At least once a week, I notice that someone forgets something and I say “You left home without ____?” I have learned to be prepared! Now, I’ve found my favorite 10 things to keep the car. Sometimes we will even grab our snack hack and take that with us, too!
I made this list of 10 must-haves for the car, when you have kids, a few years ago. I have found that even though our kids are now older, the things that I keep in the car remain the same. 🙂
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We have four kids, so we are ALWAYS trying to find things in the car. When emergencies pop up, we like to be prepared. It was mostly “learning through experience” that brought us to this list. I’ve been caught without many of these too many times and I’ve learned my lesson! Our car is not “ready for anything” (most of the time, anyway!) Plus, Our kids are young and we need a little more than families with older children.
1. Coats or zip-up sweatshirts in the trunk.
I do this because our kids are constantly cold, especially in restaurants, so if I can have a coat handy, it works out great. I even do this in the summertime because this is when everyone has their AC on full blast and our kiddos get extra-cold if we are out to eat.
2. An extra pair of flip-flops
I can remember several times, when our kids were toddlers or young preschoolers, that they had just forgotten their shoes. Don’t ask me how I overlooked that little detail while we were getting into the car, but somehow it happened more than once.
I’ve also had each of our four kids break a flip-flop at least once during an outing.
Oh- and muddy puddles. How did I forget those?! When my kids were young, they stepped in plenty of puddles and they were left with soaking wet shoes.
Having an extra pair in the car is always a good idea. It may seem weird, but trust me… there is a reason. 🙂
3. Bandaids
You never know when you’ll need one.
4. Power Converter – my FAVORITE thing to keep in the car!
This little box turns any normal plug into a car plug. I can charge anything using this and I use it all of the time! I’ve used this on my laptop, portable DVD players, a cooler that works with a little air conditioner that’s powered by an outlet, the kids’ tablets on a long trip (since our back seat doesn’t have the right outlet for their devices), and so many more things.
This is life-changing for me! (I keep this & all of my chargers in the little-hidden console under the dash). Here is the power converter that we have.
5- Extra Grocery Bags
We always have stuff that needs to be thrown away when we are out & about (antibacterial hand wipes that I made them use after we left the last store, wrappers, broken pencils, paper, empty water bottles) and these grocery-store bags are the perfect way to get rid of it. When we stop to get gas, or when we are going to walk into a store, I will just grab one of the bags from the dashboard and pass it around. The kids toss any trash into the bag and we carry it to the nearest garbage can.
6. Snacks
I try to keep a few snacks in the car because sometimes plans change, and that trip that should have taken one hour is now approaching its third hour.
It just makes it easier if I have a snack to pass back to the kids. Plus, this stops everyone (including myself) from asking if we can stop for something to eat.
7- Sunglasses (extras!)
A few years ago my Mom & I were shopping at Michaels and they had their sunglasses on clearance for 50 cents. We bought about 6 pairs. I have lost most of them by now, but I still keep a few spare pairs of these sunglasses in the car, just in case I lose my regular sunglasses. My kids have also used them when they have forgotten their sunglasses at home.
Oh- I try to stock up each year, at the end of the season. They are always discounted.
TIP: You could even order a cheap pack of 12 and just keep them in the car, under the front seat.
8 – Water Bottles
I keep 3 water bottles in my trunk (in a tote bag). It seems to be a cure-all when we have sticky hands! (NOTE: It has been found that they can leak chemicals, so you might not want to do this. I keep them in there because we use the water to wash up when we are in a bind, but we usually have fresh (new that day) water to drink because the kids grab a new water bottle from the refrigerator in our garage before hopping into the car in the mornings.)
9- My “Restaurant backpack”
This is a backpack that I keep just for going out to eat or going somewhere like that. I keep hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, coloring books, crayons, some small toys & a few other little things. When the kids were young, I kept a high-chair cover and disposable bibs in the bag, too.
10- 3 pack of $.99 Tissues
It never fails that the kids need a tissue when I have none. Now, I keep a skinny box or travel packs of tissues in the glove compartment.
WHAT TO KEEP IN YOUR CAR: READER SUGGESTIONS
-
- Scissors (in case you need to cut a seatbelt)
- An extra pair of clothes for the kids
- Ziplock bags (for new clothes & then dirty clothes)
- “barf bags” using disposable diaper genie refills.
- Sticky Notes made FOR YOUR VISOR (love this idea!)
- If you have a potty trainer, keep a mini baby bjorn travel potty in your car.
- A coloring book (we love our Potty Training Coloring binder that we made).
- A bag of books
- Decorate a shoe box as their special car toy box- let them pick the toys that go in it.
- Keep a roll of toilet paper in a plastic bag in the trunk
- 1/2 a roll of paper towel (takes up less room, but does the job.)
- Car laundry basket. Everything goes in there and then into the house (sports stuff, etc…)
- Spare change
- A towel, in case you get caught in the rain (or jumping in puddles!)
