Carpool Items Parents Need Right Now

It’s likely that kids, especially younger ones, will make a mess in your car. Wet wipes are great for small spills and crumbs, wiping up sticky hands, and wiping down surfaces if you need to run into a store or restaurant. You can purchase a few packs and stash some in your car or tote bag.

Keeping a few healthy snacks in the car, like granola bars, crackers, or trail mix, is great in case of emergencies or if you’re out and errands are taking a bit longer than usual. You can conveniently squash your kid’s hunger pangs (or your own) until you can eat a full meal.

Depending on where you live, the weather can be unpredictable throughout the day. To stay dry from an unexpected downpour, keep a compact umbrella in the car and store it in your trunk or under your seat.

Having a first-aid kit can help treat minor injuries, or in the case of an accident, it can help passengers stay safe until help arrives. You can purchase a pre-assembled kit or make your own with some basics like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze, thermometers, and cotton balls. You’ll never know when these things will come in handy, and you’ll be glad you’re prepared.

You can purchase a pack of one-size-fits-most socks to store in your car, which you’ll appreciate if you find yourself in an unexpected rainstorm that leaves your feet soaked or there’s a last-minute play date at an indoor playground. If your kids play sports, having clean socks in the car is especially useful if they forget to pack them for practice.

Having a few cotton bath towels in the car is great for several reasons. Kids may come in the rain and need to stay dry, or you may need to keep your car seats from getting wet. Cotton towels can also soak up major spills, and if you live by the beach, you can lay down a towel to keep sand off the seats after a beach day.

Though most of us use the flashlight on our smartphones, a pocket flashlight is handy in case of a roadside emergency or if you drop your phone down the side of the seat. Skip the bulky flashlight for a slim pocket flashlight that can be kept in the glove compartment.

If you live in an area with temps that dip below freezing, keep a blanket in the car for those frigid mornings to keep your kids toasty and warm. In the summer, the blanket can also be used for picnics or playdates at the park.

If you’re still using one hand to steer while the other is holding your cell phone to navigate, it’s time to get a phone holder to avoid distracted driving and model good driving habits. You can get one that easily attaches to your vent or windshield so you can keep your eyes on the road.

Keeping a mini cooler in the car is convenient for storing snacks or drinks, particularly water bottles. Having a few water bottles on deck is always a good idea when kids are in the car, especially in an emergency. Just remember to switch out your water bottles after a few days.

Store a coloring kit in the car to give younger kids a screen-time break. A 30-minute commute equals several hours a week in the car, and spending that time doodling or drawing could sharpen your kids’ creative skills. If you’re worried about cleaning up marker stains, consider getting a coloring kit with “invisible” markers that won’t leave stains on clothes or car seats.

Now that you’ve stocked up on some carpool essentials, you can keep everything organized in your trunk with a foldable organizer. This one is easy to wipe down and has adjustable compartments.