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Lauren Mullane: I sometimes have to use a 2 seater car to transport my son, he’s in a forward facing seat now and the chair is as far back from the dash as possible but should the airbag be on or off?
When toddlers reach maximum weight (usually 9-13kg) and the top of their head is at the top of the seat, they can move into a forward facing seat. Children are safest in the back seat of your car, but if your little one is travelling in the front, the airbag must be turned off as it could harm them in a crash. You can also turn off the passenger air bag and leave yours on.
It’s always best to go to a reputable car seat dealer and ask them to check over the safety to give you peace of mind – your local authority may also offer this service.
Sarah Spragg Nee Stickles: We often travel to visit family and with stops it takes at least 6 hours we have 4 children age 2 months to 9 years any tips to keep them entertained and a stress free journey!
Frequent breaks are a good idea and tailor the stops to suit your children’s varying needs so they eat, drink, play and go to the toilet. Have a few books, games and toys that are familiar (or they haven’t seen in a while) and take them out throughout the journey so there is novelty value in these things. Music and audiobooks are great fun in the car and everyone gets a turn to choose (even the littlest one). When the younger ones are napping, it’s nice if the older children have some travel puzzles and games to play with too.
Lola Rose: I was wondering about healthy, non-messy snacks for the car. I don’t want her to eat tons of raisins and hope others have ideas.
Always supervise children while they’re eating. Aldi Mamia Organic Pouches are just the job for long journeys and rice cakes are nice for them to hold. Keep topping up your child’s fluids during the trip so they don’t get dehydrated.
Sue Mark Cunnane Taylor: I have an autistic son he’s six he is dry during the day and at night but will not poop in the toilet any advice he does have sensory issues.
It may seem a funny thing to do but if you let him poo in his nappy at night on the potty, it will help him to feel comfortable and secure and let him go at his own pace. Let them sit on the potty in their nappy if they want to. Keep loosening the tabs day by day until it’s almost falling off; then replace the nappy with toilet paper.
As he grows familiar with being able to poo in a safe environment and has mastered it as part of his routine, you can gradually move him onto the toilet. Let him go at his own pace, keep calm and try not to show any irritation even though it may feel very trying.
Kate Hill: What is the best advice for travelling with a baby and a dog? Where should each of them be seated?
Your dog should travel in a cage or with a guard up in the rear of the car to keep it separated from your baby. Your child should be on the backseat of the car in an age appropriate car seat.
Kelly Gilson: Our 4 year old is toilet trained, however he struggles to hold it in. We are weary about him traveling without pull ups on when we visit the family, which is anything from a 4-7 hour journey. Apart from taking regular stops and ensuring he uses the toilet, is there anything else we can do to keep him dry on the journey. My fear is getting on the motorway and hearing that dreaded mummy I need wee. Thanks.
Try giving him a sandwich as one of his snacks cut into triangles, as bread absorbs fluid and keeps it in the gut for that restricted time. Do let him drink when he’s thirsty. Have a protector on his seat and a change of clothes in case he has an accident but play it cool if he does.
