Between school drop offs, sports, playdates, shopping, work, doctor’s appointments and life admin, some days we spend more time in our cars than at home. But just because we’re on the go, doesn’t mean that sticky faces, hangry bellies and last minute emergencies magically disappear!
Organisation is key, and having a few essentials packed in the car will make your life so much easier – we promise! With the help of the Mouths of Mums community we’ve put together a list of the essential things every mum should put in their car – including one really important thing that we bet you haven’t thought of!
1. Wipes
When we asked Mouths of Mums members for their must-have car essentials, at the top of the list was wipes. Seriously, what would we ever do without them?! Whether it’s a grimy face or hands, nappy blow-out or food spill, don’t leave home with a pack of wipes! And while you’re at it, throw in some tissues.
“Baby wipes clean everything!!” – Nicole Langley
2. Towels
Ok, this may not immediately come to mind when kitting out the car with everything you need to make your life easier, but a towel is such a brilliant addition! Muddy feet, caught in the rain, cold kids, nappy changes – you name it, a towel will come in so handy.
“Towels. Raining? Towel. Cold? Towel. Scared? Cuddle the towel. Helping a random wild bird that flew into a window in public? Towel. Useful for all of the things.” – Jessica Louise Smith
3. First Aid Kit
A well-stocked First Aid Kit will save your bacon more than once! Besides the usual bandaids and antiseptic, pop in some sunscreen, age-appropriate pain relief, cold packs, lip balm, moisturiser and hand sanitiser.
Some of these things are very obviously needed in case of accidents, but things like lip balm and moisturiser are perfect for soothing the skin after a day at the park or beach.
4. Spare Clothes … For Everyone!
Whether you have a baby, toddler or teen, a spare set of clothes and shoes will come in so handy. And make sure you include yourself!
Spare shoes, even if it’s just a pair of thongs or slides, will also save the day more than once – particularly if you’re a family who is winter sport crazy! A few plastic bags for wet or muddy clothes and shoes will also keep the dirt off the car floor.
5. Water And Snacks
If you’ve ever been caught out in traffic with hangry kids, you’ll already have a car well-stocked with water and snacks hidden within reach. Think about snacks that are easy and safe for the kids to eat on their own if you plan on passing these over if you’re stuck in traffic.
6. Spare Phone Chargers
Most of us have phone chargers permanently in our cars – but I can’t tell you the amount of times my kids have accidentally stepped on or damaged one! Keep a spare in the glove box, away from small hands (and feet!) just in case you’re caught away from home for longer than you planned and you need to charge your phone or the kids’ tablets.
7. Emergency Entertainment
Despite our best plans, there are times when we end up being in the car way longer than we planned. Sometimes sport practice runs longer than usual, or we get caught having a deep and meaningful in the school carpark. Toddlers and preschoolers are prone to getting bored pretty quickly, so have some easy activities in the car to keep them occupied.
Things like:
- Colouring in
- Small puzzles in plastic containers
- Books
- Stickers
- Post-It notes (little ones LOVE sticking these everywhere and they won’t cause any damage to the car)
- Toy cars
- Small white board and markers
8. Money
A stash of coins and some smaller notes will head off any last-minute money emergencies! The kids will often remember that they’re supposed to bring a donation for something on the way to school, or that they have a special event. And teenagers have a tendency to need cash at the last minute.
If nothing else, it’ll get you a cup of coffee while you’re out and about!
9. Fuel That Cleans And Protects Your Car’s Engine
Bet you didn’t see this one coming!
While it’s not something that immediately comes to mind when thinking about what to put in your car to make sure each and every trip is smooth sailing (or driving!), this is actually one of the most important things to consider. And if you haven’t thought about it before, next time you’re in need of fuel, look out for an Ampol and take the time to find Amplify Premium Fuels at the pump.
Unlike regular fuel, using Ampol Amplify Premium Fuels regularly will clean and protect your engine. It means your car will go further with every tank, and the engine will perform at its peak so you can focus all of your attention on what’s happening inside the car with your precious cargo.
Mouths of Mums is proudly working with Ampol to bring you this article. Find out more about Amplify Premium Fuels.
Do you have any other car must-haves? Let us know in the comments below.
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mom93821 replied
- 08 Nov 2024 , 4:06 pm
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