What else can you think of?
..
MORE POSTS YOU MIGHT LIKE:
Road Trip tips for Kids
Or check out this master list of freebies.
Katie Beaverson says
Loved the post, even after two boys I still forget to restock our supplies. 🙂
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
haha! Me, too, but I try to do it every Sunday 🙂
Jennifer says
I have never heard of the vent wraps. I’ll be getting some soon!
Ashley says
Cant wait to try these!
Christi says
I love this list! I like the idea of a restaurant bag, but I already carry two diaper bags with me. (One stays in the car while we are in somewhere with the other one.)
Stephanie says
I keep a lot of the same items in my car, it’s so handy just in case. I also keep a spare top for myself, you never know. 🙂
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Oh my goodness- that is SO smart! I am going to do that, too!
Diane says
After a rather serious issue, where we ended up leaving a restaurant to go buy a new shirt…I ALWAYS keep a “nicer” shirt in the car, along with the extra kid clothes!
I keep one that wouldn’t look overly dressy for shopping, but wouldn’t be TOO under-dressed for a nice restaurant. You never know what you’ll be doing, when you need it!!!
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Good thinking!
Theres Just One Mommy says
Yes, I have a lot of those in my car too! (But no extra shoes…That is genius!) The snacks have come in handy in quite a few emergencies…like when the kindergartner decided last minute she didn’t want to buy lunch that day. Raisins and peanut butter crackers became a quick lunch!
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
haha! Quick thinking!
sarah says
Great post! Be careful with the water bottles in the car though. The heat causes the plastic torelease chemicals that can cause cancer. I live in arizona so here its a huge issue. Not sure were youre from
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Thanks!! I’ll remember that!!
Tanya says
That is only an issue if the plastic contains BPA. Buy a good quality product (such as Tupperware), marked BPA free and you won’t have to worry.
I also use a plastic tote box to contain my ‘stuff’ in the front seat. That’s where I keep my purse, coat, snacks, Kleenex, baby wipes, and whatever other odds and ends I accumulate. The tote I use has the two piece lid that flips open and remains attached. Then, when I actually have an adult passenger, I just chuck the whole tote into the back. Saves a load of embarrassment when I don’t have to keep ferrying armloads of junk from front to back. And, the flat lid allows for extra space when needed. Ie) I just flipped it closed and put my bedding out plants on top. The back was full of groceries.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Thanks! Good to know!
Clare says
ALL plastic leaches chemicals. BPA free plastic just leaches different ones, and new studies are showing the replacements for BPA to be no better or worse than BPA. Glass is best if you are going to drink it, but if it’s only for “emergencies,” I wouldn’t get too worked up either way. If you are interested in finding water bottles in glass though, VOSS packages water in glass bottles in 2 different sizes.
melissa says
they also have water in aluminum cans, if you can find it
Bridgette says
http://m.cancer.org/aboutus/howwehelpyou/plasticwaterbottles
The link is from the American Cancer Society. It debunks the theory of water bottles leading to cancer.
Darcy says
Great list! I also keep a freshen up pack in the glovebox for myself. A mini deodorant (I have surprised myself at how often I forget this!) those little disposable toothbrush freshening things, hand sanitizer, Chapstick, and a small bottle of body spray in a fresh scent like cucumber.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
OH- I love those ideas!! & I’m with you on how often I forget, too!! #lifewithkids haha!
Ramona says
Great post! We also have in our car a blanket, in summer we have sunscreen and a complete outfit for my son for those times when we are driving longer than expected.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Love the blanket idea!
Amy says
We also keep 2 small fleece blankets in the backseat. Our toddlers will use them to cover their legs if they feel cold from the air conditioning, or if it’s winter and the car is a bit chilly when they get in. During the Summer, I drape the blankets over their car seats when we get out, and it keeps the sun off of them; no burning hot buckles or latches to contend with when we get back in the car.
Janene says
Your not suppose to leave water bottles in cars
Julia says
She addressed that in the post. And it’s addressed in the comments. If you’re not drinking it, it’s not a big deal. You can also use glass bottles if you’re concerned about it.
Jaelea Phoenix says
I love this list! I saw 2 comments about a vent wrap, though, and I can’t find it mentioned anywhere in your list! What is it & what am I missing? 🙂
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
haha!! It was a giveaway that I was hosting to win a free pack of them for your car (its an air freshener that is hidden in the vents). 🙂
starr anne wethington says
I also have fingernail clippers in my pouch,a can opener and toothpicks.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
I never would have thought of those- good ideas !
Jamie Myers says
In the summer I keep a beach bag with sun block and extra swim suits. Then all I have to do is grab towels and off we go to the spray park or beach. I get the suits at or local childrens consignment shop for super cheap.
I also keep several fleece blankets in case of emergency (or spontaneous picnic).
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Great idea- I need to do that b/c we love to go swimming!
