6 tips for stress-free car travel

1. Route planning. Check, check and check again!

All parents’ worst nightmare is to get caught in a never-ending traffic jam. With kids growing hungry, tired or fidgety, the car can quickly become a very stressful place to be! To avoid this, I regularly check our route several days before we plan to travel using Google Maps or other online mapping software. This gives a clear view of any bottlenecks or ongoing roadworks which could mean using a different route to get you there quicker. Also, it’s worth doing a final check just before you leave to avoid getting caught up in any accidents.

2. Plan for the worst

You’ve done all the checks and everything looks good, but you get caught in heavy traffic or even worse suffer a breakdown. Whilst this is bad luck, there are things you can do to make it more manageable. Make sure you have packed plenty of blankets to keep the little ones warm, spare clothes, snacks, drinks, nappies and toys to keep them entertained. Make sure you have all the breakdown cover numbers in your phonebook including account numbers so you can make that call for assistance if needed. The AA have compiled a list of essential items to pack in the car which you can view here.

3. Timing

Think really carefully about what time you plan to leave. Typically, I always aim for around the little ones’ naptime or bedtime depending on the length of the journey. If arriving late to stay with friends or relatives, make them aware you’ll be arriving with sleepy children. Dimming the house lights on your arrival means you can get the children into bed without the stress of them waking up uncomfortable in their new environment.

4. Pack the car correctly

Lists are your best friend! With so much additional stuff to take when you have children, especially if this is your first overnight stay with your little one, it’s easy to forget key items. When possible I pack the day before, loading the car carefully so all the bedtime essentials such as the travel cot, mattress, bedding and baby monitor are first to hand when arriving. Also, make sure all items you need along the journey such as snacks, water, dummies and favourite comforters are close to hand and reachable.

5. Take regular breaks

As yet, there is no published research confirming exactly how long you can keep a little one in a car seat for. However, health care professionals suggest a maximum of two hours for babies, getting them out of the seat in between to stretch and have a feed if needed. Ensure you make regular checks during the journey, particularly for newborns and babies younger than six months. A car seat mirror can be installed to help you keep an eye on them.

6. Know your car seat 

If you’re switching car seats into a different vehicle before the journey, take an extra moment to check it’s secured correctly ­– the ISOFIX is latched, the support leg connected or the top tether secure (different fittings depend on the car seat model). Has the seat been adjusted to fit your little one as they have grown? You should adjust the headrest height if necessary. Don’t put the child in the seat wearing thick jackets as this will limit the tightness of the harness due to the padding, making them less secure in the seat. Instead, use layers of blankets to keep them warm, reducing the layers as they warm up. Check you know how to recline the seat, as you may want to do this during the journey to maximise comfort as the little one is sleeping. Also, if the seat has been installed in the same car for a while, it is good practice just to check the fitting is OK - removing and refitting is a good way to ensure everything is correct and secure.