Car journeys with young children

It's between the ages of one and two and a half that car journeys become most difficult. Your child will hate being made to sit still in one place and he'll want to assert himself.

• Make an early start or travel at night. Pack soft clothing that will do double duty. For example, anoraks in a pillow case make good car pillows.

• Buy or make seat backs with pockets for the front seats of the car and put games, snacks, drinks and books in them.

• Curb restlessness by stopping for five minutes every hour or so, so that the children can stretch their legs.

• Always tape knives, forks and spoons to the inside of the food containers.

• To minimize mess in the car have a store of carrier bags to put rubbish in and a supply of paper tissues and baby wipes to clean sticky hands and faces.

• Have nutritious snacks, for example, raisins, fruit, pieces of cheese, in plastic bags so that you never have to say no if your child wants to nibble.

• Always take more drinks, such as small, sealed containers of milk or juice, than you think you'll need.

• Most children love grapes (the seedless kind) and they quench thirst as well as satisfying hunger.

• Music and stories to listen to will keep most children happy in the car.

• Get your child to take some responsibility for his own entertainment by letting him select a few of his toys and put them in his own case or bag.

• Magnetized games prevent bits getting lost, alternatively sew or stick Velcro on to toys or games so that they will stay steady or in one place.

• Keep a few treats hidden away for the moment when your child gets grumpy.

• Don't stand for any misbehaviour like screaming or kicking. Pull in to the side of the road and say that you're not going any further until he behaves.

Preventing car sickness

Some children are more prone to car sickness than others. Most grow out of it as they get older, but there are ways to minimize the risks:

• If your child gets car sick, ask your doctor or health visitor to suggest a suitable medicine.


• Keep your child occupied.


• Don't give your child rich or greasy food within a few hours of leaving.


• If your child wants a snack during the journey give him dry biscuits or a glucose sweet.


• Don't become over-anxious. Children quickly pick up on their parents' moods and this can make them apprehensive and more prone to car sickness. Excitement and apprehension do play a part and children tend to suffer more on outward journeys than on return ones.


• If your child goes very pale or very quiet, stop the car. Provide a plastic bag or bowl to be sick in, if necessary.


• Keep a supply of plastic bags in the car, baby wipes to clean your child up (and a change of clothes) and something to take away the taste.

Dr Miriam Stoppard

New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard

Posted 03.11.2010

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