18 things all parents should keep in their cars

As a parent, you expect a few kid breakdowns from time to time – especially when you're on a road trip – but would you be prepared for a different kind of breakdown?

Being prepared for unexpected situations on the road, like flat tires or a grumpy battery, is key to a smooth ride with little ones. I'm a mom of three, a mechanical engineer, and a product tester – so I know a thing or two about car essentials. I also spoke with Ellen Edmonds, who is an expert from the roadside assistance company AAA , to learn just what we need in the car at all times in case of emergencies.

Basic safety items

Hopefully it never happens, but if you do have a car emergency, you'll want your car to be well stocked  – especially if you have your little ones with you. These items are all relatively small and should be able to fit in your trunk easily, but you can also get creative and find other compartments like the front seat glove compartment for items like device chargers and flashlights.

1. First-aid kit: Be prepared for minor scrapes, cuts, or fevers with a well-stocked first-aid kit. The American Red Cross Auto Kit for Family kit is compact and portable, and has large, clear pockets so you can find those most used products like bandaids, disinfectant wipes, and pain relievers – fast.
2. Flashlight: A reliable flashlight like the ThruNite Archer 2A C Flashlight is essential for roadside emergencies at night or when the weather makes it challenging to see otherwise. "The dark can be scary for small children,” says Edmonds. “A flashlight can even make for a fun game while you wait for help to arrive.”
3. Device charger: Keeping your phone (or your breast pump) charged up can prevent a major problem on the road. I use the Anker portable power bank because it’s super compact, charges all types of devices quickly, and can charge two devices at once.
4. Drinking water and non-perishable snacks: Being stuck in traffic or dealing with an unexpected delay can leave everyone feeling hangry.  If you have a baby who needs formula, "you’ll want to make sure you keep non-perishable formula on hand” says Edmonds. You can keep a formula dispenser like the Philips Avent handy since it can hold up to three portions of 9-ounce feeds and you can mix the powder and water together before pouring in the bottles. For yourself and older children, pack a variety of non-perishable snacks like granola bars, trail mix, and fruit pouches to keep everyone happy in a pinch. A good rule of thumb? Try keeping two to three water bottles per family member in the car at all times. And don't forget about your pets! Edmonds says you'll need the same amount of water for them, too – and bringing along a portable water bowl can help them stay hydrated. The Kalimdor portable dispenser is great because it cuts down on water waste.
5. Basic tools: A wrench that is compatible with your car's tires (most tires need a ½-inch size wrench) will help you loosen lug nuts in the event you need to take off a tire and replace it with a spare. A multi-tool like this Leatherman’s option is always a good idea, too – you might find yourself in need of scissors, pliers, or a screwdriver. Bonus? Both are super compact so they can be stored in your console compartment or glove box.
6. Tire pressure gauge: Underinflated tires are a safety hazard and can decrease fuel efficiency. A tire pressure gauge like Jaco’s ElitePro Digital gauge helps you monitor your tire pressure. A good rule of thumb? “AAA recommends checking the tire pressure and tread at least once a month," says Edmonds.
7. Digital air pump: A flat or deflated tire can be stressful, especially with kids in the car. A digital air pump can quickly inflate your tire to a safe pressure, allowing you to get to a repair shop for a replacement, more pressure, or a tire patch.

8. Jumper cables: Jumper cables or a portable jump starter can help you get a quick start from a battery source or other vehicle. I like having a portable jump starter with a built-in power source so you can jumpstart your car on your own if needed. I keep the easy-to-use JumpSmart in each of my cars and have already used it four times in the past year on my friends’ cars. Just make sure you charge it up before stocking it in your car.

Key Takeaways

• If you do have a car emergency, you'll want your car to be well stocked with basic safety items.
• If you have room, items to help with kiddo-related spills, spit-ups, and blow-outs can also be helpful.
• You can keep all your gear stored in places like the trunk or glove compartment, and keep smaller items in clear totes or pouches to stay organized.

