By Madeline Klein on August 30, 2021 in Life Hacks
Driving anywhere with kids in the car is hard. Whether you’re going on a five-minute drive down the street or crossing state lines, it is no easy task to get from point A to point B with that bundle of joy in the backseat.
You’ve got to haul all the gear (how does such a small human need so much to go anywhere?) and make sure everyone and everything is safe and secure. This can often lead to crying, screaming, kicking, and everything in between.
We’ve been there, and are here to help with some accessories to keep the kiddo happy and your sanity intact.
1. Baby car mirror
It sounds simple enough, but a baby mirror in your car can work wonders. There are many options that you put facing toward you on the backseat. This genius placement helps with two things. First, it is a simple form of entertainment for the baby since they can see themselves. Second, it allows you to quickly glance back at the baby and make sure they’re doing okay. This can give you peace of mind and hopefully leads to some big smiles from the little ones.
2. Backseat organizer
This organizer simply hangs from your headrest and provides hours of fun. Whether you have a small baby or a toddler, this will help keep them entertained mile after mile. There’s a pocket for an iPad and plenty of spots for snacks and toys. As a bonus, your car may not be a complete mess when you get to your destination. It's a win-win. We’ve also got some other car organization tips here if you need them.
3. Lap tray
An activity tray provides a soft surface for any type of fun. Kids can color, watch cartoons on an iPad, play with toys, or even snack without leaving heaps of toys around the car. This helps keep the car tidy and organized, all while ensuring the kids won’t be asking “how much further” during your trip. As if you needed more reason to get it, most are waterproof and can stand up to the toughest spills.
4. Car shade
Nothing’s worse than the sun beating down through a car window, hour after hour during a long car ride. These car shades can help protect kids and babies from the harsh sun, while still allowing full visibility through the car window. They are easy to install and retractable. Protection from UV rays couldn’t be easier!
5. Snack pod
Instead of Cheerios strewn about the car, try a snack pod like this one. It quickly and easily attaches to nearly any shape but works exceptionally well with a car seat. It has two cup holders that can either hold a handy sippy cup or a container with some on-the-go snacks. The best news: this bad boy is dishwasher safe.
6. Secure-a-toy strap
Keep your kid's favorite toys close by at all times with these straps. The soft straps snap together to keep hold of that set of teething keys or their much-needed pacifier. They attach to car seats, but can also work on highchairs, strollers, etc. These will put a halt to the tears when a toy gets thrown too far out of reach during your next car ride.
Whether you’re driving to the neighborhood pool or the beach this summer, these car accessories will help keep your passengers happy and entertained for the whole drive.