The gear that keeps older kids comfortable, entertained and a little more independent when the family hits the road.

Road trips change as kids get older. You can finally leave the diaper bag behind, but suddenly everyone has a device to charge, a snack preference and a strong opinion about who gets which seat.

The good news is that kids and teens can take more responsibility for their own road-trip gear. Give each child a bag, establish a few ground rules and let them pack many of the things they’ll want along the way.

Give Everyone Their Own Road-Trip Bag

A backpack or small tote keeps personal belongings from taking over the car. Kids can pack a sweatshirt, water bottle, book, activities and anything else they want accessible during the drive.

Add a small zippered pouch for chargers, earbuds and other tiny items that otherwise disappear between the seats.

Plan for Screens and Screen-Free Time

Tablets and phones can be road-trip lifesavers, particularly on an eight-hour drive. Pack headphones, charging cables and a portable power bank, and download movies, audiobooks, podcasts or playlists before leaving home.

But bring a few offline options, too. Card games, travel games, puzzle books, sketchbooks and a good paperback give everyone something to do when it’s time for a screen break.

Make the Back Seat Comfortable

A small travel pillow and lightweight blanket can make a long stretch of highway considerably more comfortable. Sunglasses and a sweatshirt are useful even in summer when the sun is glaring through one window and the air conditioning is blasting through another.

For kids still using a booster or other child restraint, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid adding aftermarket positioning or comfort accessories that aren’t approved for the seat.

Let Kids Manage Their Own Snacks

Give older kids their own snack container or bag with a reasonable assortment for the day. Think crackers, pretzels, fruit, granola bars and other foods that don’t create a disaster in the back seat.

A reusable water bottle for each person also eliminates the inevitable question: Whose water is this?

Pack for Where You’re Going

Road-trip gear shouldn’t only get kids through the drive. Pack a small daypack, portable charger and weather layer they can grab when you stop for a hike, museum, downtown walk or roadside attraction.

And leave a little room in everyone’s bag. Somehow, the trip home always includes more stuff than the trip there.