Shannon says
Books! We take a few books and put them in in the map pockets behind the front seats. I spy books work the best for us. Every few days we rotate them out.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Oh- good one!!!
Melinda says
One trick I learned from my mom, whenever we go to a fast food restaurant, I always take the extra napkins we didn’t use, and store those in the car. It helps with spills and noses too. I also usually have some sort of eating utensil as well, and Pepto Bismal tablets, because someone is sure to get sick.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Smart (& easy!)
Julia says
I’d add a bucket to the list. Although you hopefully won’t use it very often, it’s good for emergencies. (I won’t describe the type of emergencies, but I’m sure you can guess.) You can also store some of this stuff in the bucket to save space.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
good idea!
Jennifer says
for “bucket” type emergencies – gallon size Ziploc bags – the kind that have a slider to close are perfect and can then be zipped up and thrown away. There are several in the back pockets of the front & passenger seats where they can be reached by kids in the back.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
smart, esp. for road trips!
tamra says
Or a cheap potty chair with plastic bags for road trips.
always a great idea. That way the bucket wont tip.
W. Watson says
We use a plastic coffee can for this purpose. The only thing better than a bucket when that happens is a bucket w/ a lid! 😉
Also consider peppermint candies like Altoids that contain real peppermint oil for upset tummies and peppermint spray mist. You can make it easily yourself and a few spritzes in the air can help w/ queasy, car sick passengers.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
haha!!
Peppermint oil is smart- we love ours!!
Alicia says
I always have a little Baggie with hair bands (we have four girls) it never fails that when were going somewhere nice one of the girls will mess up their hair and lose a hair band. Also a coin purse full of change. We end up at places with fountains a lot and the girls are always asking to “make a wish” and alsi children’s pain reliever/fever reducer. And since I have a little one allergic to Tylenol I always have my essential oils (lemon, lavender, on guard, peppermint, and digestzen) and last but not least… OTC allergy melts.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Good idea with the coins – our kids always want to throw them into the donation-type boxes, but we never have any!
Samasia says
“hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, a high-chair cover” – relax! 😉
Jami says
We just did our summer switch out this past weekend. My car tote includes; an extra set of clothes for all, light weight sports shorts and shirts, so they don’t take up too much room. Flip flops, hair brush and ties, first aide kit, water, snacks, blanket, diaper wipes, a “busy bag” for our 5 yr old, tissue and sweaters for all. Prob forgetting something’s, but it’s pretty packed….. Hubbers used to complain about it until the kiddos pushed him into the lake last summer, but was extremely happy when I pulled out a towel and spare clothes for him.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
good thinking!!
Lela says
In the summertime, I have just about everything you list, plus a few extras:
1. A blanket that can serve as a picnic blanket or use to warm up if cold.
2. Towels- if there is an potty accident, a spill, or an impromptu splash park visit (although I keep beach bags with swimsuits and towels packed at all times)
3. Package of Solo cups with lids and straws-if you buy one large drink and everyone wants to share-also as snack holder if need be.
4. Balls or frisbees- Never know if you are gonna need to pull over for some play time
5. Roll of TP.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
TP- so smoart!
kimberly says
this is a great post with all of the stuff that i try to normally carry, and a few extra that i would love to throw in there, now all i need is a stow-n-go van to put in instead of a car with 3 kids in the back and no room for all of the necessary items that i want to take with me in case of an emergency etc!!! 🙂
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
🙂
Corrie says
I always have a travel potty(it folds up like a briefcase and uses plastic bags), instant ice packs, paper towels, first aid kit, tire pump, hair rubber bands, eye glass cleaner, kids magazines, plastic straws, spoons, and forks, gallon ziploc bags(for the potty and if someone is feeling nauseous) and safety pins! Thanks for the other ideas!
Brittany says
Yes potty is great, last year mine tossed into his Catchie…thank goodness waterproof lol so gross on road trips!
Brittany says
Our Catchie is a must have for anyone with toddlers…keeps everything off the car floor and within arms reach….can’t live without now lol : ) !!!
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
I’ll have to look into that!?
Jean says
I keep a couple of tampons in my glove box as well as a $20 bill.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
smart!!! You don’t know how often I’ve had to make a run to walmart or target on vacation for this very reason!
Leslie says
If you drink bottled water, you have drank water that at some time has been exposed to extreme temperatures. It is not shipped and stored in a refrigerated truck or warehouse. If you are really concerned with chemical exposure you should look into filtering your own water and using glass or stainless steel bottles to carry it.
