I don’t know why this particular problem has hit us with a vengeance over the last year, but both of our kids have thrown up in the car more than once…I think we’re at a total of at least five vomit incidents since last Fall. Sometimes, it was thanks to a tummy bug or virus, other times, it was baby spit up, and once it was just a mysterious coughing-fit-turned-vomit mishap. And for some reason, I’ve been alone and in the middle nowhere 75% of the time when it happened.
There’s just nothing like pulling over to tend to your sick kids while attempting to clean your disgusting vehicle. Here’s what I did to make it easier for any future issues, and I have to say it’s a huge comfort having this in the car! You know what they say about carrying an umbrella? Let’s hope after I make this I never see vomit again. (Sorry for repeating that word over and over.)
Of course, when you are on the road with a sick little one, you won’t be able to completely clean up any messes…you’ll just need to get the worst of it taken care of so you can focus on helping out your child while also getting home. Here’s how I created a kit to do just that.
The Supplies
In my kit, I have:
Swaddlers
I changed how I use swaddlers once I had a baby with acid reflux. Gone are the days when I used them to make my newborn snug and sleepy. Now, they are a great part of this kit because they have proven themselves to be excellent at wiping up big messes (again and again). You can also use a swaddler as a giant bib, to cover up your kiddo in case of future issues. Plus, they are just comforting and can act as a blankie even in the summer, because they are light.
Cheap Kids’ Clothes
You’ll want some clean clothes that you don’t care about as a backup for your kids. You can grab something you already have, or get something from Goodwill or Walmart if need be. Look for clothes that are comfy.
A Diaper and Pull-Up
Pull-Ups could come in handy for kids of any age who are having diarrhea. Sorry, but I had to say it. At least one backup diaper is great for little ones who aren’t potty trained yet in any situation.
Powerade, Pedialyte, and/or a Water Bottle
It’s all about hydration and replacing electrolytes when it comes to tummy troubles, so throw one of these in your bag as well to really cover your bases.
Kleenex, Paper Towels, and Baby Wipes
A small travel pack of Kleenex can really come in handy with all kinds of sickness. I also threw in a few paper towels for bigger messes.
I always have baby wipes with me in my diaper bag, but this is just in case I’m low, don’t have my bag, or for any other unforeseeable reason. Baby wipes come in handy for everything–not just bottoms, but wiping up hands, clothes, car upholstery, and, well, you get the idea. I plan on having baby wipes in my car at all times for basically the rest of my life.
Children’s Acetaminophen
For fevers, aches, and pains, of course! There have been several times when I wished I had some with me. I try not to overdo it, but when my daughter is teething I give her a dose before bedtime, and I don’t always remember to have this on hand.
Essential Oil Spray
Last fall, I threw these pretty, tiny glass spray bottles in my cart on Amazon, and I’m so glad I did. I was able to create little travel sprays that work wonders for disinfecting the air, soothing upset kiddos, and adding a nice scent where there once was something unmentionable. Here’s a quick recipe if you’re interested in making these too.
Simple Essential Oil Spray for Travel
10 oz. water (these bottles hold 10 oz.)
7 drops lavender
3 drops peppermint
Just shake and spray in the front air vents of the car so it carries to the back where your kiddos are. Do not spray directly on your child, of course. 🙂
A Wet Bag and Trash Bag
You’ll need a wet bag for storing clothes to be washed, and a trash bag for throwing away used wipes, Kleenex, and paper towels. You can see I got real technical here with my “wet bag”.
Extras
Bonus points for throwing in all the extras you can think of…like Tums, band-aids, or hand sanitizer.
Choose Your Container
You might like to store fragile or small things in a little container within your kit. I used a small container (confession: a plastic take-out container that’s surprisingly sturdy and comes with a lid) for the essential oil spray (wrapped in a paper towel), Kleenex, medicine, and extra paper towels. They fit in there perfectly!
Gather everything you have and then decide what you’d like to put it in. I could tell my things would fit pretty easily in a good ol’ cloth shopping bag. If you prefer a plastic bin, go for it!
And, if you’re worried about extreme temperatures affecting medications, just check that handy old label. Using a bag like this means I can grab it quickly to move it out of the car on insanely hot or cold days.
Once you’ve made this kit, you should be ready to handle almost anything your kids can throw at you…figuratively speaking, of course. I’ve got mine ready for our day trips and I hope I never have to use it.
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Hi there! I'm a busy stay-at-home mama fueled by chocolate and livin' on a prayer. This is where I share what I'm learning about, loving, and doing lately with our fantastic family of four. It's also my place to connect with and learn from you, too! 
awe…..bless ya’ll! That is the worst!
The wet bag is key for so many things!
Yes it is! I actually put two of those ziplocks in. There can never be enough!
Ok I’m almost 7 years into this Mom thing and I can say we’ve had no vomit *fingers crossed* it stays that way (but probably not because I just said it out loud!) But anyway, this is a genius idea!! I try and at least keep clean clothes in our car, but the other stuff would come in handy too!
We went for more than three years without vomit in the car, and then BAM, vomit city. *sigh*
This is so smart! I should definitely put one of these in my car!
Glad you like it, and I hope you never have to use it too! 🙂