[ Edit: Since originally posting these ideas, I have had some comments about the safety of my suggestions in the event of an accident. To be honest, I hadn’t considered the possibility of lap trays hurting my kids or toys becoming projectiles. I would never intentionally endanger my children and appreciate your concerns. Please use these ideas at your own risk. ]
Earlier I shared a few cheats on how to get your car clean for a road trip with two kids. Today I’m back with my game plan for keeping my munchkins happy along the way. This topic really deserves 2 posts – organization and entertainment.
Organization!
1. Personal space.
For such a long ride, each child needs their own area to eat and play. I had seen the idea of setting a cookie sheet atop a pillow and, while I liked the magnetic factor, I found the lip of a cookie sheet to be uncomfortable on arms for extended periods of time. So, I developed a similar lap tray using a pizza pan. Look for the step by step tutorial on how to make your own next week!
By simply attaching self-adhesive magnetic buttons to the bottoms of things, you significantly cut down the spill factor.
2. Hydration
Does one judge the caliber of a child car restraint in the same way one judges that of a car—by the number of cupholders?! If so, my kids’ seats are a big fat zero, despite their hefty price tags. I couldn’t even find a suitable attachment aftermarket type. Enter the suction cup shower caddy. Not only does the big one fit a decent sized water bottle, but also some snacks and a personal fan. They’re easy for kids to reach on the window and quick to remove. I bought a few different sizes for Songbird’s window to keep her colored pencils and small toys handy as well. [edit:On second thought, colored pencils at eye level are probably not a good idea in the event of an accident. Maybe crayons instead?]
3. Snacks
Duh… these are essential to road trip success – kids or adults! I tried to pick things that didn’t need refrigeration and already came individually packaged: granola bars, pretzels, lunch-sized goldfish, fruit squeeze pouches, and veggie straws. I also divided up larger bags of things like Chex Mix and Cheerios into sandwich-sized ziplock baggies. In the front seat I put a few snacks in a dollar store bin with a package of baby wipes for spill maintenance.
Although I am an impeccable driver, I also buckled them in to prevent flying food in the event of quick stoppage.
On the passenger floorboard I put Gatorade, water and energy drinks into insulated lunchboxes to grab in-between meals.
Another bin in the trunk has back up snacks and drinks.
4. Trash
All those snacks and meals on the go are bound to generate a few handfuls of trash. A tupperware bin with a trash liner shoved between the carseats works great. Kids can reach it themselves.
5. Comfort
Be sure to bring the favorite blankets and stuffed animals. Leaving a child’s legs dangling for hours on end can prove very uncomfortable. Place kids’ suitcases on the floor beneath their feet as footrests. This also frees up a ton of trunk space for other travel goodies.
6. JIC
“Just In Case.” Once, when Bug was tiny, we had an incident that left me with a blowout and no diapers. I swore that would never happen again and fashioned this car organizer to keep all sorts of extra necessities handy in my vehicle; things like bungee cords, diapers, wipes, extra clothes, sunblock, scissors, etc. Basically it’s just a plastic shoe organizer that’s been cut, restitched and hung from a cheap shower rod. Some day I’ll get around to posting a tutorial if ya’ll want.
Alright, that’s all I got for kid prep – organization. Entertaining these monsters will be a whole other beast; stay tuned…
You have some phenomenal ideas here – like the suction baskets on the windows and the magnetic tray. You’re going to make my 10 car ride to the beach with a 13 month old MUCH easier!! Thanks so much!
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Please adjust the car seat straps in the last pic (trunk organizer). The back strap goes ‘under’ the headrest not over.
Great ideas!!!!!
Geralyn – thanks for your concern. This is a Jeep Grand Cherokee and the headrests do not remove. The owners manual for the vehicle states that the straps should be secured over the headrest as I’ve done. Good lookin out though!
Love your ideas! Thks so much
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Love the ideas! Hadn’t thought of magnetic adhesives for snack tray. Thanks!
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