Kim says
I always keep scissors, scotch tape, and a sheet of somewhat generic birthday To/From stickers for those last minute “On the way to the birthday party” stops
Shannon says
LOL – this is a great list, and I thought I had already thought of everything since I always joke that I look like someone who must live out of their minivan given all the crap-ola in there. 🙂
My most ingenious (IMHO) add-on is to stash in the waaaay back the potty seat we no longer needed in the house after my youngest was potty trained. After throwing a box of small garbage bags alongside them, it became a travel potty. Just drape the bag over the seat and tucked into the potty, it catches all the waste, and then just gather up the edges, knot it and find a trash can. A lifesaver when a (clean) bathroom isn’t available for the kids. Although my 5-year old outgrew it a long time ago, it still works in a pinch! Also, we learned the hard way not to re-use old plastic grocery bags for this purpose as they often have holes in the bottom along the seam — kind of defeats the purpose! 🙂
Other ideas: bug spray and non-aerosol sunblock (because I would otherwise never remember them), hand/body lotion (the number of times I look down at my leg/feet/elbows/hands and realize they are shamefully dry is — well, shameful), vast supply of pens/pencils AND a stack of sticky pads (last minute shopping list, compiling drive-thru orders when we’re a full van before I get to the intercom, jotting down a reminder, etc), and in two of my many superfluous cup holders, I always have gum and hand wipes.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Good thinking with the potty chair. 🙂
Sue Fromm says
Did the same , but found a foldable self contained potty and put a plastic garbage bag containing an open diaper in the bowl . Was a lifesaver , and not only for the little ones!
Caity says
Always carry some spare hats and a packit jacket (raincoat) too! The hats are easily lost and forgotten at home and you might get caught out in the rain. In Australia, just because it’s a rainy day doesn’t mean the sun won’t come out so it’s always best to be extra prepared.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
hats- smart. Our kids always forget them!
Debbie says
Great items. I also carry a flashlight, pen and paper and jumper cables.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Oh my husband would give you a pat on the back for the jumper cables! (paper- that’s a great idea! I always need it when I am in the car!)
Renee Schuhmacher says
3M makes a sticky note dispenser for your sun visor. We love it and you wouldn’t believe the number of times it has come in so handy. They sell them on Amazon but I’m sure you can find them at any store.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
No way!! Thanks!
Rachel Brusseau says
I keep a cork screw, lol.
Seriously, it’s came in handy more than once. 🙂
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
that’s hilarious! (smart, but funny!)
LauriCNEKS says
I agree with all of the above, and have a couple to add: bug spray, an atlas for us old school Gma’s. If you have a baby: an extra binky. We also keep fold up chairs in the back. We LOVE our stow-n-go van!
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
we need bug spray- our kids get bitten within minutes of being outside (I tell them that its because they are so sweet!)
Sara says
I have 2 little girls and a son and find that I usually need hair ties/rubber bands for their hair when we’re out or the little ones pulls them out. I keep extra hair stuff in my car.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
I should do that for our daughter- she wears (& loses) so many bows!
C says
Love your ideas!!! I try to do the same. However, I wouldn’t keep food or water in anything plastic and leave it in your car. Plastic is bad on it’s own but plastic and heat is much worse!
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
thanks.
Anonymouse says
FYI, scissors are not a reliable tool for cutting a seatbelt in an emergency. You are much better off with a LifeHammer, which has a seat belt cutter built into the handle (there’s no way to cut yourself on it, though). Plus, then you have the ability to easily break a window from inside if you can’t get out through a door. I think I paid about $20 for mine…I bought one on Amazon and the only color choice was orange, but the actual LifeHammer website has a ton of colors. And as far as the bottled water goes…even many disposable bottles are BPA free now. Even if they’re not, well…in an emergency, bottled water is bottled water.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
OH- thanks for the tip!! I agree w/ the water thing- water is water if you need it.
Barbara says
My father gave me a life hammer type item that is also a flash lite and red strobe light. Add to that strong leather gloves to remove any glass if necessary to break the window. They both live in the pocket of the driver’s door, not used for anything else. Plus extra batteries in a Baggie, just in case also.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Oh! That is so funny, because my dad wants me to have that for our car, too! (We live by a lake and he wants me to be able to knock the glass out if we ever go in the water.)
Shalaee says
I have an emergency car tote with basic tools- screw drivers pliers, jumper cable, gloves rain coat, Flashlight ect. It also has the emergency water packs.
However i like all these other ideas, but unfortunately I have a pretty small car with a small trunk so i don’t have room for all these things.
Any ideas where I would put it?
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
🙂 I’m not sure? I keep things in the back of the seats (in the pockets behind the seats) and even under the captain seats in the back, but not sure about a car.
Kellie says
How about one of those organizers that hook on the back of the seat? And the big stuff a tote in the trunk
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Good thinking!
Jessi Dennis says
Great list! We also keep baby powder in our car! It works to get sand off the kids skin after a day at the beach. No more painful clean up, the sand will just brush right off!
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
good idea!
