What you need to know about taking road trips with a toddler

Taking a long-distance road trip with a toddler can be a daunting prospect. Whether you’re making the popular trip from Cairns to Brisbane, or you’ve got a drive along Melbourne’s Great Ocean Road planned to show your family the sights, it doesn’t have to be a complete nightmare. A lot less expensive than air travel and with the potential to be just as fun, if you follow these tips you can make the most of your time on the road and arrive at your destination both safe and sane. Preparation is key When you’re travelling with a toddler the last thing you’ll want to worry about is the car, so you’ll want to make sure it’s ready to handle the trip. You don’t want to be winding your way down 243 kilometres of Australia’s most stunning coastline and find out your windscreen wipers don’t work properly, or be stuck by the side of the road in the rugged outback with an overheated engine. If you don’t think your car is up to the trip, look into getting a rental or at least ensure you have roadside assistance. Don’t leave them alone in the car It may go without saying, but don’t be tempted to leave your child alone in the car, even if it’s just briefly. With some of Australia’s hottest days reaching up to 43 °C (109 °F), leaving your sleeping toddler in the car while you quickly fill up with petrol can mean they’re left in dangerously high temperatures. Plus, it only takes… Read More