Toddlers traveling around Europe?

Nick-Dani-Bowes

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Hello, we are looking to buy our first motorhome and take our three year old (Tilly) with us.
She is very busy and loves doing things, other than screen based activites what other things could we get for her to keep her occupied on the road?
Also what are the regulation re car seats etc.
Thank you Nick,Dani and Tilly.:)
 
You will need a van with at least 3 belted seats as fitted new by the manufacturer. That way you can use the normal child car seat of your choice. Don't even think about lashing something up as that is probably illegal, your insurance will be invalid and, surely, your cargo is far too precious.

When ours were young there were no such things as tablet computers. In the car, we used to hang a bag over the front seats filled with books, games and colouring activities, plus take frequent comfort breaks.
 
You will need a van with at least 3 belted seats as fitted new by the manufacturer. That way you can use the normal child car seat of your choice. Don't even think about lashing something up as that is probably illegal, your insurance will be invalid and, surely, your cargo is far too precious.

When ours were young there were no such things as tablet computers. In the car, we used to hang a bag over the front seats filled with books, games and colouring activities, plus take frequent comfort breaks.
Bag over the youngsters head might be good ! :devilish::eek:(n)
 
Bag over the youngsters head might be good ! :devilish::eek:(n)
Having had 2 nights in succession where we have been subjected to the 'screaming abdabs' of spoiled small children on each side of our pitch, I tend to agree ...

In a more rational mode, however, and in light of the events that led to yesterday's heart wrenching decision to terminate a life support system provision, I would settle for parents/grandparents who can control the behaviour of their charges, and who also clean up after their dogs. But, were that to happen, what would I find to moan about in my cosseted wee world? 🙄

Steve
 
Thank you all for your replys, some made us laugh very much, there is so much info out there its mind blowing.
Is there a make of van oround 09 plate 6 berth to avoid?
Nick
 
also clean up after their dogs
Or, other people's dogs ...

But back on topic, it will be a fabulous adventure for her; what about teaching her a phrase in the language of the country you are in each day? You could make it relevant to your trip, like 'let's look for a tractor' and 'I see a tractor'. It will give her something to look for, and teach her language skills at the best time in her life to absorb them.
 
You can have a retro seat fitted, by law if its a wooden floor it dont have to be in line with mot regs, but if a steel floor it must have regulation size under plates fitted to comply and pass, mine is a wood floor but i made strong bars to link under the main chassis to be safe, if fitting your self ph the insurance co and email picks, some may ask for an engineers report, truth is better to buy a 4 belted van with forward facing seats.van h.jpgkearny a.jpg
 
Or, other people's dogs ...

But back on topic, it will be a fabulous adventure for her; what about teaching her a phrase in the language of the country you are in each day? You could make it relevant to your trip, like 'let's look for a tractor' and 'I see a tractor'. It will give her something to look for, and teach her language skills at the best time in her life to absorb them.
Thats what we intend to do, I really want to get the most out of every experiance, we are goingto do UK first, get used to the motorhome etc.
 
When we toured with our 4 children (youngest 2y old, oldest 10y and eventually them stopping when the youngest reached 16y old) there was a regular magazine called "Story Teller". It came with a cassette tape (remember those) whereby the written words in the magazine were read aloud and a beep indicated to turn to the next page (a job for the older kids). All four of them spend many a happy mile with the tapes playing.

I'm sure technology today offers other opportunities of a similar nature: I know we bought the grandchildren a collection of booklets for Xmas which could be placed in a "player" but it is probably mains powered.

HTH - Gordon
 
If you get a van with a dinette it'll probably have two very secure forward-facing seats with 3 point belts and of course a very useful table, you can get some matting for the table so stuff stays where you put it.
 
When our kids were that age, taking them to a motorhome dealers guaranteed bad service. At that time, only old folks could afford motorhomes, so we weren't taken seriously. Despite that, we found the van we liked.
Yes, a dinette is a good setup for young kids. They can look out and see what they're passing, have toys on the table. Maps when they're older.
Wild camping wasn't great: they liked sites where there were other kids to play with.
Be sure to check whether you need child seats that fit with a three-point belt. I don't think many motorhome seats have isofix fittings.
 
On child seats..
They must be forward or rear facing with the correct seat/booster for their age/weight.. they can not use side facing seats.
New type ( been out a few years) lap belt fixing booster seats are available so you dont need 3 point belts.. its stamped on the side of the child seat if its suitable for a lap belt. ( we use them for our grandchildren as we only have lap belts in the rear )
I have checked and they are legal in uk/eu
 

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