J says
What about grabbing a reusable water container each morning instead of all those plastic bottles?
karyn says
Having cup a in the car is great. for when we buy a big bag or bottle of something to share. Like at the movies. Also I love to have a stash of individual condiments, especially catchup. and always a stash of straes
Renee Schuhmacher says
I’ve loved reading your tips and all of the comments. Thanks so much. One of the things I’m thinking I might do is make an organizer for the trunk for summer and have a separate one for winter that way all I have to do is switch it out when I’m ready and I’ll know everything is in it that we need. (Of course using all the great tips listed from the article and comments.)I especially loved the Catchie tip. I’d never heard of one. I’ll be ordering one for my grandson asap.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
good idea
Heather says
In addition to some of the things already mentioned…In my console armrest-travel size contact solution,deodorant,sanitizer, sunscreen, bug repellant wipes, stain remover/tide to go pen, tampons/liners, stamps, coins & my Aldi’s quarter. Under my console armrest-coupons & sales ads. Glovebox-napkins & registration/manual. Backseat-Sweaters, travel pillow, books, mini bag of chips. Trunk-bottled water for CLEANING, xtra umbrellas, mini travel games, 4 quad chairs, beach blanket, insulated bags for shopping/reusable shopping bags, umbrella stroller, shopping cart cover, portable high chair. Above the rear view mirror-xtra sunglasses & travel kleenex. Driver door-life hammer, scissors, corkscrew, hand lotion & pens. Passenger door-map, notepads & more pens. Ashtray-chapstick, pennies, binder clip in case I need to close a bag of chips:), USB car charger & a cord that has various ends (i store the ends in my purse with my Pow’r-Up Chargie). I have some more junk in my trunk but can’t remember since I haven’t seen the bottom of the pile in a while.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
haha! 🙂
JDaniel4's Mom says
What a great list! I so need to have extra shoes in my car.
Jessica says
Great list! In addition to some of your list I keep a roll of paper towels and a can of lysol spray in a plastic bag in case of car sickness. Yuck:-( Also in summer I keep a beach blanket and bag of sand toys for impromptu beach visits:-)
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Good idea! 🙂 This summer we added 3 boogie boards to our trunk. lol!
covey Denton says
Don’t forget a change of clothes for mom!! Mine have torn off a butt pocket, vomited and bless on my clothes… Having a fresh set in the car is essential for me
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Good point!
Jess says
I keep socks in the car during sandal/flip flop season, just in case we make an impromptu trip to an indoor playpark, and sand toys in case we decide to stop at a playground.
Jess says
Oh, and in the winter I keep ice skates, helmets, sleds (flat ones), and snow pants in the trunk…we do a lot of impromptu activities like these because we homeschool. I often text our friends (or vice versa) and say meet me at (fill in the blank) so the kiddos can get their physical activity in. Saves having to run home first if we’re already out.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
good idea!!
momma b says
We have also needed…cheap mouthguards (sports and concerts), ice bags (the twist n pop kind), screwdrivers, a steak knife, toothpicks/flossers, and deodorant. All items used routinely with my crew of 7 plus. Lol
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
🙂 haha. good tips!
Delia says
I keep a gallon sized ziplock in my console with extra napkins, straws, plastic ware because they always miss one it seems.
For me, I got a free makeup bag as a Target freebie and I keep travel sized deodorant, disposable toothbrush, face wipes, tinted Chapstick, body spray, and a powder compact.
For the kids, we have our typical travel bag with diapers, wipes, spare clothes, snacks. I also keep an old ice cream bucket with a lid that contains a fold up potty seat, travel tissues, a squirt bottle of water, a few plastic grocery bags, and a ziplock of Clorox wipes. It’s our emergency potty.
We also keep blankets, a few towels, a flashlight, emergency first aid kit, coloring books/crayons, and spare chargers for phones.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Smart!! I need to do that with the makeup bag stuff!!! Does any of it melt?
Ginger says
I also like to keep a few empty water bottles in the floor compartments of our van for the boys ..*ahem*…emergencies. Sometimes you just gotta go. 🙂
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Smart!
Kelly says
We keep a portable power source that has jumper cables and an air compressor for emergencies and a tire plug kit because you never know when you will pick up a nail or screw in your tire causing a flat. I know it always happens to us when we are either out of town or when it is late at night, and it’s nice to be able to take care of it quickly.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Love that- air compressor. My husband will appreciate that!
Chelsea says
Tweezers are an absolute must!
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
I have to agree! I now have them in the door of my car & use them more than I thought! Perfect for a lot of things 🙂
Heidi Daily says
I also keep small blankets that the kids can cover up with in their car seats if they get cold, a couple disposable sippy cups, and when they were babies (and I was no longer able to breast feed) I kept a spare bottle as well and always had a travel pack of similac travel formula in the diaper bag just in case.
Carina says
I always keep a couple of ziplock bags behind the drivers seat, my kids get car sick a lot and I can’t always pull over and stop fast enough.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Oh- smart & they take up little space!!
