Need Dad Mods

I was thinking about this too but I didn’t want anything strapped to the headrest and for me it would have to be mounted between the two front seats so both the girls could watch. I haven’t found anything yet. But to go with this would be (if they are big enough) headphones. I have a pair in my cart that always 1 to connect to device then the second connects to the first headphone- they will be dedicated for the truck. Or a cleaner/no wire setup would be Bluetooth

 

$30 Cellet Car Cradle Holder Compatible for All iPads, Samsung Galaxy Tabs, Amazon Fire, Microsoft Surface

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075G4KRM5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_2V7089PAEDYFKEVMCFZV?_encoding=UTF8

Was thinking something like this in the cup holder. My kids are younger (3yo and 11 months so we would need access to the tablet to change it as needed) of course the little one is rear facing so he's SOL.

 

plenty of options. Just look on Amazon. I'd get one that attaches between the posts of the headrest. Depending on how much you want to spend, you can even get ones that slide into the middle between the front seats.

I wouldn't get one that occupies a cup holder. Those become valuable real estate.

 

^^^ this. Also be ready to buy a new one each trip. My kids have destroyed several of them over the years. Pieces also seem to disappear. iPad luckily has survived so far.

 

I really wish Nokia made an iPad....thing could fall from a mountain top without a case and not miss a beat

 

Has anyone put seat jackers on both driver and passenger seats? Has it helped with storage or room for car seats? Currently have the Graco 4ever seat and some beach takes up all the room. Looking at the Nuna or possibly changing seats as they grow to help with room since my truck won't be the main baby hauler.

 

I did all of this research awhile back when my kid was a bit younger. He's a beast and seems to live by the motto "if it isn't broke, I will find a way to break it." Seriously.

I found that the kinds of attachments to hold an iPad don't really support the best devices to protect the iPad, if that makes sense. So I went down this path and got this:

$15 AVAWO Kids Case for iPad 2 3 4 (Old Model) 9.7" - Light Weight Shock Proof Convertible Handle Stand Kids Friendly for iPad 2, iPad 3rd Generation, iPad 4th Generation Tablet - Blue

https://www.amazon.com/AVAWO-Kids-C...gid=pla-571127890753&ref=&adgrpid=67183599252

It really does a great job of protecting the iPad. 900 drops, 1,000 temper tantrums later, the iPad still works perfectly. We then got a cord to attach to the back seat but he really would prefer holding it anyway.

Hope that helps ... and good luck on your road trip ! I miss everyone of those days.

 

Will this survive a trip out the window traveling at 30 mph?

 

Let me introduce you to something:

 

I believe it will ... I have seen it thrown more than 50 feet because screen time privileges had expired.

 

I strap my kids down in the truck bed...

 

Rollin' it old school I see.

 

We have one of these. I do believe it has a chance of surviving. 30mph into a wall, no way... 30mph bouncing and skidding down the gravel side of a highway, solid chance of survival.

Congratulations @philliam1 and any other expectant fathers who find this thread. Just reading this thread made me reflect on the last few years and how amazing it all has been. Best wishes and best of luck. Now for truck related stuff.

Diono Radian RXT is so good with the angle adjuster it's such a good setup once they get past the infant seat phase. It's a bit long during the rear facing years but it wasn't too bad with the angle adjuster. It also fits down the isle on every airplane we've encountered (get a little folding dolly to wheel it and the kid through the airport). We got one for both cars and it seemed excessive at the time but 100% worth it to not move car seats.

Next best mod is the canopy with windoors. My son has grown up back there. Even loaded with camping gear he is happy climbing around making it his fort. The windoors make for such easy access and also great cross vents in the summer. We've made so many memories goofing off in the truck and the canopy adds so much awesome for young kids. Also it keeps all the random extra things you'll find yourself packing dry. Also having something over the tailgate changing station can be very nice. I could keep going but if you have the option the canopy is a win.

Small trash bags are good at every phase. Every time you go out there is probably a use: spit up on clothes, picking up broken glass around a play area, goldfish and cheerios, empty snack/drink containers. Speaking of bags

$10 Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Bag Dispenser & Bags (Blue)

https://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-Hammer-Diaper-Dispenser-Bags/dp/B00BH0RMIA/ is such a solid and simple answer to diaper bags and can stand in for the small trash bags as needed. Don't discount anything that absorbs odors. Babys are awesome but man do they come with smells, some good, some decidedly not.

Finally some things you might want that are now an easy sell: Sliders because honey, extending something that strong around where we keep the baby is important. Tailgate insert (mountain hatch, snailarmor, whatever) because this just makes it a more comfortable changing station. Window tinting because the stock glass color isn't effective at blocking UV and baby needs climate control. Basically if you can call it safety or comfort you can justify it! What isn't related to safety and comfort?... I guess the supercharger needs to wait.

Cheers man, enjoy.

 

Let me introduce you guys to something life changing if you take lots of road trips and you have kids.

No need to ever worry about nasty gas station bathrooms or bathrooms at all when they have to go.

Set this thing up, put their proprietary bag in it, have your kid do his/her business on the truck bed, tie up the bag, fold away the potette, and off you go again.

 

Good post. OP, before you know it you’ll be doing this with yours:

 

And they will remember it as one of the best times of their life.

 

Remember, your favorite hat can (and will) be used as a barf bag. Seriously, what is within arms reach that can contain an absurd volume of vomit? Have that question in the back of your mind when driving with children. You will have up to three seconds to answer that question. The storage behind the back seats should contain a full change of clothes for yourself and everyone you may have at some point spawned.

 

Yeah, and it could be your shirt.

Like, you’re kid makes sick noises on the freeway so you pull over into the shoulder and pull them out of the car and they barf right down the neck of your shirt (you’re hunched over pulling them out of the friggin’ kid car seat) and so there you are with six lanes of slow traffic lookie-looing at you with barf coming out of the bottom of your shirt and a crying kid in your arm.

So I’ve heard.

 

You are wrong. Minivans are hella awesome! Nothing, NOTHING is designed better for carting kids around. Cool? No. Fantastic at a job? Hell yes.

 

I did sales at a Toyota dealership and will admit that the Sienna is a peppy little bugger but I just can't get behind the movement. 4Runner before van in this house thankfully.