Driving Children – Pre Journey Checklist

Before you take off, driving children on holiday or to visit friends or family, here is a list of things to check and remember to do.

Driving Children Checklist

• Food and drink – put some in the car before you set off. High energy, non-acidic (to avoid travel sickness), low mess is best. Don’t forget some for yourself and have them handy, not necessarily in the boot of the car. In saying that, do leave a large bottle of water in the boot of your car at all times, for emergencies.
• Blanket, jackets – always carry something to keep you and the little ones warm in an emergency. Its amazing how easily we forget this and how hugely important it is in an emergency.
• Play toys – limit the noisy toys, short peek-a-boo or flap books are a favourite. Although books can cause motion sickness. Check out our review of driving children entertainment options for more ideas.
• Sun shade – tinted windows are great, or a stick on shade works well and can be moved appropriately.
• Lightweight nappy bag and change mat – great for in car changing or a quick trip to the services loo. Always keep an additional ’spare nappies and wipes set’ in the car boot.
• Picnic mat – for baby to crawl about on when out of the car.
• Wet wipes and Tissues – essential in any car, not just when driving children.
• Potty – for those moments when you are miles from a services and the call of nature is too great for your toilet trained toddler.
• Map of the service stops – worth checking out the night before you go. Most fancy Sat Nav’s have them on screen. If you’re really organised you can look up which stops en route have the best facilities for you.
• Time – You need lots of it driving with children. Plan for a long slow journey and you won’t be disappointed. Sounds daft, but it will make or break a journey. If you are running late – phone ahead or simply change your plans. I grew up with a phrase ‘better to be late, than dead on time’. It’s a bit extreme, however my sense of humour definitely disappears when I’m trying to rush and that’s no fun for anyone!

Pre Journey Car Health Check

• Tyre quality and pressure,
• Water AND oil level.