Beth Walters says
Love the idea of diaper genie refills for barf bags. I always kept a supply of airplane barf bags in my glove compartment. Anytime anyone I knew traveled, I always asked them to bring me back as many as they could snag.
For longer trips, I’d fill a shoe box or old backpack with sticker books and dollar store games, puzzle books, markers, crayons, etc so the kids would always have something new to keep them occupied. We did A LOT of long drives when the kids were little and I never once had to threaten to turn the car around or say, “Don’t make me come back there!” LOL! We never suffered through the dreaded “are we there yet?” either.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
So cute – the idea about longer trips!
Tammy says
We keep an emergency $10 bill.. There are times when there is no cash in my wallet and it is great for forgotten lunch money, field trip money etc. times when you have to have cash.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Smart! I should do that, too.
Megan says
These are great, we have many of them in our car, too! I love the restaurant bags! The kids love to have the small toys they don’t get to play with very often.
After a very unexpected trip to the hospital earlier this year, that left us several days without a change of clothes and daily comforts, I now keep a couple small duffel bags in my trunk with a spare change of clothes for each family member, a small toiletry kit (first aid supplies, feminine products, medications, etc), and basically an extra fully-stocked diaper bag for “kid stuff”.
It was very helpful a few weeks ago when my son accidentally spilled a full dish of sweet & sour sauce on me while we were only halfway through our day, and I had a change of clothes in the car waiting! I am definitely an over-packer, but I love to be prepared!!
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
I could see our kids spilling sweet & sour sauce on them, too! 🙂 haha!!
Aubrey says
Great ideas! I am a chronic over-preparer, so our car has a lot of this in it, too! And I love always having what I need on hand. Fist bump to you! (Visiting from Parenting Pointers link up.)
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
haha!! Thanks, Aubrey! 🙂
Bridget says
I live in Northern BC, so when we switch over to winter tires, I also make sure to swap out the gear in the truck. We always have extra mitts and toques, a first aid kit, a mini shovel (like the ones you can buy for sledding as part of an avalanche kit), and at least one fleece blanket. If I’m going to be driving around for the day, we also have an extra snow suit in the back. Just in case there’s an accident- either driving wise and we’re stuck, or kiddos have their own accidents. Generally with the first aid kit I also have granola bars, dried fruit, Mr Noodles (dried) and water and juice boxes. I don’t mess around when its snowing haha.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
haha! We used to do that, too, when we lived in PA (switch to winter tires).
I love the idea of the blanket & shovel. That is REALLY smart. I might have to include that in another post about being prepared for the winter! 🙂
Sara @ Know More Veggies says
Great list! I finally made a car bag this week. So far I have water, sunscreen, extra clothes, extra socks, first aid kit, hair ties, brush, etc. I will definitely be adding more items over time!!!
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
haha!! The brush… I will need that one (good thinking)- our 2 year old is finally starting to have longer hair. 🙂 I’ll be adding this one.
Samantha says
i have a small tote with a lid for each one of my boys (I have 2) and in them I have socks, a mess kit with fork and spoon, plate, cup for drink and a cup for snacks, coloring book with color pencils (crayons melt in the heat. . . Yuck!) a book for reading a few ziplock bags of different sizes, and for my youngest diaper rash cream and diapers. I always have a diaper bag in the car with 2 changes of clothes and either tennis shoes or sandals, which ever one they are not wearing, and then I have a spare shirt and socks for me and my husband in the back!
Alister says
The thing I find most useful (being a bloke) that has not been mentioned thus far is a LeatherMan (or cheaper copy). I keep one in both our car’s glove boxes. For those that don’t know about them, they are like an oversized ‘Swiss Army Knife’ with a set of pliers, a couple of knives, screwdrivers, a hole punch, scissors, tweezers, toothpick, a wood and plastic saw, a hack saw, fish scaler, wire strippers, wire cutter etc. etc. up to 30 or more implements/tools in some of them…all of which come in handy at one time or another.
The other thing I make sure is always in both our cars is a roll of sticky tape and some stamps. Sticky tape for wrapping last minute presents as we can often find wrapping paper but don’t like buying a new roll of sticky tape each time. Stamps for when you forget birthdays etc. and want to send a card straight away so it’s not too late (and a pen and pencil of course).
Thanks for the list and other comments, we already have many of these things in our cars but I’ll be updating what’s in them this weekend.
Lori says
As grandparents we always carry a couple of beach towels and some fruit box lids in the back of the SUV. Not only do they help us without the babies but can be used for a multitude of things with them.
Lindsey says
I’very found that the best way to store those extra plastic grocery bags is in an old Pringles can. Rinse it out, dry it and it fits perfectly in the cup holders built into the doors of my van!
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Oh- smart!
Third Culture Family says
A small plastic bucket (like the one you take to the beach), a plastic bag, and a roll of toilet paper.
I have fashioned a portable toilet multiple times for my 2 youngest children using these 3 items. Where we live, public toilets are not very clean (and sometimes it’s a squat over a hole style of toilet and my kids are not physically ready for that yet).
