Travel tidy that’s child’s play

Stick children in a car, and you can guarantee the cabin will soon become a mess – unless you pack all their paraphernalia away in the Travel Pal. Sun-shine Kids’ new product aims to keep toys, drink and food in one area, instead of being strewn across the rear seat.

Constructing the flat-packed organiser is a breeze, as you simply fold out two panels to create rigid ends. The stretchy neoprene-style drinks-holders at the front are easy to reach, and they hold cans and bottles firmly.

Designed to fit between two child seats on a rear bench, the slim unit is intended to be a secure fit. However, there were no installation instructions, and it was only after a bit of head-scratching that we realised the centre seatbelt should be looped through a flap on the rear. A belt with a recoil mechanism is fine, but if you have the older lap strap, you must ensure it is fully tightened – otherwise the box can slip, tipping its contents on the floor.