Families spend a lot of time on the move, whether you’re getting to and from child care, running errands, riding public transit or heading out for a family adventure.
Those minutes in the car, on the bus or riding the subway don’t have to feel like lost time. Everyday travel offers simple opportunities to connect, talk, play and support your child’s development. If you’re looking for easy activities for babies and toddlers on the go, here are six ideas that turn travel time into time together.
1. Shake it.
Pack a rattle or maraca for stroller rides or other times when your child can safely play. Sing a favorite song and encourage your little one to shake along. For toddlers, choose songs with repetition so they can anticipate the words and join in. Simple music and movement are great early learning activities for babies and toddlers.
2. Photo fun.
Babies and toddlers love looking at pictures of themselves and people they know. Create an album on your phone with photos of family and friends. During a bus or train ride, look through the pictures together and talk about each person, who they are and how much they love your child. It’s a simple travel activity for toddlers and babies that builds connection and early language skills.
3. Rhyme time.
Share rhymes and songs with your little one. Babies enjoy the sound of your voice and the rhythm of language. Toddlers love silly rhymes and may quickly learn to fill in the missing word when you pause at the end of a familiar line. Rhyming games are fun, but they also help build early literacy and language skills children will use later.
4. Tell a story.
For toddlers who are talking or beginning to talk, tell stories that invite them to participate: “Once upon a time, a little boy went to the beach. He brought a picnic lunch. What do you think he ate?” Use your child’s ideas to keep the story going. For babies, simply talk about what you see outside or what you did that day. Your baby is listening and learning about language long before they can say their first words.
5. Get arty.
Riding a bus or train? Bring along child-safe crayons and scrap paper. Use a board book as a sturdy surface and draw together. Talk about the colors, shapes and lines your child creates. Drawing together encourages connection while helping toddlers practice the fine motor skills they’ll eventually use for writing.
6. Take in the scenery.
Help your child notice what’s interesting about their community. Point out familiar landmarks you pass each day, like the neighborhood diner, a big tree or the subway station. You can also help toddlers understand where they are in the journey: “We just passed the big blue mailbox. That means we’re almost home!” You can do this with babies, too. They may not understand everything you say yet, but listening to you talk about the world around them supports their growing language skills.
Traveling Safely with Babies and Toddlers
Whether you’re traveling with a baby or toddler across town or taking a longer trip, safety comes first. In a car, children should ride in a properly installed car seat that is appropriate for their age, height and weight. Keep toys and activities soft and simple, and save anything that requires hands-on help or close supervision for when you’re safely stopped or riding together on public transit.
Car seat recommendations change as children grow, so check your child’s seat instructions and current safety guidance. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers information on choosing the right car seat, installing it correctly and knowing when your child is ready for the next stage.
Whether it’s a five-minute ride to child care or a longer trip across town, everyday travel can become another opportunity to connect with your baby or toddler. A song, a conversation or a shared look out the window can turn time on the go into meaningful time together.
