Car Journeys with Children

If you’ve ever travelled any distance in a car with young children, you’ll know all too well how traumatic the situation can be for all concerned if things don’t go to plan. Unhappy kids in the car means stressed out parents, and the whole trip becomes a test of endurance for your patience. When you’re planning a long car journey, the trick is to keep little ones calm and relatively quiet. If you’re not blessed with a baby who will sleep reliably in the car, or you’re travelling too far to reasonably expect them to snooze the whole time, follow our 5 steps for harmonious car rides:

Plan your route (and the breaks): 

Think beyond motorway services—search out a splash of colour or a pretty view for a few minutes of imagination-fuelled fun. Break the journey into achievable chunks and be ready to answer the inevitable toddler question: “Are we nearly there yet?” Bonus tip: if your little one snoozes at a certain time at home, try to sync the schedule—it’s an unexpected superpower.

Assemble a travel bag: 

Let your child help pack the essentials: a non-spill drink, snacks, colouring gear, sticker books, or even their favourite soft toy. A sense of ownership boosts calm—plus surprise treats are gold when boredom strikes.

Try some easy family car games

Easy games like Eye Spy, Car Bingo (spot a red double-decker!), or classic Twenty Questions go a long way. Younger kids appreciate simple cloth books, stacking toys, or rattles. Pack a stash—one toy won’t last the journey.

Comfort, organisation & safety are key

Pack blankets and cuddly toys for a cosy backseat setup.Make sure each child is in a well-fitted, comfy car seat that suits their age and size—they’re essential for both safety and support on longer journeys. We've got a range of infant carrier car seats, baby to child car seats, and 4 years + car seats to choose from.

To make life easier (and tidier!), add the Universal Car Back Seat Organiser to your setup. It attaches to the back of the front seat and keeps everything—from snacks and books to wipes and water bottles—within arm’s reach. No more digging under the seat for that lost dummy!

And for babies in rear-facing car seats, the Universal Car Back Seat Mirror is a must. It securely clips onto the headrest, giving you a clear view of your little one from the driver’s seat—meaning peace of mind for you, and lots of happy peek-a-boo moments for them.

Time your travel right

Avoid meal‑time meltdowns—plan your stops and snack breakswisely. If your child usually naps mid-morning, aim to be on the road by thenso you can make the most of that quiet time. And don’t forget chargers, wipes,and neck pillows!

Be prepared to adapt 

Maybe the car mirror isn’t enough to distract a grumpytoddler—but a surprise sticker book might do the trick. Stay flexible: whatdoesn’t work this time might be a winner next trip. Adaptability is your secretweapon.

A smooth family journey isn’t just luck—it’s a mix of smartplanning, comfy gear, and tried-and-tested tricks. With the right car seat,plenty of entertainment, and handy helpers like the Universal Car Back SeatOrganiser and Back Seat Mirror, you’ll be well-equipped for a calm, safe, andenjoyable ride.

Happy travels—and here’s to fewer “Are we nearly thereyet?”s and more giggles along the way!