I’ve always been someone who gets car sick — for as long as I can remember. (Ironic, considering how much time I now spend in the car.) Because of that, I was always nervous my kids would inherit the same trait.
Thankfully, so far they haven’t. But there was a stretch of a few trips in a row where my oldest got sick, and I started to worry we were heading down that road.
Then came the moment that sealed the deal: our first true car ride puke… in the middle of a snowstorm… with no backup supplies in the car.
That was the moment I realized a “Car Sick Bag” was absolutely essential for road trips.
Now we never travel without one. Below is everything I keep in our bag — and how each item can make your life a little easier if disaster strikes.
This Bag
I love this bag- great size, easy to open, neutral, and stores all of the following items. It tucks well under the seat and is ready for emergencies! Get it here.

My kids need something to snuggle- especially when they’re traveling or sad. This waterproof blanket is great for after they have been sick or feel like they’re going to be. It’s so easy to clean, but still soft and snuggly. Get it here

Same thing is true for the toys. They like having stuffed animals to play or snuggle with. These ones are super easy to clean and they some great options that will bring a smile when pulled out of the bag! Get them here

I keep a handful in our sick bag as well as our diaper bag. They’re great to lay out under their carseat as well as under them in their carseat. It makes for a much quicker pickup or keeps them dry if they’ve already been sick creating a dry barrier for them. Get my favorite kind here.

Change of clothes- WITH BUTTONS
The last thing you want to do when your kid has been sick on their clothes is peel them over their head. They hate it, I hate it….no one has a good time. Having a change of clothes easy to reach is essential- and making sure they have buttons in the front is the quickest way to ensure an easy change. Check out my favorite kind here

I first discovered these when I was pregnant with my oldest. Although they did nothing for me (LOL) they seem to help my kids! Whether it’s placebo or not…I’ll take it! We talk up the magic bracelets and it seems to help! Get them here

These are a guaranteed success for us when there has been an upset stomach- whether it’s at the beginning or afterwards. It cheers up the kids, they help to settle their stomach, and they have healthier ingredients. They are a win all around! Get them here

You don’t want to be caught without these. They are small enough for little hands to use- and they are easy to dispose of and lock in the smell better. They’re a must in our bag! Get them here

I always have a couple of these on hand to toss any clean up in a bag, AND another for any soiled clothes. I have such a hard time with the smell of vomit and these do a good job of locking the odors in as well as coming in fun colors becuase anything that can help make the situation a little more colorful helps *just a little.* Plus, I’m all for color coding to make clean up easier- green to the garbage, blue to the wash machine! Get them here

Earlier when I said I can’t handle the smell of vomit? I mean I really, really can’t. It’s quite pathetic. This helps cut the odor and makes for a quick clean up. I won’t travel without it now! Get it here

Keeping a special water bottle for when their sick serves two purposes. One, it’s something new or different than their norm which helps cheer them up and two, germs. I know this is the sick water bottle and so do my kids. No concerns about sharing or mixing them up. Get my favorite one here

These are great because they can be a quick fix to stains on clothes or a car seat that you’re trying to clean up quickly without wanting it to stain. You generally don’t have a lot of time to focus on this side of the sickness until you get to your destination- so these help make things easier to manage when it’s time to tackle the big clean up. I am the biggest fan of their stain fighting power- and have yet to find something it doesn’t work on! Get them here

They’re bleach free and work well for a quick clean without taking up too much space! I love these and keep a pack in my bag for any messes that arise. Get them here

Road trips with kids come with their fair share of surprises, but a little preparation can make all the difference. A simple car sick bag keeps you ready for the unexpected so the journey can keep moving forward.
Because at the end of the day, the goal isn’t just to survive traveling with littles — it’s to enjoy the ride.
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