Never be caught out again! For us mums, there is a lot of driving time here in Dubai, constantly zipping around with the kids. So, you need this list of essentials to make sure you’re prepared for every crazy adventure on the road. And before you say “where am I going to fit an extra ten things in my car?” Rest assured, most of these ideas are small enough to fit in your glove box, under the passenger seat or an unused corner of your boot. And you’ll thank us when they come to your rescue.

They’re all available at mumzworld – look out for the ‘Yalla’ tag which can get your items delivered to you within 24 hours. And don’t forget British Mums get 10% off year-round with promo code LOVEBM!

1. Wipes, wipes and more wipes

It goes without saying – wipes are the greatest invention known to parents. Even when you’re well beyond the nappy years, you can use them to clean up spills, take care of sticky fingers and food faces, sanitise toys, get stains off clothes, wipe dirty noses and about a thousand other things. 

*British Mums tip* keep them in a resealable bag in the glove box. The inbuilt AC stops them drying out.

https://www.mumzworld.com/en/waterwipes-baby-wipes-12×60-720-wipes?queryId=b500e81d4e52fedf7e7354d35b282b31&pos=3

2. Nappies

It’s always worth keeping a few spare nappies in your car so you’re always covered should you have to deal with a poonami situation enroute. Just don’t forget to change them when the little one goes up a nappy size. They can also be used to soak up spills in emergencies!

https://www.mumzworld.com/en/kit-kin-eco-diapers-size-4-9-14kg-34pcs

3. Nappy sacks

Having a roll of nappy sacks on hand for those unwanted nappy explosions! They’re also good for gathering up the zillion wrappers, drink bottles, lone LEGO pieces and coffee cups that find themselves peppered all over the car. They’re also great for muddy / sandy shoes.

https://www.mumzworld.com/en/kit-kin-diaper-sacks-60-pack?queryId=8d883ef5d3a90585a31011353789a92f&pos=1?queryId=8d883ef5d3a90585a31011353789a92f&pos=1

4. First aid kit

This pre-packaged travel version is great for treating small injuries and it’s small enough to squeeze into your side pocket or glove box – ideal for any bumps, grazes or insect bites.

https://www.mumzworld.com/en/max-medical-travel-first-aid-kit-fm010-with-contents

5. Water

There is nothing worse than hearing, “I’m thirrrrrsty!”  and you have forgotten their drink bottle, especially when it’s summer here. Keep a few extra bottles of water in the boot for your forgetful days.

https://www.mumzworld.com/en/al-ain-bambini-baby-water-330-ml-pack-of-12?queryId=f4555ff53911a5e3a5435d9622ac8e3b&pos=1?queryId=f4555ff53911a5e3a5435d9622ac8e3b&pos=1

6. Snacks

“I’m hungryyyyyyy!” is a constant backseat complaint. Make sure you keep a supply of healthy, shelf-stable snacks in your glove box in resealable packaging.

https://www.mumzworld.com/en/kiddylicious-veggie-straws-pack-of-4-12g?queryId=760ed9eb9a8aac3e3ba2ecbf8d082776&pos=1

7. Toddler books

If you’re stuck in a traffic jam, and have run out of your emergency snacks, it’s always good to have something else up your sleeve. Board books with flaps are a winner (we love this classic ‘Dear Zoo’). 

https://www.mumzworld.com/en/dear-zoo-1?queryId=1baf01212d2c5589a98139b62426106b&pos=18?queryId=1baf01212d2c5589a98139b62426106b&pos=18


8. Hand towel

Kids are drawn to water like moths to a flame. We can’t count the number of times when we’ve gone to the park or beach ‘just for a walk’ and three seconds later they’re soaking wet and need a towel.

https://www.mumzworld.com/en/generic-hand-towel-cute-camel-blue-dubai?queryId=01aaf996925b98f508887fa56d57ac43&pos=6?queryId=01aaf996925b98f508887fa56d57ac43&pos=6

9. Travel potty

As a mum, you really don’t want to be caught short if you’re in a long traffic jam. So have this portable potty stowed in the boot ready for your toddler to be comfortable when they’ve got to go.

https://www.mumzworld.com/en/hocc-perfect-mommy-s-helper-portable-travel-potty-urinal-yellow?queryId=8b48cb647c87d32bfa5f9a17e22de01c&pos=10?queryId=8b48cb647c87d32bfa5f9a17e22de01c&pos=10

10. Deodorant 

For you (not the kids) obviously. Stressful days and chasing toddlers around in the Dubai heat can leave you feeling less than fresh. Keep a travel-size deodorant in your car, just in case you run into Ryan Gosling at the supermarket. (You never know).

https://www.mumzworld.com/en/so-bio-organic-deodorant-roll-on-organic-coconut?queryId=df93aa8bcb9957619f23315919eae12d&pos=5