It can be hectic being a parent, with all the busy work schedules, fussy kids. Here are some of the gadgets that can make your life as a parent much easier:

1. Ford MyKey

Worried what your kids drive like when your not there? No seat belts, music blaring, speeding? Worry no more as car manufacturer Ford have come up with a vehicle which can have all its factory settings set with a master key. The top speed can be limited, the audio system can be set at a certain volume or even muted and warning sounds can chime if seat belts are not fastened. Mum and Dad are watching you kids. Available in the Ford Fiesta from 2012.

2. Safety Turtle

In the summer the children are always desperate to get into the paddling pool. This can be dangerous for the little ones however as it is sadly extremely easy for them to drown in a very shallow amount of water. It is also never easy to keep watch over your children at all times, especially when at a BBQ or party. Safety Turtle.com aims to take the danger away by producing a little nifty device which fits around your child’s arm, almost like a bracelet. If your child falls into water an alarm sounds and they can hopefully be reached in time. Probably better to think of this as a last resort but very handy all the same.

3. Mathboard App

Computer games were once thought of as children’s toys and it was deemed not very healthy to be in front of them too often. The use of computers has shifted hugely in the last few years with the introduction of the iPad and the hand held tablet is now a great way to educate the children. Mathboard is a fantastic app great for helping your kids sharpen their brains with maths problems.

4. Nintendo 3DS

Car journeys can be a parent’s worst nightmare and so here is where the Nintendo 3DS is fantastic for keeping them entertained! The successor to the Nintendo DS has a rather impressive fully functional 3D display, there is a huge range of games to choose from so kids of any age will find something they enjoy while in the back of the car.

5. Driving Test Success

Another iPad app that cannot go without a mention is Driving Test Success Hazard Perception. The recently introduced hazard perception test can prove a problem for some learners and this app helps them prepare and know what to expect for that all-important test.

6. Motorola 35 Video Baby Monitor

A gadget for very early on in their lives, the Motorola MBP 35 Digital Video Baby Monitor is fantastic for first time mums who want to watch their baby but not disturb them. The night vision is ideal for dark rooms in your home.

7. Pikavu Express Locator

The Pikavu Express Locator must be one the best parenting gadgets of recent times. There are two devices – a GPS wristwatch for the child and a portable receiver for the parents. Pikavu will show the child’s position in a very fast and accurate manner, no matter the distance between the watch and receiver.  Not cheap at just under £1,000 but some would argue it could be invaluable.

8. Swinxs

Is it a constant battle to get your child to take exercise? With this in mind Swinxs has been designed to get kids moving. It has a central console preloaded with seven different games to choose from, however, unlike modern games there is no need for a TV so kids are not limited to inside use.

9. Glow Flow Tap Light

Keep little hands safe near hot taps with the Glow Flow Tap Light. This fantastic device glows red to tell you when the temperature is too hot and blue when it is safe for them to touch. It is activated by water pressure so there’s no need to turn it on and off separately and fits most tap fixtures for easy installation.

10. Dyson Handheld

Children can be very messy little creatures and mealtimes especially can sometimes be a rather unpleasant experience for mums and dads. In comes the Dyson Handheld which is perfect for a household with pets and children. It can mop up spills, crumbs and pet hairs in no time leaving parents to enjoy mealtimes with the little ones.

About the author:

This is a guest post by Daniel Butler on behalf of carrentals.co.uk, visit the site for more car hire comparison gadgets than you can shake a stick at.