It does not matter whether it is a trip to the corner store or a long-distance haul for a vacation, hitting the road with a child in the car requires a lot of patience, special gear or both. Fortunately, there are some very handy car accessories that can make any ride with a child smoother.

Beyond the basic travel toys and occupying accessories, parents will discover there is a tremendous selection of commonsense gear. Many items that fall into this classification are designed to keep messes to a minimum or to ensure that babies and small children travel in as much safety and comfort as possible.

Some of the accessories that parents might find useful for taking the bumps out of the road include:

Seat protectors – Parents who have had their fill of oops moments are likely to go gaga over seat mats that protect a vehicle’s interior from spilled drinks, snacks and other messes. These are ideal for everyday use and are especially smart for long trips where eating in the car might be a must.

Car seat covers – Just like the rest of a vehicle’s interior, a car seat can get very hot when it is sitting in the sun. To protect delicate bodies, car seat covers are ideal. They shade the car seat and help make sure buckles and exposed plastic pieces do not cause ouches.

Mirrors – These are clever devices for parents who just cannot stand not being able to see an infant in a rear-facing seat. When being able to see the baby’s face matters, these handy mirrors make the difference.

Window shades – Protecting children from direct and constant sunlight is a worry for many parents. Easy-to-install window shades work wonders for blocking the rays from a baby’s face during transit. The best also protect against ultraviolet exposure and some heat.

Child carrier covers – Sometimes it is not the travel that is the problem, but getting out of the car. When keeping a baby protected from inclement weather is the plan, child carrier covers that fit snugly over a car seat can work well. This unique solution covers the entire car seat and leaves only the baby’s face exposed.

Portable changing station – Changing a baby in a car can be an exercise in frustration. When a travel diaper changing setup is used, parents do not have to worry about running into questionable rest stops to get the job done. Some designs have built in changing pads and also storage areas for diapers, wipes and other accessories.

Infant car seat pillows – While it is perfectly natural for a baby’s head to slump and slouch in ways no adult could muster, this can be unnerving for parents. When keeping a little one’s head snug and secure in a car seat is the plan, these U-shaped pillows deliver.

Seatbelt securers – Toddlers are especially adept at figuring out how to unbuckle their car seats and break free of restraints. Stopping this habit in its tracks is imperative for safety. These special tabs make it more difficult for a child to unbuckle while in transit.

Making car rides more comfortable for everyone involved is not as difficult as many parents might think. There are accessories out there that can make transit safer and more enjoyable.