Winter Road Trips, Kids, and a Real-Life Conversation About Safety

35 minutes ago
3 min read

I recently did a 6.5 hour road trip with kids — solo with my two children (aged 5 and 2) and our dog.

Am I crazy?!?! I know right!!

This is something we used to do every year when my husband was alive, and it felt really important for me to keep that tradition going.

Somewhere between snack requests, toilet stops, and “are we there yet?” — it got me thinking about something not talked about enough in parenting, child safety, and first aid conversations:

Choking risk in the car.

Can You Feed Kids in the Car? (Real Life vs Textbook Advice)

If you’ve searched this before, you’ve probably seen:“Never feed your child in the car.”

And yes — from a child safety and first aid perspective, that is ideal.

But let’s be real.

Parents across Australia are doing school runs, long drives, and road trips with kids every day. Kids eat in cars - period.

As a Paediatric Nurse Consultant and mum based in NSW, I’ll say it clearly: I have fed my children in the car.

My car? Needs vacuuming daily (sometimes twice) thanks to crumbs and snacks.

So instead of unrealistic expectations, let’s talk about what actually matters: reducing choking risk in real-life situations.

Why Choking Risk Is Higher in the Car

Choking is one of the leading causes of injury in young children in Australia.

In a moving vehicle, the risk increases because:

You cannot continuously observe your child
You cannot respond immediately
You cannot safely stop straight away (especially on highways like the M1 or M5)

And most importantly: Choking is silent.

There may be no coughing, no noise — just airway obstruction.

This is why baby and child first aid education is critical for parents and caregivers.

How to Reduce Choking Risk When Travelling With Kids

This is where your Sick Sense comes in — practical, real-world decision making.

1. Feed Before You Travel

Offer meals before getting in the car
Plan departure times around naps to maximise sleep

This reduces the need for in-car feeding altogether.

2. Use Breaks Strategically

Plan stops based on your child’s routine:

When they wake from sleep
When they become unsettled
Every 1.5–2 hours on longer drives

Use these stops for:

Meals and snacks
Toileting
Movement and play

Search tip: best road trip stops with kids NSW, family travel tips Australia

3. Choose Safer Foods for the Car

If feeding in the car is unavoidable, choose low choking risk foods:

Yogurt
Custard
Soft sandwiches
Mashed or soft foods

4. Avoid High-Risk Choking Foods

These foods are commonly associated with choking in children:

Whole grapes (unless cut safely)
Carrot sticks
Hard lollies
Nuts
Round, firm, or slippery foods

Search terms: choking hazards toddlers Australia, foods that cause choking children

5. Avoid Feeding at High Speeds

Try to avoid feeding during:

Highway driving
Long uninterrupted stretches

Because you cannot safely stop quickly in an emergency.

6. Plan Proper Food Breaks

Pack a lunch box and plan structured stops:

Rest areas
Parks
Family-friendly stops

This allows children to sit, eat safely, and reset.

Road Trip Safety With Kids: It’s About Risk Reduction, Not Perfection

There is always a gap between: What we’re told to do vs what real life looks like

Social media often shows the “perfect” version of parenting.

But real parenting? It’s messy. It’s flexible. It’s adaptive.

And sometimes — yes — kids eat in the car.

The goal is not perfection.

The goal is: making safer choices where you can.

The Sick Sense Approach to Child Safety

At The Sick Sense, we don’t teach fear. We teach confidence, recognition, and action.

You don’t need to diagnose your child.

You need to know:

When they are okay to monitor at home
When to seek GP care
When something is urgent

This applies to choking, illness, and emergencies.

Want to Feel More Confident in Baby & Child First Aid?

If this resonates with you, this is exactly what we teach:

Learn how to:

Respond to choking
Perform CPR
Recognise red flags in children
Make confident decisions under pressure

The Sick Sense Takeaway

You don’t need to be perfect.

You need to be prepared.

Because when it comes to your child —confidence beats panic every time.

Let me help you. Tap into you're own Sick Sense!