The right equipment: must-haves for long car journeys with children

Clothes, toys, toothbrush, cuddly toy – the checklist for the Traveling with a child is long. And you know it from experience: every trip or Vacation by car with a child needs to be well prepared! When Packing for a car journey with regard to weight and number of bags more flexible than on a plane or train trip. Still, there are things you shouldn't forget on a car trip to a vacation or outing.

Besides a selection of fun car games for the children's activities in the car are useful travel aids indispensable for your relaxed trip. Most important: A car organizer, which can be attached to the back of the front seat and offers enough space for travel games, children's books, drawing supplies, snacks & more. A car organizer ensures that your back seat doesn't end up in chaos and that your little passengers can help themselves can. In addition, a lap tray for children particularly practical. When it's on the lap, it quickly becomes the child's table for the car – perfect for countless rounds of Cities-Countries-Rivers and creative drawing sessions!

What you need when driving with children

We've put together for you a overview with all the other practical travel essentials. That way even the longest journey stays relaxed and time flies by!

• car seat

• window sunshade

• neck pillow, sleeping pillow, sleep/cuddle roll, possibly blanket(s)

• seatbelt cover

• take-along creative bag

• tablet holder

• kids' tableware for travel (such as cups, plates or lunch boxes)

• music, audio plays & audiobooks

• headphones

• kids' activities in the car, e.g. small entertaining travel games

• cool bag for food & drinks

Are you looking for a practical packing list for a car trip with children that you can print and check off? In our magazine you'll find a detailed packing list on this topic!

Food for long car trips with children

Not only when it comes to luggage and travel items, but also for food and drinks for the car journey, good planning is essential. Healthy snacks and unsweetened drinks are part of a relaxed car ride. Just like the cooler box, in which all food and drinks stay fresh and cool. Save yourselves the search for snacks at motorway service areas! They are usually more expensive, greasier and higher in sugar than the healthy, light alternatives that you can prepare at home We recommend travel provisions that include:

• Fruit – from apple slices to mandarin segments to grapes

• Vegetables – bite-sized pieces of bell pepper, cucumber and carrot

• Sandwiches with whole-grain bread, for example topped with cheese and tomatoes

• Nuts for a little snack between meals

Your travel provisions can be easily transported in lunchboxes and drink bottles. These are perfect for a small picnic, for example during a break at a rest area. There you can enjoy your snacks in peace, recharge your energy and get some fresh air. In our shop you'll find for your trip shatterproof children's tableware with great designs – from dinos to woodland animals to the fire brigade or the world of fairy tales.

Safety for children when driving

As you know, safety comes first on the road. In addition to fun car games and plenty of fun, you should make sure that your little ones are always properly buckled and properly positioned in their car seat are. Observe the following safety details when driving with children:

• The belt should snug above the shoulders of your child and straight across the belly to the buckle

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• A belt must never below the arms sit, otherwise your child is not properly protected and can even be seriously injured in the event of an accident.

• It's best to check from time to time during the journey whether everything is still in place. Caution: in winter this applies especially to small children: Winter jackets are a no-go – because the thick clothing otherwise prevents the straps from sitting tightly enough, even if it feels that way. In an accident that can be very dangerous. So on long car journeys to holiday, it's better to take your child's jacket off and use a blanket to keep them warm.

• In addition, it is very important that you safety instructions for your car seat read carefully. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and specifications regarding size, age and maximum weight.

Car sickness when driving with children? Here's what you can do!

Some children get sick in the car and feel unwell or may even vomit. This often happens when you're on hilly, winding roads while you're traveling. The reason for this is usually the overstimulation of the vestibular system in your children's ears. Adults can suppress this feeling better than little ones.

But what can you do about motion sickness in your children do? Try the following tips:

• light meals before and during the trip

• frequent fresh-air breaks and regularly ventilating the car

• place your child in the center seat so they can look out through the windshield more easily

• keep their gaze on the center line so their eyes can better interpret the car's movements

• ginger candies to suck on as needed

• cover the side windows with shades to protect against sensory overload before nausea starts

Keep an eye on your little passengers who are prone to motion sickness during the trip. If they become quiet and a little pale, caution is advised. Frequent yawning is also a sign. It's best to take a break right away and get some fresh air. For emergencies, it's worth sick bags and anti-nausea medication in the children's travel first-aid kit to take along.

5 tips for long car trips with children

You are currently immersed in the planning of a long car trip with children and looking for ideas to make the journey as pleasant as possible? These 5 tips will help you:

1. Take lots of breaks along the way! Even if you might reach the destination faster with fewer stops, the break time well spent. When your children get some fresh air in between, they burn more energy and won't get restless in the car as quickly.

2. Set milestones along the route! Divide your entire route into smaller stages and think about, which sights are interesting for your children are. The Dividing into smaller sections gives your kids the feeling that time passes more quickly! Extra tip: Write the individual milestones on a long strip of tape and stick it to the car ceiling. Attach a bit of Velcro to a small toy car and place it in front of the first milestone. During the trip the car can be moved along the route.

3. Pack a surprise bag! Small travel games and healthy snacks hidden in a paper bag work wonders. For the winners of a round of games or as a little reward along the way – with a nice surprise your children's mood will instantly improve!

4. Set off late in the evening or at night! A long car trip with children at night often goes very smoothly because your little ones are still tired and sleep a lot. Especially on long trips over 7 to 8 hours it is worth it, to use the little ones' bedtime and cover the miles in the darkness. With neck pillows and cuddly blankets, they'll be fast asleep on the back seat!

5. Dress your kids in comfortable clothes! In loose sportswear like sweatpants or even pajamas they feel much more comfortable. Breathable fabrics and soft materials like cotton ensure that it's neither too warm nor too cold.