Having children can make car trips a little more difficult than anticipated. You may have to start keeping a small arsenal in the car, to ensure that you are always prepared. Toddlers are no exception to the rule, and having spares of everything they might need is helpful, even if you are just running errands in town. Rather than be out essentials when on a grocery shopping trip or visiting relatives, stay ready and equipped. Here are some things that no parent should ever be caught without when they have a toddler on board.
Diapers or Pull-Ups
Even if your child is toilet trained, you should keep spare pull-ups, and especially diapers in the car, if you will be taking them out anywhere. You never know when an accident might occur, and will want to keep them dry should something happen. Even when all you do is take them around town with you, accidents can happen, and you wouldn’t want to run out of spare diapers, especially when you are not in a store. Keeping these in the car is always a good idea.
Toys and Entertainment
Car rides can be boring for small children, even if they aren’t going far. You can keep them in a small bag inside the car. Be sure to include a variety of different items to play with, such as small toys, like wooden cars, toys that play music when a few different buttons are pushed, and even small dolls or stuffed animals that your child can cuddle on a long car ride home. This will give them different toys to occupy themselves with, and they can switch off with items if they find they are getting bored, or simply want something to cuddle with at nap time.
Snacks and Drinks
Snacks and drinks are helpful to have, since you never know when your child is going to get hungry or thirsty. You might not want to store these in the car since they can spoil with heat or cold. Instead, keep them in a diaper bag or other small bag, and bring them in whenever you are done traveling for the day. You can include a couple of different snacks, like squeeze pouches or crackers, and perhaps a sippy cup full of juice. This will make taming hungry tummies easier while you are on the go.
When you are shopping for a new or used car online, think about what you will need to keep your toddler happy. Ensure that you have plenty of space, and basic comforts they might need to make longer trips more bearable. This can include snacks and something to drink, toys to play with when they get bored, and diapers or underwear if an accident should occur. Being ready will make both you and your child happy, and you can feel confident in knowing that they will be dry, fed, and busy, no matter where you venture to.