Essential buys for car journeys with a baby or toddler
Once you’ve found the right car seat to keep your child safe, these clever bits of kit will keep your child comfortable, calm and entertained on journeys
1. Diono Easy View Plus, £20 – MadeForMums Awards Gold Winner
Driving can suddenly seem terrifying when your car contains precious cargo, so a mirror will provide peace of mind.
This large Diono one attaches to your rear seat headrest so you can clearly see your baby, with a gradually illuminating LED light you can turn on from the front to check on her at night without startling.
Designed to stay in place even over bumps and not obscure your view out of the back window, it pivots on a ball and socket for easy adjustment.
What our MFM Awards judges say about Diono Easy View Plus:
“A very well thought-out item.” Rachel, mum of 2
More like this
“Great value and I love the light feature.” Katie, mum of 1
You can buy the Diono Easy View Mirror here
2. Morrck All Season Baby Hoodie, from £35.95 – MadeForMums Awards Silver Winner
This multipurpose baby travel wrap keeps your little one warm and snug on the go without compromising safety or waking her.
Made from cotton jersey, it keeps her at a comfortable temperature without the need for additional layers of outdoor clothes. The harness fits underneath and you just wrap or unwrap as needed.
Easy to wash and keeps your car seat clean. You can also transfer your baby in and out of the car in it.
Available in three sizes from newborn up to age four, and a wide choice of colours and designs. Can also be used in buggies, swing chairs and shopping trolleys.
What our MFM Awards judges say about All Season Baby Hoodie:
“It would be great in the winter months so they didn't need a coat in the car seat.” Meena, mum of 2
“Nice and snuggly. Well designed.” Helen, mum of 3
Buy the All Season Baby Hoodie from Morrck
3. The Snugglebundl, £39.99 – MadeForMums Awards Bronze Winner
Never wake a sleeping baby, goes the saying. The Snugglebundl lifting blanket works by helping you move your child from the car seat without waking them, reducing the risk of leaving them in the seat for too long.
Also helps with transferring a sleeping baby between buggy and car seat, ideal if you don’t have a travel system. The harness sits under the blanket to ensure a secure fit.
Has multiple uses, including as a device to rock your baby, as a feeding cover and playmat.
Comes in soft cotton fabric with padded handles and offers extra head support when lifting.
What our MFM Awards judges say about The Snugglebundl:
“Good for picking up baby and putting in the car seat.” Daisy
“Nice material and well made.” MFM Reviews Editor Hazelann
You can get the Snugglebundl here.
4. Dreambaby Double Sided Car Sun Shade, £5
Keep the sun out of your child’s eyes – and harmful rays from her skin – with a window shade.
This double-sided blind should also keep her cool, as well as the car cool when you are away from it. The roller blind function allows her to still see out on non-sunny days or at night.
Comes with either a zebra or tiger print. Extra wide version also available.
Buy the Dreambaby Double Sided Car Sun Shade from JoJo Maman Bebe
5. Mothercare Baby On Board Sign, £3
Did you know that these familiar yellow signs are designed to alert emergency services to whether or not your child is in the car, in the event of an accident?
If the sign is up, they are obliged to search the car and crash area for your little one, making them an important safety feature when travelling with children.
However, it is key to take it out any time you are driving without your baby, otherwise you will waste their precious time.
This classic sign has a window sucker to make this vital task as simple as possible.
6. Munchkin 2-in-1 Backseat & Pushchair Organiser, £11
Keep all your essentials tidy - and easy to find on the move - with this neat organiser.
Straps fit around the headrest and bottom of the seat, and it has both zipped and open pockets, plus two cup holders. Acts as a scuff mat for the seat too.
Doubles up as a pushchair organiser – perfect for when you are using a lightweight buggy with a smaller basket.
Buy the 2-in-1 Backseat & Pushchair Organiser from Munchkin
7. Koo-di Wetec Seat Protector, £6.99
Stop nappy leaks or potty training accidents putting a dampener on your journey with this quilted seat protector.
It absorbs wetness and has a vinyl underside to stop leaks coming through, keeping the car seat fresh.
Can also be used in highchairs and in buggies.
8. Heimess Wooden Dummy Chain, £4.95
Stopping to hunt for a discarded soother is the last thing you want on the motorway.
A dummy chain will keep it attached to your child’s outfit, allowing her to reach for it whenever she wants – and keep it safe if it falls out during a nap.
These German ones come in a range of lovely colours and designs, are made from birch wood and non-toxic paint that is safe to chew, and double up as entertainment for your little one.
9. Munchkin Deluxe Snack Pod & Drink Pod, £13.50
Keeping your child fed and watered should keep her happy on the way.
This holder clips to most car seats and buggies easily, and is dishwasher safe.
The snack pot has a special lid to minimise spillages.
Buy the Deluxe Snack Pod & Drink Pod from Munchkin
10. Taf Toys Play and Kick Activity Toy, £29.99
This stylish, unisex activity centre, which is suitable from birth, is designed to keep your baby entertained while travelling in a rear facing car seat.
Features three hanging toys, plus gentle music plays and lights twinkle when your little one kicks the soft pad.
Finalist in the MadeForMums Toy Awards 2016.
We've got more award-winning products right here...
- Best children's footwear range 2017
- Best Places to go on a family holiday
- All our award-winning products, from car seats to nipple creams
Authors
Alex is the former deputy editor of Prima Baby, and mum to 2 boys.
How NatPat's wellness patches may help your family
NatPat's range of wellness patches and stickers aim to tackle everything from allergies to lack of focus. We take a closer look at the range.