How to successfully get through a car trip with children

In addition to the timely checks of the car to make sure that all mechanical and safety elements are working correctly, advance planning is necessary, especially if we are going to travel for several hours as a family.

The month of July is approaching, and with it the first major operation of the holiday. In addition to the appropriate checks of the car to ensure that all mechanical and safety elements are working correctly, it is:
advance planning requiredespecially if we are going to travel for several hours as a family.

You should never leave everything to the last minute, especially not a family trip. Improvising while traveling is fine, but not exactly in a displacement of these characteristics. Before traveling, it is essential to obtain information about the traffic situation on the roads you will be using, as well as possible alternative routes in the event of adverse weather conditions.

During the journey, it is also possible to listen to the informative bulletins broadcast by the Traffic Information Service on the various radio stations throughout the national territory. So, for all
travel is as smooth as possibleKeep these other guidelines in mind:

Plan down to the last detail: Do not program extremely long rides, they should not exceed 6 hours on days of intense heat. At the same time, it is advisable not to go out on specific dates and times with a lot of traffic, and not to drive on safe roads, such as highways and expressways, which allow relaxed and quiet driving, where children can easily fall asleep.

Use the air conditioner sparingly: before children get into the vehicle, it is advisable to check that the temperature inside is between 21 and 23 degrees. If the vehicle has been exposed to the sun, we must first ventilate it by lowering the windows. Likewise, it is important not to make the mistake of keeping the child warm when using the air conditioning as it is necessary for them to wear comfortable and loose clothing for the retention system to work effectively. Check regularly if it is extremely cold or hot, taking the temperature of the feet as a reference.

The right choice of child seat: Due to the fact that some parts are made of metal, the Child Restraint System (CRS) can reach dangerous temperatures in the summer and cause burns to the exposed skin of the little ones, but its use is non-negotiable. Under the new regulations that the DGT will impose at the beginning of 2021, those who drive without or incorrectly use the SRI will be penalized with 200 euros and 4 points on their driver’s license. To avoid this, check that the CRS is approved for the age, weight and height of the child, in addition to being installed correctly, in the reverse direction in the case of babies.

Prevent children’s inconveniences: Dizziness is very common in such hot months and can cause stressful situations for the driver. Do not give them heavy or large amounts of food and do not forget to bring several bottles of water. At the same time, although it has become a common method of entertaining the little ones, using smartphones to watch movies or play games is not recommended as it increases the risk of dizziness. If the child still feels unwell, it may be a good option to have him sit in the middle back seat so that he can see a point in the distance.

The copilot as the center: The co-pilot is the driver’s great ally when it comes to countering the potential distractions of traveling with children. Using songs, games and stories helps to calm crying and complaints and to keep the focus away from the person behind the wheel. In the event that the driver is the only adult behind the wheel, it is most advisable to leave all the necessary elements within the reach of the children, or to stop the vehicle and attend to their needs.

Source: La Verdad

Ida

I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.