There's something magical about loading up the car and hitting the open road with your family. Whether you're heading to the beach for the summer holidays, visiting grandparents interstate, or exploring Australia's beautiful countryside, road trips create memories that last a lifetime. But long drives with children require extra planning and vigilance to ensure everyone arrives safely.
This guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your children safe and comfortable during long car journeys, from pre-trip preparation to managing the challenges of hours on the road.
Before You Leave: Pre-Trip Preparation
Vehicle Safety Check
Before any long journey, ensure your vehicle is in good condition:
- Check tyre pressure and tread depth
- Top up oil, coolant, and windscreen washer fluid
- Ensure all lights are working
- Test your brakes
- Check your spare tyre and jack
- Verify your registration and insurance are current
Car Seat Inspection
Long trips put extra demands on car seats. Before departure:
- Verify the seat is correctly installed and hasn't loosened
- Check expiry dates on all child restraints
- Ensure harness straps are properly adjusted
- Clean the seat if needed (a fresh seat is more comfortable)
- If using a rental car, install seats early and double-check security
If you're renting a vehicle, bring your own car seats if possible. Rental car seats may not meet Australian standards or may be in poor condition. If you must use rental seats, inspect them carefully and request replacements if there are any signs of damage or excessive wear.
Planning Your Route
Smart route planning can make the difference between a pleasant journey and a stressful one:
Regular Rest Stops
Plan stops every 2 hours maximum. This is important for:
- Driver fatigue: Drowsy driving is a leading cause of road accidents
- Child comfort: Kids need to move and stretch
- Bathroom breaks: Small bladders need frequent attention
- Circulation: Sitting in one position too long isn't healthy for anyone
Look for rest stops with facilities like playgrounds, toilets, and picnic areas. Apps like "Waze" or "Google Maps" can help identify rest areas along your route.
Consider Travel Times
Time your departure strategically:
- Early morning: Beat the heat and traffic; kids may sleep through the first few hours
- After nap time: Well-rested children are happier passengers
- Overnight driving: Some families find driving at night works well for sleeping children (ensure driver is well-rested)
Key Takeaway
Add buffer time to your journey estimate when traveling with children. Unexpected stops, longer-than-planned breaks, and slower pacing mean kid-friendly road trips always take longer than adult-only trips.
Packing for Safety and Comfort
Essential Safety Items
- First aid kit with child-appropriate supplies
- Emergency contact information
- Children's medications (if applicable)
- Sunshade for car windows
- Torch and spare batteries
- Mobile phone charger
- Roadside assistance contact details
Comfort Items
- Travel pillow suitable for use with car seat
- Favourite comfort toy or blanket
- Change of clothes (accidents happen)
- Plastic bags for rubbish or car sickness
- Wet wipes and tissues
- Spare nappies/pull-ups if applicable
Food and Drinks
- Plenty of water (dehydration is common in air-conditioned vehicles)
- Healthy snacks that aren't too messy
- Avoid sugary foods that can lead to energy spikes and crashes
- Hard foods like grapes or nuts can be choking hazards—cut them up
Never give children food that could be a choking hazard while the car is moving. If a child chokes while you're driving, you may not be able to respond quickly enough. Save snacks for rest stops if there's any choking risk.
Managing Temperature
Australian summers can be brutal, and car interiors can become dangerous quickly:
Never Leave Children in Parked Cars
This cannot be stressed enough. Even on mild days, the interior of a parked car can reach fatal temperatures within minutes. Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even "just for a minute."
Keep the Car Cool
- Use sunshades on windows, especially on the side where children sit
- Park in the shade when possible
- Cool the car before putting children in their seats
- Be aware that metal buckles can burn—check them before buckling
- Dress children in light, breathable clothing
Keeping Children Entertained
Bored children are restless children. Plan age-appropriate entertainment:
Screen-Free Options
- Audio books and podcasts for kids
- Travel games like "I Spy" or the license plate game
- Sing-along playlists
- Magnetic drawing boards
- Sticker books
- Story telling
Screen Time (in Moderation)
- Download movies and shows before the trip (avoid relying on data)
- Bring headphones to keep noise levels manageable
- Take screen breaks to prevent motion sickness
- Use tablet holders designed for car headrests
Managing Motion Sickness
Car sickness is common in children and can quickly derail a pleasant trip:
Prevention Tips
- Keep the car well-ventilated with fresh air
- Avoid heavy meals before and during the journey
- Have children look out the window rather than at screens or books
- Take frequent breaks
- Avoid strong smells (air fresheners, food)
- Consider anti-nausea wristbands or medication (consult your pharmacist)
Be Prepared
- Keep plastic bags within reach
- Pack a change of clothes for affected children
- Bring cleaning supplies for the car seat
- Know the signs of impending sickness (pale face, quietness, excessive yawning)
Driver Safety
The adults in the car need to stay safe too:
- Never drive fatigued: Take proper rest breaks and share driving if possible
- Stay focused: Minimise distractions; let passengers handle entertainment needs
- Don't rush: Arriving late is better than not arriving at all
- Pull over safely: If you need to attend to a child, find a safe place to stop rather than reaching back while driving
If you're traveling solo with children, everything you might need to hand them should be easily accessible from the driver's seat. Prepare snack bags, drinks, and entertainment before departure so you don't need to stop unexpectedly.
Emergency Preparedness
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst:
- Know how to access roadside assistance
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone
- Inform someone of your travel plans and expected arrival time
- Carry enough water and supplies to handle an unexpected delay
- Know the location of hospitals along your route
Conclusion
Road trips with children require extra planning, but they're also incredibly rewarding. The key is preparation: ensure your vehicle and car seats are in top condition, plan your route with realistic rest stops, pack for both safety and comfort, and stay flexible when things don't go exactly to plan.
With the right preparation, your family road trip will be filled with sing-alongs, "I Spy," and memories to cherish—not stress and discomfort. Safe travels!