Lifestyle Connections
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Embarking on the open road with your little ones in tow is a thrilling adventure. Full-time RV living with toddlers brings its unique challenges, but with a bit of preparation and a dash of creativity, it can be a rewarding journey for the whole family. In this blog post, we'll explore the necessities to make your RV life with toddlers not just manageable but memorable.
Kid-Friendly RV Layout:
Ensure your RV is toddler-proofed with secure cabinets, rounded edges, and childproof locks. Some of this can’t be changed due to the design by the manufacturer, but you can buy safety tools to make the space more safe. Create a designated play area with soft flooring to keep little explorers safe. We looked at several different layout options when researching for the perfect RV. Our son was one year old at the time and we knew we wanted something that would allow him to have his own space. A lot of RVs have the bunk beds, but ours has a mid-bunk that allows for my son to have all of his toys and clothes in one area. He has his own TV as well, which makes it easier for us to watch our favorite shows, too. There are many different types of campers with many different layouts. Just keep searching until you find your perfect match.
Compact Essentials:
Opt for compact, space-saving essentials like a foldable high chair, collapsible stroller, and stackable containers to maximize storage without compromising on functionality. Having the ability to make an object smaller that isn’t in use constantly and put it up somewhere out of sight is a game changer. The stroller can be stored in the trunk of your car or under your RV which gives more space inside for your little one to roam safely. Using fun and bright colored boxes can make it more fun for kids to put up their own toys as well!
A travel playard can be utilized outside and can assist in keeping your little one safe. We brought ours with us initially, and even had our son sleep in it until he became big enough to try to climb out.
They also make foldable potty seats which can be a game-changer in the bathroom. RV bathrooms are already fairly small and are limited on storage. The more people you have in your RV, the less space you have due to having to store enough supplies for everyone. Utilizing a foldable potty seat can help keep clutter to a minimum.
Storage Solutions:
Invest in storage bins and organizers to keep toys, clothes, and supplies tidy. Utilize vertical space and under-bed storage to make the most of limited RV square footage. We love using a cubicle organizer in my son’s room for optimal storage. Anything that you
can find to help hide clutter will make full-time RV living more manageable and enjoyable. Being in a small space all the time, especially with others, can make it difficult to feel like you have your own space. This is something I believe kids can feel, too. If they have their own space where they can be free to play with their toys without it causing undue stress, it becomes better for everyone involved.
Safety First:
Install safety gates to restrict access to certain areas of the RV. We used a baby gate to block off access to the stairs when we first moved in. Our son loves to climb on everything so this definitely came in handy from a young age.
Buy a baby proofing kit! We used several items from this kit, especially the cabinet locks — these also help prevent stuff from falling out of cabinets while you’re in route to your next destination. We attached one of the sticky locks to the inside of our entry door to prevent our little one from trying to escape during the night.
Using a bed rail is beneficial when your little one moves into a bunk bed. We were able to use this until we felt confident that our son was not going to fall out. It held up well and was stable enough to use without having to secure it with screws due to the weight of the mattress.
Whether you are traveling with a motorhome or a towable RV, you should take extra precaution to make sure your car seat is secured properly per manufacturer guidelines.
Entertainment on the Go:
Pack a variety of toys, books, and games to keep toddlers entertained during the journey. Consider portable DVD players or tablets for on-the-road entertainment. When traveling on the road, especially for long hours at a time, kids will get bored. We opted to get our son an iPad which helps tremendously!
I also got my son a lap desk for the car where he can store his crayons, color books, snacks, and anything else his little heart desires. If all else fails, I recommend putting on songs your little one likes or playing road games like ‘I spy’.
Bedtime Necessities:
One thing my son is very fond of is his sleep. We use black out curtains and a sound machine. We have a black out curtain hanging with a tension rod on the inside of one of his bedroom doors because it has glass and he can see all the lights when they are on. We also took down his window blind and valance that is located where his bed is and put the blackout curtain up on the inside of the frame of the window, using the screws to secure it in place. This was also a safety measure since our shades have a cord.
The sound machine has come in handy since my son was born, but in the camper it has become a life-saver! It helps to tune out the extra noise since campers are so small. I even use one myself.
Mealtime Must-Haves:
Simplify meal time with spill-proof dishes. I also recommend packing a variety of toddler-approved snacks for those impromptu snack times on the road between destinations. The more options the better. I have found that my son never wants the few items I pick that I thought were his favorites. I also pack them in a lunchbox to keep them organized during our travels.
Routine Matters:
Maintain a consistent routine to provide a sense of stability for your toddlers. Keep nap and bedtime rituals as consistent as possible, even when on the move. This can be difficult, especially if your child is anything like ours. He gave up naps cold-turkey just barely after two years old. Sometimes it can be stressful on our little ones to move around so much, but keeping their routine as simple and consistent as possible can make a huge difference.
First Aid Kit:
Be prepared for minor accidents with a well-stocked first aid kit tailored to the needs of toddlers. Include essentials like band-aids, child-friendly pain relievers, and any specific medications.
Community Connection:
Join online RV communities or seek out family-friendly campgrounds to connect with other families on the road. Sharing experiences and tips can be invaluable.
Full-time RV living with toddlers is an enriching experience that requires thoughtful planning. By focusing on safety, organization, and entertainment, you can create a home on wheels that not only accommodates your little adventurers but enhances the joy of the journey. Happy travels!
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