Things That Every Parent Should Have in Their Car

14 Things Every Parent Should Keep in Their Car

Do you ever feel that you spend more time in your car than you do in your house? If you do, you most likely have kids. Every day it is somewhere new: to school, to baseball practice, to the dentist, to the doctor, to the store and back again. While having that time to spend with your kids can be great, it also helps to be prepared for (almost) anything that can happen! Below is a list of items that every parent should keep in their cars at all times. No matter how far you drive or what your local climate is like, it pays to keep this gear with you when you're on the road.

1. Trash bin

If you have kids in your car, you have trash. Whether its notebook paper, paper napkins, an empty juice box or a piece of already-been-chewed bubble gum, it needs somewhere to go besides in between the seats and in the floor. Therefore it really pays to keep a small trashcan in your car. You can find trash cans made specifically for cars, or just find a small one and stick it in there. Keep in mind, small is the key word here. You want it to be useful, but small enough so you are forced to empty it regularly. After all, no one wants a half-eaten burger roasting in the hot car all day long.

2. Automobile Emergency/Maintenance Kit

Every car should have an emergency kit in it, even if you don't have kids. While you can buy these kits pre-made, it is much cheaper to make one of your own. Some essentials include: a first aid kit, a blanket, flares/reflectors, a spare tire and tools to change it, an extra or emergency cell phone, a flashlight, a multi-tool such as a Swiss Army knife, water and non-perishable snacks. You can also look around online for all sorts of ideas of what one should include.

3. Spare clothes (especially undies)

Accidents happen, and kids get into all sorts of things. Be prepared for weather, spills, potty accidents and more by keeping a change of clothes for you and your children in a fun tote bag inside your trunk.

4. Blankets

Little kids get tired easily, especially when spending a lot of time riding around in the car. Car seats and booster seats often wind up doubling as a bed. A spare blanket can always come in handy, and it can be part of the emergency kit as well.

5. Snacks

For some reason, it always seems that the minute I pull out of the driveway my kids are complaining about being hungry. Whether on a long road trip or running errands, I always make sure to keep some non-perishable snacks handy. This helps save time, money and possibly even a headache!

6. Water

It's always nice to have water handy, especially when heading out to soccer games or other activities that will leave the kids parched. Keeping a couple of bottles of water in the car can really help out!

7. Spare Change

Even if you don't have kids, keeping loose change in your car can really come in handy. No more getting mad at parking meters or toll bridges because you forgot some change! Just be sure you keep it in some type of small organizer as coins laying all over the car is not a good idea.

8. Hand Sanitizer

Kids and dirty fingers seem to go hand in hand. Always keep a small container of hand sanitizer around so you can easily clean and sanitize little hands (and your own) when there is no access to soap and water. This is especially a good idea during cold and flu season, and when kids hop in the car after school, gymnastics, the playground or some other germ-laden spot.

9. Device chargers

Keep a spare multi-use device charger in your car at all times so you can keep your phone, tablet and other handheld devices powered up. Not only is this important in case of an emergency, but it is extra useful on extended road trips or long waits inside the car.

10. Important phone numbers

I always keep a list of important phone numbers in the car in case of an emergency. Sometimes you don't have a free hand or time to search through your phone for the numbers you need.

11. Tissues and/or paper towels

Have you ever been miles from a rest stop when a little voice pipes up from the back seat needing to go potty? Or how about those accidental spills or a sudden sneeze? And did I mention a paper towel can also make a great lap placemat for messy snacks?!

12. Baby Wipes

Even if you don't have a baby, always keep a travel pack of wipes in the car. These little wipes work wonders on sticky fingers, dirty faces, spilled drinks, mud or dirt on the seat, and any other time you need water but there is none to be found.

13. Kids Entertainment

Depending on the age of the child, having a favorite toy or something to keep them occupied can save hours of complaints on long road trips, long waits at the doctor's office or even long waits in the car.

14. Umbrellas or ponchos

Having a couple of cheap fold-up ponchos or an umbrella can be a great standby when you and the kids are making a run in the rain and there are no parking spots within miles.

Author Note: Alaina is the owner and author of Bullock's Buzz - //bullocksbuzz.com, where you will find a mix of informative product reviews, great recipes, giveaways, crafts, and DIY! Visit her on Facebook!