Travelling with kids is not easy, especially
if they don’t enjoy sitting still for too long! If you are looking for some
ways to ensure your next car journey goes more smoothly, we are here to help!
We have created a list of 10 essential items to make your next car journey
easier and more enjoyable, for both parents and children.
1.
Car Seat Organiser
Car seat organisers which hang over the
back of the front seats are perfect for keeping everything your child needs in
the car neatly stored together. They have several pockets and different sized
compartments which can be used to keep everything tidy, and ensure it is all
within easy reach. Some of these organisers come with tablet holders, so your
child can comfortably sit back and watch a movie without struggling to hold it.
2.
Tablet or DVD Player
As noted above, movies are a great way to
keep children entertained on long car journeys. Try downloading a few of your
child’s favourites before setting off. If you don’t want your child to use a
tablet, portable DVD players are fairly inexpensive. They can also be used to
play music CDs to keep kids entertained for even longer!
3.
Audio book CDs
If your child wants to relax during the
journey, they might enjoy listening to some story CDs. Audiobooks can also be
downloaded on a tablet if your car doesn’t have a CD player. Audio books are
perfect for young children and toddlers as well as teenagers who will love
listening to young adult fiction. Listening to stories makes the journey pass
quicker for parents too!
4.
Puzzle Books
Older children will love to have a puzzle
book to keep them entertained in the car. You could also try playing games such
as spotting different road signs or registration plates, which are fun for all
the family! For younger children, colouring books are ideal to keep boredom away
when travelling for long periods.
5.
Blanket and Travel
Pillow
For children who like to have a nap in the
car, a blanket and a travel neck pillow can make sleeping more comfortable. You
could bring their favourite blanket from home, or choose a special one to keep
in the car, perhaps smaller than the kind they would use in bed.
6.
Spare Clothes and Extra
Diapers
When travelling with young children, it is
important to always bring more clothes and, if your child wears them, diapers
than you think you will need. Keep these items near the top of your bag – you
never know when your child will get sick, wet their pants or spill their juice!
7.
Reusable Water Bottles
It’s a good idea to carry a refillable
water bottle when travelling, whether you are with the kids or not. This is a
more environmentally friendly and cost-effective way of staying hydrated when
compared to buying drinks at every stop along the road.
8.
Snack Containers
Children like to eat little and often, so
keeping some of their favourite snacks handy will help prevent them becoming
hungry and will keep them from getting bored for a while too. It’s helpful if
you pack individual snacks in separate tubs so kids can easily find what they
fancy. Tubs can also be used to store empty packets as well as unwanted and
leftover food.
9.
Wet Wipes and Tissues
If you have young children, you probably
know the importance
of carrying wet wipes everywhere you go! We recommend keeping them
at the top of your bag so they are readily available in case you have to do a
big clean up job! It’s also useful to keep a towel or some kitchen paper in the
car in case of bigger spillages.
10. Clothing for all Weathers
If you are travelling a long distance, it’s
reasonable to expect the weather might change considerably along the way. Be
sure to keep sunscreen, a hat, a wind and rain-proof jacket as well as flip
flops to save putting socks and shoes back on when getting out the car, if your
child likes to be barefoot in the car.
Author Bio
Emily Dick is a writer and blogger who is
currently growing her parenting site Whooopsadaisy. Here, she enjoys
writing about a variety of topics ranging everywhere from stroller reviews to
tips on finding the perfect gifts for children of all ages. Emily is a mom of
one, three-year-old Daisy, who provides inspiration for the blog.