Tips and tricks for long car journeys with children

Springtime is travel time

Spring is here! The meteorological start of spring was already on March 1st and in many places we have already been greeted with beautiful, sunny weather and the first signs of spring in the form of early bloomers, but also bees and butterflies. As the weather gets better and warmer and the days get longer , many people are also keen to travel. Whether it is a long trip lasting several days or a short excursion: everyone is fed up with the cold weather and the long, dark days and wants to finally get out again, preferably (far) away and relax for a few hours or even days. The upcoming Easter holidays are best suited for excursions or short trips, but these also need to be well planned and prepared. Especially for families with children.

Car journeys with children can be demanding

We've all been there: you've just started driving, the car may have already warmed up, and you're already hearing people asking from the back seat when you'll finally be there. To ensure that these questions don't become a nerve-wracking game for the adults and don't turn into arguments in the car or between the children in the back seat, we've put together a checklist of things that definitely shouldn't be missing when driving with children. After all, it should remain a desire to travel and not end in travel frustration.

Our travel checklist

Of course, in addition to the things on our checklist, a longer trip also includes packed suitcases with suitable clothing for the destination, suitable footwear, entertainment media, possibly medication and important documents that may be needed again and again.

But what should be in the car to ensure family peace even while driving on the highway?

If you follow this checklist, nothing can go wrong:

These things must be in every car:

• Safety always comes first, so every child in the car should have their own child seat that is appropriate for their age and height. The right seat guarantees comfort and the best possible protection for the child . For long journeys, models that have an adjustable headrest and - for the very little ones - can also be adjusted to a comfortable lying position are ideal.

• In sunny and warm weather, it is also essential to have adequate sun protection in the rear of the car , which ideally not only provides shade but also has an integrated UV filter. You should also have a sunshade to prevent the heating from running all the time.

• When it's pinching and pulling, no one can sit still. That's why you should make sure you wear comfortable clothing while driving. You might also want to use the onion principle: as soon as it gets warmer, you can take off a layer of clothing.

But there are other things that belong in the car and should always be close by so that they are quickly at hand:

• If you are travelling with babies or small children, you should always have a diaper bag close by . Of course, you should also check before you set off to make sure that all the necessary things, such as diapers, wet wipes, a change of clothes, diaper rash cream, etc., are in it.

• "You are not you when you are hungry" - this statement is always true and should be taken into account on all types of trips, whether short or long. Suitable travel food is bite-sized, small snacks that do not produce too much waste and are healthy. Sliced ​​fruit or vegetables are best for this, but also sandwiches. Depending on the time and effort you put in, you can put together a great meal. Drinks are just as important, such as fruit juice, water or tea, which are also used as a low-sugar alternative to sweet soft drinks. If you have everything ready in the car, you can save high costs at rest stops or gas stations.

• Many children, but also adults, suffer from travel sickness. You should have something in the car for this case too. Garbage bags can also be used as vomit bags. Medicines for travel sickness are also available, but have been criticized for excessive use in children. Therefore, you should pay attention to the early symptoms of travel sickness and intervene with other means.

• No trip is complete without the right entertainment for the little ones! This is one of the most important points on this list, because without entertainment, boredom will quickly arise and arguments will inevitably arise. Therefore, you should always think in advance: what can my child do during the trip to distract themselves from the long journey and keep themselves occupied?

As with outings, every child has their own interests. A teenager will rarely be satisfied with what a toddler likes.

For little ones, cuddly toys (the favorite cuddly toy should never be left at home!) or picture books and hidden object books are ideal for this, as they provide distraction. Older children prefer magazines as well as books, or they can listen to music from an MP3 player.

No matter how long the journey is planned, you should always make sure to take long enough breaks, because exercise during the journey is also essential.

Bon Voyage!

Of course, these lists are not exhaustive and should always be supplemented according to the needs of the child. But you should not forget yourself on the trip. Make sure you are well-being too. And now we wish you a pleasant trip!