Just put the plastic bag inside and fold the handles over the rim of the bucket. Drop some toilet paper inside the plastic bag (trust me, this is very important), then have your child sit on the bucket. When he/she is done, just pull the handles of the bag up and tie it closed. Then toss it in a trash can.
Seriously, this is a lifesaver on road trips.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
haha! I read about this for camping, too. Pretty creative!
Sarah says
A little bit of money as spare change always comes in handy too when you’re out and about, especially if you forget your purse! Spare plastic plates, bowls and cutlery are very useful too. Like sunglasses, hats (winter or summer) are handy as well as a small bottle of sunscreen. Last but not least, a towel for all those times when you’ve been jumping in puddles or the waves at the beach 🙂
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
True! Adding those 🙂
jo says
I like to have a car laundry basket. So I can take everything in and out in one load from car to house or hockey practice etc.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Hmm… smart!
Linda says
I keep a roll of toilet paper in a plastic bag in the trunk for the times you may need to make a “rest stop” and there may or may not have a roll of toilet paper in the stall. This is particularly helpful on road trips. I also keep a half unused roll of paper towels in the trunk also. A half roll of paper towels doesn’t take up much room. And it can be a lifesaver when there is a spill in the car that you want to clean up immediately.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Adding those. 🙂 thanks!
lori says
I keep a container of books for the kids. I also recently had each one decorate a shoe box as their special car toy box. They filled them with little toys like legos for long car rides. I’m hoping it stops them from keeping a mountain of toys on the seat next to them.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
I added that to the list. Love it!!
Sam says
Great post though I think I may need to buy a bigger car for all this ‘just in case Stuff!’ I have a small fold up buggy which lives in the car, first aid kit, spare nappies and wipes, change for car parks, rain macks and wellingtons with spare socks, (good old English Weather), picnic rug, towel, bag of books and toys and a football. Sun hats in summer, hats and gloves in winter, we get through a Lot! Strangely in my husbands car he has nothing though my bag is similar to that of Mary Poppins!
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
hahaha!
MB says
it is a good idea to keep latex free disposable gloves in your first aid kit in case you need them.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
SMart.
emma says
Don’t think unkindly of me, but a wooden spoon kept in the glove box, is a great deterrent for ill behavior while driving. All I ever had to do was mention it and threaten to pull off the road and get it out if they didn’t straighten up. Kids are fine and grown now, but spoon is probably still in there- haha!
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
We’ve never even spanked our kids, but I certainly wouldn’t think ill of a person for parenting differently than we do.
Christina Scroggins says
I would add dollar store ponchos! I keep a few to put kids in and tie the bottoms. They have been a life saver at sporting events or other times! And a sharpie!
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Great idea- wish we would have thought of that for Disney!
Momma Jan says
“Croc” shoes have been known to shrink so I wouldn’t leave them in a car, on the deck of your holiday home or anywhere the sun can get to them.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
So funny you said that because I JUST heard that today, too!!
Sara W. says
Sunglasses MUST be UV rated (look for 99.9+% UVA/UVB or UV 400), anything less can cause permanent damage to your eyes. They also can cause long-term damage to your eyes! WebMD gives some good advice for picking sunglasses: http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/features/how-to-pick-good-sunglasses?page=2
Fontaine says
We have most of those items listed, plus many of the ones in the comments. A couple more things to consider:
We have those heat packs that warm up when exposed to air and last for hours (found at the dollar spot at Target in the winter, or online) just in case we get stuck somewhere in the winter. If the car won’t work, it’s going to get VERY cold very quickly. They are small and can be put in pants pockets or shoes if needed. Maybe it will just be a ‘comfort’ thing, maybe it will save you from frostbite. Maybe you can just use them when its freezing cold at the sidelines for football practice one night 😉
Also, I am a flip-flop girl 99% of the time, so I keep an extra pair of sneakers/tennis shoes in the trunk (with socks tucked into them) in case the car breaks down and/or I need to walk a long distance. Flip-flops/sandals aren’t really made for that, nor will they protect my feet if needed. The sneakers are in addition to the extra flip flops in case I forget to wear shoes out of the house 😉 (tip for saving money: whenever you replace shoes that aren’t totally *gone*, put the older ones in the car. You don’t need to buy a second set, just use what you have)
Those fold-up-tiny umbrellas fit under the seats very well and you’ll be so thankful for them if you have them..
