Driving in general

Motion sickness: If this is your first trip with the children and you are unsure if they get motion sickness or not, it is best to be prepared. Have handy a change of clothes, wet face cloth and a bag or container they can be sick into in case you can't stop in time. There are several wrist bands on the market for motion sickness based on pressure points, available from most pharmacies.

Frequent stops: Aim for at least one stop every two hours and not just in a petrol station; there are many rest areas, some with playgrounds and toilets that offer the children a chance to stretch their legs and run around. The NSW Roads and Traffic Authority has a map of rest stops across the state. Go to http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/downloads/rest_area_map_dl1.html

Snacking: Keep snacks to a minimum and at specific times so it won't spoil their appetite, and non-sugary snacks are best. Although it is tempting to constantly offer your children food when they start getting whiney, this could lead to upset stomachs which could mean an even bigger problem of wiping vomit off the upholstery. Stop for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But always keep drinks of water on hand - especially in non spill cups for the littlies.

Toilet training: Continually ask small children and toddlers if they need to use the toilet as many get easily distracted when out of their normal routine. Take your children to the toilet with you when you stop, even if they say they don't want to go, as they probably will just when you start off again. If your child has only just started toilet training, then it could be a good idea to put them in a nappy or pull-ups for the trip just in case. Take a potty for those emergency road-side stops.

Sleeping: If possible, time your driving around your children's naps as the motion of the car will generally get babies, infants and most toddlers to sleep - especially if due for one. Just be ready to stop shortly after they wake as most will want to stretch and have a change of scenery. And the rule is - when driving, don't wake a sleeping child. If they are sleeping, keep driving (unless you are at your destination).

Car routine: Our car routine for long trips with a six month old - go to sleep, wake up, play, feed, play (including at rest stops), sleep. Sitting in the back with them helps and it is best to swap the driving - it gives baby someone new to play with and it can get tiring trying to occupy a baby for hours on end!

Family time and activities: Driving allows you the luxury to have some quality family time. Before you resort to DVDs or video games, take this opportunity as a chance to talk to your children and your partner and find out about what they want to get out of the holiday, what the children see out of the car and other just catch up, especially if you have had a busy work period before your trip with little time at home.

To get the children involved, photocopy the map and let them have a copy each to help navigate. This will make them feel like they have some input into the journey as well as occupy their time. It could also lead into a game where you can ask them to find certain cities or land marks on the map.

Be prepared to listen to lots of children's CDs and tapes. Make sure you have a few on hand and get the whole family involved in sing-a-longs - perfect if it is almost Christmas as we all know a few carols!

If you have tried all these games, your children don't want to sleep and "are we there yet?" is becoming a plea to get out of the car, the adult passenger may have to take a visit into the back if there is room to entertain, or perhaps adjudicate the children's activities.

See our games and activities articles for more suggestions.

Rubbish: It is a good idea to have small plastic bags in the back seat if the children are old enough to place their rubbish in, otherwise keep some in the front and monitor what is happening with the rubbish in the back seat.

Sunscreen: Don't think it is silly when you are applying sunscreen to your body to spend a day in the car - the sun, especially Australian summer sun, which can be very harmful and can burn you through tinted windows and shade clothes so it is best to either wear protective clothing or apply sunscreen.

Packing: When packing the car, make sure you have everything you need for the journey accessible. If you know you need to change nappies and feed a baby, have this ready at the top of the boot or in your normal nappy bag (with snacks etc) and in a reachable distance so you can pass drinks and snacks to your children. It is always easiest to pack the bulky items first and move up and out from there. That also means there is less of a chance that your partner will make you unpack those must-have items in your suitcase when it is at the bottom of the boot!

Stop, revive, survive. The regular breaks aren't just for the children, but also the adults who have the important and responsible job of getting to your destination safely. If you feel you are getting tired. Stop, swap with your partner if possible, it is fine to get to your destination a little later than planned.

Seatbelts and car seats
Australia: It is Australian law for all passengers of any age to be fastened by a seat belt. From birth until six months or 9kg and 70cm, babies have to be in a rear facing car seat or capsule secured by a bolt or hook, with a five-point harness.

From six - nine months or 8-12kg until five years, a child must be in an approved child seat. Ensure the baby can sit upright properly. Again, the child is secured by a five-point harness system.

Once their shoulders don't fit comfortably any more or their eye level is higher than the back of the child seat - it is time for a booster seat. Booster seats are suitable for children weighing 14-26kg and are large enough for an adult seat belt. Again, once their shoulders don't fit comfortably and their eye level is higher than the back of the booster seat, they have outgrown the booster.

It is recommended all children should sit in the back seat at all times where ever possible, especially when a car is fitted with airbags in the front as they are designed for adults.

Adults are obligated to buckle up whenever they are in the car travelling no matter how short the distance or where you are in Australia.

This article is courtesy of My Travel Angel, a  family travel resource which helps you to experience the world as a family with ease – from planning your trip to arriving home again.