How To: Travel With Kids - PartSource: Automotive, Truck Parts & Accessories

Travelling With Kids

The holiday season is here and odds are you'll be making lots of trips in the car with the kids causing trouble in the back seat. We've got some tips to ensure that your car and its valuable cargo, get to where you're going in one piece.

Remember, if you have any questions or if you're unsure of anything, feel free to contact the Parts Pros at your local PartSource. They are always ready to help, no matter what the job is.

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Make Safety Your Top Priority

Every vehicle is different. When it comes to maintenance and repairs, always follow the vehicle's owner's manual.

Safety should be your number one priority. Don't smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, or wear a necktie while working on the car. Watch out for hot objects, sharp instruments, hazardous materials and other potential safety hazards in and around your workspace.

Don't work with a Philips when the job calls for a flat. Substituting tools can compromise your safety or your vehicle's performance.

Finally, when the fun turns to frustration, or if the job requires specialized knowledge beyond your capabilities, please do not attempt it yourself. Talk to a Parts Pro or seek the assistance of a professional mechanic or installer. The last thing we want is someone getting hurt.


Pace Yourself

Allow enough time for rest stops. Two hours of car time, then a break, makes a good pattern.

Pack Activities

Give each child a special pack, with crayons, books, toys, activity sets, stickers, and handheld games to keep them busy.

Surprise the Little Ones

Pack some new wrapped surprises for young kids - just don't give out all the loot at once!

Find games on the Internet

Print-out some simple games to play in the car. These are easy to find on the Internet. Keeping kids minds moving is a great way to avoid boredom and restlessness. Choose games that will be fun for the adults too.

Take Advantage of your Stereo

Play a story for the whole family on the car stereo system or bring individual players for your kids. Factory installed and after-market DVD players are always great.
Video displays have proven to reduce the likeliness of motion sickness (the higher they are placed the better).

Trust the Tried-and-True

Don't forget about good old-fashioned board games - many such as Clue, Sorry and Trouble are available in travel editions.

Make Time for Meals

Need a break, and a good place to eat? Burger King and McDonalds have great playrooms on major highways. Let the kids burn off energy while you order their food "to go" to eat later in the car. Picnics are a great way to break up a long trip. Buy the fixins' at a deli or grocery store, and find somewhere scenic where the kids can run around. If it's cold outside, you may want to skip the outdoor eating, but it's still not a bad idea to let the kids stop somewhere and catch some snowflakes on their tongue.

Prepare for the Unexpected

It's always a great idea to have upholstery cleaners, paper towels and hand wipes on hand. Being prepared to clean up the inevitable spill helps to avoid unplanned and panic stricken stops.

Allow Time for Naps

Kids fall asleep easily in the car, and a snooze can be a great way to let the miles fly by. Just be sure to allow lots of wakie-wakie time. Rousing a child from deep sleep because "we're here now" is tough.

Choose the Correct Seating Equipment

We all know that infants need to be in proper car seats. Once a child surpasses 40 lbs they should be restrained in a booster seat until they are big enough to fit in an adult seat belt. (approx 80 lbs or 4'9” tall.) It is very important to ensure kids have the right restraints. It is a great idea to consult with your child seat owner's manual and/or your local car accessory retailer to ensure your kids are in the right type of seat.
IMPORTANT - Remember, when you travel with kids, "rush" is a four-letter word! Stay calm, cool and collected, and hopefully the little ones will follow your lead.
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