Nice-to-have items

The safety items above are most important, but if you have extra room or storage in your family car, there are a few more items that may make your life a little easier if you find yourself in an emergency:

9. Warning triangles: In the case of a breakdown, you want to put reflective or warning triangles outside of your vehicle to indicate you need help and to encourage other drivers to slow down.
10. Cold weather tools: If you live somewhere where it snows, an ice scraper or snow brush and shovel can help remove ice and snow from around your tires and the bottom of your car. If you are able to store more cold-weather items, Edmunds also says having non-clumping cat litter or sand is also a good idea. Just keep a small bag of it in a storage container in your trunk during the colder months. Sprinkle it in front of your wheels that are stuck, and you may be able to get some extra traction to help you get unstuck.
11. Towel and blanket: Spills, accidents, or a surprise thunderstorm can leave you needing to dry off or stay warm. Towels and blankets are versatile items that can be used for lots of different things. Unfortunately for me, the last time they came in handy was to clean up after one of my children got sick, but I was sure glad I had them. And in case your heater stops working or you're stranded somewhere in the wintertime, "it's good to have extra coats, hats, gloves, and blankets to provide extra warmth" says Edmonds.

12. Umbrella: Be prepared for sudden downpours with a sturdy umbrella and rain ponchos for everyone in the car.

13. Work gloves: Protect your hands during roadside repairs or emergencies with a simple pair of work gloves . They can be especially helpful if you’re working with greasy parts, not to mention, can help protect your hands from cuts, scrapes, or blisters.

    Being prepared for unexpected situations on the road, like flat tires or a grumpy battery, is key to a smooth ride with little ones.

Parenting items that can help in a pinch

Of course the essentials above are important, but I've found it helpful to also be prepared for spit-ups, blow-outs, potty training, spills, and more while on the road. Below are some items I always have on hand (and that I've put to good use time and time again).

14. Extra clothes: Keep a full change of clothes and a few diapers for each child in a designated bag or bin in your car, says Edmonds. In my car, we organize everything in individual AmazonBasics Packing Travel Cube s with a name label on each one so it’s easy to grab for whomever may need it.

15. Potty: A portable potty like Summer Infant’s My Travel Potty can be a lifesaver for long stretches in the car, especially for toddlers who are in the middle of potty training. It’s compact and versatile – you can use it with the legs in place as a standalone potty, just line it with a bag, or use it atop a toilet as a liner. Just make sure you have plenty of potty bags and wipes in case you can't get to a trash can for a while.

16. DropStop: This specific product, the DropStop , latches over your buckles and is able to stop crumbs and little trinkets from disappearing into the abyss beside the passenger and driver seats. While it's not a must per say, it sure has kept my car a little bit cleaner.

17. Toys and games: For older kiddos, Edmonds recommends keeping a spare or two of each kiddo's favorite toys and a few quiet activities in the car for emergencies. Think games, mess-free art supplies, or anything else that doesn't require Internet or electricity. Favorites for our car adventures include a good Quiet Book , Squigz , Wikki Stix , Sticker Pads , and Water Wow books.

18. Portable vacuum: I always keep my Bissel AeroSlim portable vacuum in my car to keep things tidy before they get disorderly. My older kids enjoy vacuuming, so they find it fun to get a turn using it by their seat, and I get to keep the car more manageable between bigger cleans.

How to keep your car gear organized

While it might seem like a lot to keep on hand, having these essentials organized in a designated bin or tote bag in your trunk will make them easy to find when you need them most. The trunk is a great out-of-the-way space to keep your emergency kit organized yet easily accessible, says Edmonds. Of course, if your trunk is filled with other baby essentials like a stroller and diaper bag, you don't have to have everything on this list – just prioritize what's most important for your family.

Use clear pouches or bags so you can see everything at a glance, and consider labeling compartments by name or type of item for quick access. These clear pouches come in a variety of sizes, zip up tightly, and are super compact for easy storing.

Remember, having these items ready-to-go for unexpected situations can provide peace of mind and keep your family safe on the road. "Having a well-stocked emergency kit and a plan should you break down will help alleviate stress in the moment," says Edmonds. You can also consider a service like AAA , that can provide roadside assistance 24/7 in the event you need it.

Final tip? Make a habit of checking your emergency kit supplies one a month, says Edmonds, and replace everything as needed. That means, check flashlights to make sure they have batteries, check snacks to make sure they're not expired, and restock all those items you use frequently like bandaids and diapers. You can set a reminder in your phone at the end of every month so you don't forget. Happy and safe travels!