HOW TO CREATE A ‘GRAB-AND-GO’ EMERGENCY SENSORY KIT FOR THE CAR

As parents, we have to become skilled at prepping for “emergency” scenarios with our kids - always having an extra change of clothes, snacks, a few extra diapers and wipes in all of the bags, band-aids in the purse, et cetera. But what about the emergency situation where you’re stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic and the kids are getting antsy? Or there’s an unexpected flight delay on a travel day? Toddler meltdowns can happen fast, which is why being prepared for situations like delays or long waits can set the whole family up for success. Entertainment emergencies require their own dedicated plan.

Introducing the “Grab-and-Go” Sensory Kit! Keeping a special play solution in the car or when traveling that’s dedicated for the unexpected delays is the best way to prep for situations like these. Using the Mothercould Kids Travel Organizer as the perfect vessel, we can ensure instant access without adding to car clutter. Let’s talk through how to set up a play kit that’s ready to keep the meltdowns at bay.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Container

So why aren’t ziploc bags or tote bags the best solution? If you have a bag that’s just one big open section, it makes finding things impossible. Especially if you’re reaching around in the dark, or there’s a meltdown already happening and you can’t pull out the race car fast enough. It’s easier for things to get lost under the seat, pieces falling out, and difficult to keep organized.

That’s where the Mothercould Kids Travel Organizer comes into play. The organizer is compact with carrying handles on the outside. Once unzipped, it unfolds to reveal nicely organized sections that keep everything exactly where it was when you packed it. There are clear and mesh compartments that make it easy to see everything at once. The durable, wipeable material means messes are easy to clean up, and it’s small enough to fit under a seat or tucked into a purse or diaper bag. There’s room for a wide variety of activities, meaning there’s a spot for all of the favorite toys when packing for a trip with kids.

Step 2: Choosing Car-Safe & Heat-Safe Activities

When choosing what should go inside your “Grab-and-Go” Sensory Kit, remember that the goal for this bag is that it can live in the car longterm, only needing to come out when it’s time to change the activities or restock. That being said, these items should be “heat-safe” meaning they won’t melt if they’re left in a hot car. Items like slime and play dough can turn into a goopy mess when they’re too hot. Stick with dryer textures and self-contained elements to help prevent too much mess.

Additionally, we need to make sure that items are car-safe, meaning shatterproof, projectile-safe, and non-distracting for the driver. Hard or sharp items, like some sensory play tools or large toy trucks, may not be the safest options for travel. 

Step 3: What to Pack in Your Sensory Kit

We know that sensory play is great for regulation,helping calm kids when they’re overstimulated, and supports fine motor skills. Having some sensory options packed are great for those moments when a meltdown is coming and everyone is frustrated about an unexpected delay - they can help calm everyone down and keep the mood peaceful while waiting.

Here are some ideas for what to include in your sensory play kit:

• Tactile Fidgets: Silicone pop-its, textured stress rings, stretchy noodle fidgets, slow-rising squishies… all of these are great options for your sensory kit! They keep busy hands occupiedwithout distracting the driver or other flight passengers. 

• Suction Toys: Window spinners and Squigz (silicone suction toys that stick together) are great options for travel. The window spinners are especially great for younger kids, while the Squigz are fun for older kids to build unique creations.

• Magnetic Play Trays & Toys: Magnetic toys are awesome for travel because it’s easier to keep small pieces together. A magnetic drawing pad or magnetic tangram set are great options, as well as mini magnetic tiles and magnetic men.

• Dry Fidget Tubes: DIY or store-bought sealed tubes are great sensory tools. They can be filled with glitter and sequins for a calming visual effect, or filled with rice and small items that children will have to turn the bottle around to try to find. Seek and find toys like work great too! The calming visual stimulation is a great tool when trying to remain meltdown-free during travel.

• Texture Boards: Create some tactile swatch cards with a variety of textures, like velvet, sequin flip-fabric, silicone mats with different textures, et cetera. They can be kept on a keyring to keep all of the cards together. These provide great calming tactile sensory input, just make sure to choose materials that won’t melt if left in a hot car.

Step 4: Tips for Success

Use for “emergencies” only! Keep this kit hidden and use it specifically for those unexpected scenarios where you need a little extra support. That will keep the items in your sensory kit special and kids will learn that they are for particular scenarios. Use the kit for a true meltdown scenario or a long delay to maintain novelty and high engagement for your kids.

Keep your Mothercould Kids Travel Organizer under a seat in the car or in a trunk organizer. After the kit has been used a couple times, swap out a few of the items to keep the tools and toys feeling new and exciting. 

Remember that a ten minute set up today could prevent an hour long meltdown tomorrow. Building a “Grab-and-Go” Sensory Kit is a great way to be prepared for any delays or sensory needs. Experiment with what is most helpful for your kids when they’re overwhelmed - knowing their needs and preferences is how you can pack the most effective kit.

The Mothercould Kids Travel Organizer is an amazing tool for this! Keeping everything compact and organized means less mess, and you know where everything is at a glance. Give it a try and prepare for your next big parenting win!