They sell water in cardboard “milk” cartons now, that would be perfect for leaving in the car for emergencies. We also keep a gallon or two of water in case we get stranded in the summer when its 100* out. No, it’s not perfect, but it’s better than nothing. And, I think sometimes you can use it in the various parts of the engine if needed (??? not my area of expertise lol)
Flashlights. What are you gonna do if the car breaks down at night? Plus extra batteries rubber-banded to the handle of the flashlight. For the kids, toss in a couple of those $1 packs of ‘glow sticks’ or glow stick bracelets just to comfort them if needed in the dark. Or, use for impromptu night-time parties 😉
Anytime I end up with $2 or $3 in ones, I add them to a small change purse in my glovebox. I hardly notice they are missing when I do that, but they have saved the day numerous times when I’ve needed a couple dollars in parking money, or a vending machine is the only option for dinner (hospital stays, etc). Also putting quarters in here will help out later as well.
I’ve heard unscented kitty litter is good in a ‘winter’ box as well, to put under the tires to add friction if needed in the snow.
Finally, we have a decent first aid kit with gloves/bandages/gauze/ice packs and the like. My son plays sports and I’m pretty sure there is going to be a need for this at some point.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Wow! You are all set!! 🙂
Zach says
I travel a lot so I’ve grabbed the barf bags from the airplane and have those in hand as we’ve used other bags in emergencies but a barf bag specially made is hard to beat and they are free!
charity says
we have alot of the mentioned stuff and also keep qt of oil for car and gloves for the car emergency stuff. with 3 kids and only a midsized car they each get one of those sm kiddy back packs to put all of their own ‘stuff’ including clothes and toys for car trips.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Good idea!
Amber @ rick•a•bam•boo says
A restaurant backpack is a great idea. I try to keep everything in my diaper bag and with two kiddos it’s always huge.
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
🙂 Mine is huge, too!! haha! My husband made a video on his blog (yourmoderndad.com) where he showed what was in my giant purse! lol!
Suzan says
Did not read all comments, but a fleece blanket is always welcome when mom and dad have had fun with friends and kids will fall asleep on the way home. Ours are 11 and 9 now, but love to snuggle up on the way home.
Marisa says
My son constantly gets car sick, we carry either an empty baby wipes container or coffee can with us. Great because bags leak, but these we just snap the lid on.
Becky says
Just found your post and I have most everything mentioned in my van. One thing I do to store water and food like granola bars is to put them in a insulated, collapsible cooler. It has wheels and a handle if I have an emergency and need to leave my van with my gear. One of my kids can pull it if needed. I haven’t had a problem with my water bottles getting too hot or the chocolate in the granola bars melting. Just a thought!
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
Great idea!
Ashley says
My mom always kept a coffe can, with food lion bags, wash cloth, bottle of water in it. It’s the throw up kit. I keep mine in the trunk because THANK GOD my kids don’t get sick, but if they are ill and we get in the car I’ll hand it to them. I’ll take the stuff out and line the tub with a few bags so if they get sick I remove the bag and keep Rollin! You can obviously tweak it according to your family’s needs!
Ashley says
I’ll also keep an “extras” bag of some sort… Similar to what she’s posted here but just 1 bag in the trunk that has the extra jackets, extra shoes, a ziplock of snacks, bottle of water, washcloth, beach towel, an extra outfit per kid, big t for mommy, and a couple of cloth diapers and pack of wipes. My reasons for cloth diapers: it’s come in MAJOR handy in a bind!! We part time cloth, so if I forget diapers or forget the whole diaper bag (don’t judge) I’ll have them. Another time a friend of mine called on her way to the er with one kid, and I told her I’d meet her there to grab her infant. When I went to pickup I forgot his diapers. NO PROBLEM!! My cloth diapers are one sized, so I not only had some in the car, I was prepared for that baby! Lol
Laura Clabeaux says
My kids are older but I still always have wet wipes
Jacqueline says
Tweezers for the slivers my daughter always seems to get. Also a hair brush and a couple if pony tails but this is usually in my purse. It’s good to have them in the car for dad though.
Brooke says
We use empty ziploc bags as barf bags. That way I can zip it closed and dispose of it at the next stop, and no one has to smell it for too long. We use a metal/cloth basket to keep a few books and toys.
I also pack water bottles and snacks daily so we don’t leave them in the car.
Abigail Perry says
Oh you have a happiness family
Raymond Ortiz says
Love to read this article. I’m very much glad to find this article. It gives me some valuable information that I’m looking for. Thanks and keep sharing 🙂
Richard Knepp says
Parents must take note of this article to keep their kids most especially when traveling with them.
Jen says
Chapstick…my whole family is addicted! And hair ties…seems like the girls always need to have their hair up and never have hair ties!
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
You are SO right. I can never keep enough hair ties around. I swear they disappear into thin air!!
Car Tailing says
Hi, thank you so much for sharing your helpful tips with us especially sometimes it is hard to deal with kids inside the car. I’d like to ask what are the best way to have rules inside implemented to minimize the chaos of kids to happen inside the car? Thanks a lot!
Amelia says
It is grate post and also innovative idea. I like the blanket idea, it is cool. Hand sanitize must have in the car. thank you for sharing this post.
SRP says
Awesome tips and ideas that every parents can follow through. Thanks for sharing.