Child Comfort & Hydration During Long RSA Waits | MyMechanic

Make the space safe first

• Park straight with hazards on, far from the live lane, allowing entry/exit only on safe‑side doors; keep traffic‑side doors closed.
• If a barrier is close and conditions are calm, one adult can wait behind it with children; otherwise, keep everyone belted with comfortable ventilation.
• Use a triangle only if walking space is generous and sight lines are clear; safety beats procedure on tight shoulders.

Hydration that works in heat and humidity

• Small sips every 10–15 minutes to avoid nausea and spills.
• Prioritise water; if tired or queasy, alternate with diluted isotonic sips. Avoid sugary or fizzy drinks.
• Label or colour‑code bottles to reduce sharing; recap after each sip.

Cool the cabin without draining energy

• Run short A/C cycles if safe; between cycles, crack a safe‑side window and use sunshades.
• Place a thin cloth between hot seat material and skin; avoid direct cold blasts.
• Rotate seats or recline slightly every 15–20 minutes to reduce fidgeting and hot spots.

Snack choices that calm stomachs

• Simple, dry snacks: plain biscuits, crackers, bananas—small portions.
• Avoid heavy, oily foods or new treats; familiar tastes calm nerves.
• Keep a small trash bag handy to keep cabin air fresher.

Settle the mood with low‑stimulus activities

• Quiet games: I‑spy, counting vehicles, short story rounds.
• Screens in short bursts at low brightness; power banks secured.
• Gentle music or an audiobook eases “how long more?” loops.

Clean air and odour control

• Briefly use recirc if exhaust/haze drifts in; return to fresh air when better.
• Baby wipes or a damp towel freshen faces and hands to reduce irritation.

Kid‑safe movement rules

• No stepping toward the live lane; stretch seated or on the safe side only.
• Use child locks if kids are restless; open doors only when adults are ready.

If the wait runs long

• Use 15‑minute cycles: sips, shade adjustment, simple game, short A/C cycle.
• Swap supervising roles so one adult rests while the other manages comfort.
• If heat builds or a child feels unwell, ask about a short, safe relocation to a brighter or shaded public area.

Smart family‑first info to share with the dispatcher

• Share children’s ages and any heat sensitivities or medical needs.
• Confirm waiting posture: belted inside or behind a barrier for this location.

Family‑ready glovebox kit

• 2–4 small water bottles, dry snacks, wipes, thin towel, sunshade, spare shirts, small trash bags, thermometer.
• Compact fan or cooling towel if heat‑sensitive; one reflective vest for safe‑side checks.

When to stop DIY and ask for tow or expedited help

• Cabin heat is uncontrollable, a child is lethargic/nauseous, or space/visibility is poor.
• Any fluid leaks, burning smells, or repeated stalls—shift to tow and a cooler waiting point.

How MyMechanic supports families

• Family‑first prompts to stabilise, hydrate, and keep kids calm.
• Precise coordination and updates that reduce uncertainty.
• Clean handover to resume the journey smoothly after long waits.

Frequently Asked Questions