Skip to main content

Advertisement

Advertisement

Must-have extras for the family ride

SINGAPORE — There is an old joke about how, when you are driving, you would want to steer clear of cars that sport the “Baby on board” sticker.

SINGAPORE — There is an old joke about how, when you are driving, you would want to steer clear of cars that sport the “Baby on board” sticker.

This is because there is probably a toddler in there, wailing away or throwing a tantrum, and both parents are getting more frazzled the longer the drive gets.

Sure, it is all said in jest, but as with such tales, there is always a little truth to them.

Try keeping your head about you and your hands on the wheel with kids making noise about everything — from not liking the car seat, to flinging their toys about, to the usual sibling arguments that you know just might not end well. Can you blame parents when they say there is nothing more terrifying than being stuck in a car with little children?

These scenarios will not magically disappear anytime soon (sometimes until kids reach their teens). But enterprising entrepreneurs are always coming up with solutions to help family drivers keep their cool.

Go online, and you can see a whole selection of in-car entertainment that will help keep your children’s attention — and hopefully keep them occupied enough for the entire drive. Here are some that parents say are must-haves for the family car.

GENIE TRAY

According to dad-of-three James D’souza, the genie tray is genius. Why? Because “the designs are so cute, and it’s firm and easy to secure on the car seat,” he said.

Lightweight and easy to install, this sturdy travel tray can support pretty much anything — books, snacks, water bottles and toys … enough to keep your fidgety little one occupied. Made from an eco-friendly material, the curved ergonomic shape fits snugly around your child’s waist, while the adjustable strap ensures that the tray “grows” with your child. And it is also detachable, so you can bring it along with you wherever you go.

MUNCHKIN BACKSEAT ORGANISER

As every parent who drives knows, the back seat can soon become a messy “storeroom” for all your baby’s things. This is why the Munchkin Backseat Organiser (picture) comes in handy.

Spacious pockets come in various sizes and can hold everything from diapers and a change of clothes to wipes, snacks, cups, tissues, books and toys. The universal system fits most seatbacks, and cleaning is a breeze thanks to the washable material.

Mum Farah Ibrahim said she got one because it is “really handy and convenient”. “It comes with a top and bottom strap so it sits flush against the back of the front seat and doesn’t take up too much space,” she added.

TFY UNIVERSAL CAR HEADREST MOUNT HOLDER

Hands up all those who have, when you are driving with your children, been faced with the inevitable — and inevitably constant — queries of “Are we there yet?”

As much as we hate to use our mobile devices as “nannies”, sometimes, just sometimes, it does help distract them enough for you to get things done — like arrive at your destination in one piece.

Designed to fit your mobile phone (iPhone or Android), mini-tablet or iPad, the TFY mount holder can be fitted to the back of your headrest, so you do not have to worry about your little one dropping your device on the floor (and the bawling that might follow).

Tip: If you do not want them watching mindless entertainment, and if they are old enough, you can ask them to help you plot the course on your phone’s GPS and help with the navigation.

CLOSE POP-IN CAR SEAT PROTECTOR

When you are driving with a small child, one thing you can expect is the unexpected — especially unexpected messes. Insert this seat protector over your booster seat to protect it from any “accidents”.

Made of a waterproof and stain-resistant material, it fits most car seats easily, and even several strollers and high chairs. When it gets dirty, just throw it into the washing machine and it will come out looking brand new.

“What I really like is that it has a fleece lining you can detach once an accident happens and continue using the protector,” said mum-of-one Parvin Kaur.

MERRITT MANUFACTURING CHEST CLIP GUARD

This works with a five-point child strap. Attach it to your existing car seat strap at chest level and junior won’t be able to open it himself, since it requires a “key” to unlock. Use the one that comes with the clip guard or any key you have at hand. So, even if junior unbuckles his restraints, he’ll still stay securely in his seat, thanks to the clip guard, which means that you can drive with peace of mind.

“I thought it was a bit pricey when I ordered it,” said dad Ravi Chelliah. “But since I started using it, I can see the value behind it. This chest clip is well made and solid and has been a lifesaver for our 2-year-old who unbuckles his seat all the time.”

CLOSE POP-IN CAR SEAT PROTECTOR

When you’re driving with a small child, one thing you can expect is the unexpected. Especially unexpected messes. That’s why this comes in really handy. Insert this seat protector over your booster seat to protect it from any “accidents”. Made from waterproof and stain-resistant material, it fits most car seats easily and even several strollers and high chairs. When it gets dirty, just throw it into the washing machine and it’ll come out looking brand new.

“What I really like is that it has a fleece lining you can detach once an accident happens and continue using the protector,” said mum-of-one Parvin Kaur.

A version of this article first appeared in SmartParents.

Read more of the latest in

Advertisement

Advertisement

Stay in the know. Anytime. Anywhere.

Subscribe to get daily news updates, insights and must reads delivered straight to your inbox.

By clicking subscribe, I agree for my personal data to be used to send me TODAY newsletters, promotional offers and for research and analysis.