all times is huge in making sure that happens. The bigger, the better because that means fewer trips to fill up.

Epsom Salt

You may want to soak for relief or just to relax and have a minute to yourself. An Epsom salt bath is so relaxing and good for your recovering body. I also like to add some essential oils to the bath.

Essential Oils

Great for use in the bath or diffusing, I swear by my essential oils. Not only for myself but for my baby too. Lavender is a go-to for relaxation and sleep. Gentle Baby is a favorite for my little ones. You can do some great blends for the bath too.

I hope that these tips come in handy for you and help to better prepare you for your postpartum recovery journey. All of us mothers have been where you are. It can be scary, but you are not alone! If you have any suggestions for other must-haves that I didn’t list, please comment below and let me know.

DIY Pacifier Clip

Making baby pacifier clips is one of my favorite DIY projects. They are simple, take minimal supplies, and turn out so cute! You can customize them and use virtually any theme you want. Do you want your own unique paci clip that not every baby has? Look no further. Let me show you how!

What You’ll Need

• Ribbon
• Mitten clip
• Elastic
• Thread
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Cutting tools

RIBBON
You will need ribbon 1 inch in size. You can get creative and use whatever color/pattern you want.

MITTEN CLIP
You will need 1 mitten clip/per pacifier clip you are making.

ELASTIC
Thin sewing elastic for attaching to the pacifier. It’s up to you what size of elastic you want to use.

THREAD
Colored thread that matches your ribbon. I try to use thread that blends in so it’s less noticeable.

PINS
You will need pins to hold the ribbon and elastic in place while sewing.

SEWING MACHINE
For sewing everything together.

CUTTING TOOLS
Your preferred measuring and cutting tools. I use only something for measuring the length and scissors for cutting.

Let’s Get Started

STEP #1
Measure and cut the ribbon to the desired length. I typically cut mine 20 inches long. I adjust the length according to the design/pattern on the ribbon (i.e., if the pattern gets cut off at an unattractive point at 20 in, I will make it longer).

You can cut it longer or shorter–just remember you will need to fold it in half, so you want to cut a piece twice the length you desire the clip to be.

STEP #2
Measure and cut the elastic piece. I cut it to a length of 6 inches. You can cut it longer or shorter–just remember it will need to be folded in half as well, so take that into consideration.

Set the elastic aside. You will need it in a few steps.

STEP #3
Fold the bottom ribbon edges slightly under. Sew along the bottom and remaining sides of the ribbon. This is to keep the ends from fraying.

STEP #4
Slide the ribbon through the mitten clip and fold the ribbon in half. Make sure you have it facing the direction you want it to face based on the pattern of the ribbon.

STEP #5
Pin the ribbon together from top to bottom. Leave a couple of inches of space at the bottom.

STEP #6
Fold the elastic in half and pin it in place at the bottom of the ribbon (opposite end of the mitten clip). I secure about 1 inch of the elastic inside the ribbon.

STEP #7
Sew both sides of the ribbon together. I start at one bottom corner and work my way up and around. Make sure to sew along the top to secure the mitten clip in place.

STEP #8
Sew along the bottom (over the existing seam from folding the ribbon under) and on top of the elastic to hold it in place. I like to sew another line side to side over the top of the elastic to help reinforce it. It creates a square look at the bottom of the pacifier clip.

And you’re done! Now you have your very own personalized pacifier clip for baby. The ribbon options and themes are endless. If you don’t find one you want in-store, simply shop online. Happy creating!

1st Birthday Party Theme Ideas

When it comes to 1st birthday parties, the themes are endless! You only turn one once, and every parent wants it to be a special day for their baby. Whether you have a big party with family and friends or just a little celebration, you want a cute theme with photo ops.

You can really do any theme you want. If there is something your child loves, why not do that theme? With my firstborn, I started looking into birthday themes that were specific to turning one. However, I ended up not using any of them and did a My Little Pony theme instead because that was what she loved at the time.

For my son, I decided I wanted to do a theme that was specific to turning one and started looking into ideas. With his 1st birthday approaching this month, I’m working on the preparations for it now.

There are so many 1st birthday ideas out there! Here are some of the cutest and most creative themes I have discovered in my own search.

The Big One

Are you a big fisherman or just love sea creatures? If so, look no further. You’ll love this theme!

Mr. Onederful

Make all things dapper and cute for your little guy. Bowties? High top hat? Suspenders? The sky is the limit. You could also go the Shark Tank route by having your little fellow in a suit or just a shark theme after “Mr. Wonderful,” Kevin O’Leary himself.

Winder Onederland

Have a winter baby or want a snowy theme? This is just the one for you! You could do sparkles, snowflakes, ice castles, all things winter.

Wild One

This one is so popular for boys right now! The most common decorations I’ve seen for this are a woodland/lumberjack theme. Think plaid and moose and pine trees. I considered doing it for my son but didn’t want to because of how many others use it, so I started thinking of other ways you could use this theme and almost decided to do it with a crocodile theme. You could also use this for a safari or jungle-type animal theme. There are lots of options to make it your own.

Rookie of the Year

I decided to go with this one for my son’s first birthday. I’m a huge baseball fan, so we did a baseball theme. However, it can also work for any sport: football, hockey, soccer, etc.

My First Rodeo

A play on the common saying “not my first rodeo,” this theme is so cute. Hello, cowboy hats and boots! You can do this western theme for boys or girls.

Onederland

This theme can go a couple of different ways and can be so fun! You could do a Peter Pan and Neverland theme. Or you could do an Alice in Wonderland theme. Great idea for both girls and boys!

One in a Melon

Have a summer baby or just love fruit? This theme is too cute! The colors are so pretty. Bring on all the watermelons and fruits.

Oneder Woman

How about this cute girl power superhero theme? I love this idea. You can have a cute little Wonder Woman outfit for the birthday girl too.

Pretty One

Do you have a little flower child or just love sweet-smelling things? Try this flower-inspired theme for your little girl.

Sweet One

Love sweets or want a more sugary theme? Try a generic sweets theme. You can do cupcakes, sprinkles, candy, ice cream, or anything sweet.

Twinkle Twinkle Little One

Say hello to stars and everything shiny! You could do a starry night or galaxy theme based on Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. You could go with the “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, How I Wonder What You Are” theme or just shorten it to “Twinkle Twinkle Little One”.

Donut Grow Up

This isn’t “one” specific, but who doesn’t love donuts? This theme seems to be growing in popularity and rightfully so…it is so cute!

There are so many great ideas for 1st birthday party themes. What are your favorite ones? Have any other ideas I left out? Leave a comment below and let me know! Get creative and have fun making wonderful memories for your little one’s big day!