These days I am in the car more than I am not in the car. If it’s not to and from school, it’s dance or soccer or play dates or errands…. you get the picture. I have 5 kids and 2 of those kids have no choice but to be in the car with me all the time. They are in and out of their car seats so much I feel bad. Being part of an active and busy family can be really stressful for little ones so over the years I have developed a car survival kit to help keep us all sane. This kit varies slightly from season to season but the same basic principles apply at all times. For an effective car survival kit you need to have sustenance, entertainment and essentials!

Sustenance: If your little one is hungry you are pretty much guaranteed epic meltdowns. No one likes a meltdown and no one likes to blow through money at the drive thru so come prepared. Keep bottles of water and non-perishable snacks in your car survival kit, we love pretzels and peanut butter crackers. I highly recommend packing daily so you have more variety of foods but if you have these items in your car survival kit you will never be caught out with hungry kids.

Entertainment: Half the battle of excessive car time is keeping the kids entertained. While it can be tempting to let them watch lots of TV there are better options. We have a rotating collection of car toys, these are items that never leave the car so they feel exciting and new each time they get in the car. Items like books, coloring sets that are mess free, car games with attached pieces, small toys and stuffed animals are ideal car toys—anything to stimulate the senses and brain development in your little ones.

Essentials: How many times have you been far from home and had disaster strike? Have you ever run out of diapers? Or maybe needed an extra outfit for your toddler? What about going to a restroom with no soap? I keep my car stocked with backup essentials that include an outfit for the little ones, diapers, wipes, JOHNSON’S® hand & face wipes, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive Bandages, and JOHNSON’S® baby lotion. With all of those items in my car I am prepared for pretty much anything. JOHNSON’S® hand & face wipes are a recent addition to my kit as they are a new discovery, these wipes are amazing and can get sticky juice and everything else off of your child when all you have is a water bottle to clean your child with.

Package all of these items in a nice bag or bin and keep it in your trunk to ensure happy kids and a happy mom during this busy season of life!

Ellen Peppercorn is a contributor for JOHNSON’S, the sponsor of this community, and compensated for travel and attendance at events. Every idea and word written is her own.