How can I keep my child occupied in the car to make the journey easier?

A long car trip with a child is always a challenge, no matter how often you travel. Are you planning a family vacation or a shorter trip out of town? How can you keep your child occupied in the car without crying, whining, and the infamous "Is it still there?" question every five minutes ? Don't worry, it's all manageable! Learn proven methods that will help you survive any trip.

How to keep your child occupied during a car trip? Practical tips

When it comes to toys, the best choices are those that are free of small parts and loud noises . For example, you can choose:

• books with windows or sensory books – they occupy the child’s attention for a longer period of time and develop the imagination;
• magnetic puzzles – they are a tool that allows you to practice concentration and at the same time engage the senses;
• anti-stress toys, e.g. pop it – they provide a lot of fun and have a positive impact on the child's well-being;
• small creative kits – water-based coloring books, reusable stickers or mini dry-erase boards will be a hit.

Choose audiobooks and music

Try engaging your little one in listening! Audiobooks and radio plays can completely captivate a child. Your little one can transform into a detective, a knight, or an astronaut, while you enjoy a moment of peace and quiet. Check out series with diverse themes, such as "Basia," "Lasse and Maja's Detective Agency," and "Kicia Kocia."

For younger children, it's a good idea to prepare a playlist of their favorite songs—singing together relieves tension and brings a lot of joy. Make the trip fun for the whole family!

Don't forget about snacks

If your child is feeling tired after a long drive and then suddenly hungry, you need to act quickly! Prepare healthy snacks in an easy-to-serve form:

• chopped vegetables (e.g. baby carrots, cucumber);
• fruit in pieces;
• mini sandwiches or pancakes;
• corn chips, rice waffles.

Lunch boxes with compartments and water bottles with tight closures will also work well, as they will minimize the risk of flooding the seat.

Consider a special armchair organizer

When traveling, it's helpful to have everything at hand. A seatback organizer is a real gamechanger! It can hold a ton of accessories: toys, snacks, wipes, a water bottle, books, and even... a tablet with a story for a crisis . This way, you don't have to lean into the backseat every five minutes to feed your child something.

Remember to take breaks

Children aren't fans of sitting still. That's why regular stops are essential on every trip. Stop every 1.5–2 hours, even if you don't need to refuel. A short walk, a few squats, a run across the grass—these kinds of activities will help children burn off energy.

Some stations already have mini playgrounds, so it's worth planning your route to stop there. If not, there's always balls, soap bubbles, or a jump rope thrown in the trunk.

Electronics? Yes, but smart.

A tablet or smartphone can be a fallback solution. However, you must first:

• download your favorite cartoons and games offline;
• install educational or logic applications (e.g. puzzles, guessing games);
• limit the time of use – e.g. 20–30 minutes, after which we return to analog entertainment.

Get a special tablet holder in advance so that your child can watch cartoons comfortably and without having to hold the device in their hands.

What else is worth having on hand?

Unforeseen situations are an inevitable part of every family trip. Want to reduce the risk of a fight breaking out? Remember to bring:

• wet and dry wipes ;
• garbage bags (or emergency “surprise” bags);
• a spare set of clothes – in case of a change in the weather or a spilled drink;
• a blanket and the child's favorite stuffed animal – they will give a sense of security;
• first aid kit – plasters, soothing cream, mosquito spray, antipyretic medicine.

How to keep your child occupied in the car and stay calm?

Prepare for a few scenarios – much, of course, depends on how your child feels during the car journey and how they react to various stimuli. And what if something goes wrong? Smile, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that even the longest journey eventually ends. And it's the positive memories that stick with us longer.

Want to be well-prepared for a trip with your little one? Check out our selection of summer kids' kits . You'll find clothes, accessories, toys, books, and more. Remember, it's best to plan for comfort well in advance.