Some parents, especially first-time parents, have trouble travelling with their kids. It can be a stressful experience since, as we all know, children need a lot of care and attention. Toddlers can get cranky and dizzy from motion sickness and have many demands — but that’s just the life of being a parent. Since young ones still don’t know how to care for themselves, it’s up to the parents to ensure they’re safe and happy.
This checklist consists of everything every parent should have in their car to make their lives easier, and their toddlers, too! Make your road trips hassle-free with the following seven items.
Booster Seats
If your child is below 8 or 12, they may still need a booster seat. This seat is a must-have for any family with a young child — it ensures they have a comfortable place to rest while travelling.
Baby Mirror
Small babies are transported in rearward-facing car seats to keep them safe and secure. However, this can be disconcerting while driving — small babies are often sleeping, but it’s preferable to be able to check on your little one at regular intervals while they’re quiet and dozing away.
This is where a baby mirror comes in.
A baby mirror can be set up so you can see your child in the rearview mirror while driving, ensuring they are safe at all times.
Seat Back Cover
Seat back covers are helpful to keep your toddler safe, dry, and happy. It can store toys and books your toddler loves, saving them from getting bored on a long road trip. It also makes your life easier since you won’t have to fumble around your bag and look for a toy. It also avoids dropped toys that can get dirty or lost.
When looking for a seat back cover, look for one that’s easy to install, stays tight, and has numerous storage pockets. An easy-to-clean material would also be a bonus.
Portable Vacuum
Having a child means you will always have little crumbs in the house and the car — these crumbs often get jammed between the seats. However, with a handy portable small vacuum in the car, you can easily clean the crumbs your toddler makes in just minutes. Use this whenever you stop at a parking lot, driveway, or highway rest area for a cleaner car.
Portable Changing Table
Are you planning on going on road trips? A portable changing table is convenient to use whenever you need to change your child’s dirty diaper; if you’ve ever changed it while on the road, you know how stressful it is to keep the car seat free from debris.
Having a portable changing table in the car helps lessen the stress of changing your child. You can easily fold it after every use so that it won’t take up too much space. You can just stash this item in your trunk, with extra nappies, clothing, wet wipes, etc., in the collapsible tote.
Spill-Proof Cup
Find a spill-proof cup that can fit the car seat’s holder. Investing in a spill-proof cup lessens the time you would have to clean up after your toddler. If you can avoid cleaning and preventing spills, then take that action.
Find a cup that’s easy to clean, where the handles can be easily removed so every nook and crevice of your child’s cup is cleared of bacteria. Removable handles are also great for placing them in a cup holder at mealtimes.
Collapsible Tote
Find a collapsible tote to keep your car’s necessities in one place. Ensure that it’s durable and collapsible so that it can easily fit in the trunk of your car. Durability is essential, so you won’t have to worry about marks on the bottom.
Additional storage space for your vehicle’s necessities lets you quickly find cleaning products or emergency kits. Who doesn’t hate having to search around the car for loose items? Research what your car and family need, and search for an appropriate size on the market.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have your checklist, be sure to stock up. Remember that being prepared on a road trip is highly important, especially when there’s a child in the back seat. It would help if you had accessories to help clean, feed, seat, and entertain your child before you reach your destination. Purchasing these items can make the experience calm and peaceful for everyone in the car.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
