If you’re new to parenthood, traveling with a baby might seem intimidating or downright scary. At the very least, you may feel overwhelmed by all the unknowns and details involved with taking a wee one on a road trip. Thankfully, there are tons of hints and tips for traveling with an infant. Read on for some savvy suggestions for you and your baby so you both can get to your destination in stress-free style.
Planning for Your Road Trip with Baby
The most obvious first step to an easy-breezy road trip with your baby is all in the planning. If you’re not the plan-ahead type, that’s okay. Simply know that having contingencies and some sort of strategy in play will save a lot of anxiety on the road.
For example, have a hard copy of a map if you’re unsure about the route. Sure, you probably have GPS or a map app on your phone, but what if the signal goes out? It happens, and usually at the worst moment on a road trip. Have a printed map as a backup.
You may also want to consider the best time of day to travel with your infant. Leaving in the morning may seem ideal because you might be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. However, you’re likely to run into morning commute traffic, especially if you deploy on a workday.
Instead, think about launching your road trip with your baby in the evening. This poses several advantages. Firstly, traffic on highways and byways is usually reduced at night compared to day travel. Secondly, if your baby is adjusted to a sleep schedule then he or she should ideally sleep through the night while you’re burning rubber to your destination.
What to Pack for a Baby During a Road Trip?
If your answer to this question is “everything” then let’s reassess. The truth is, most roads offer endless opportunities to pick up anything you may need for your young one while traveling by automobile. Convenience stores, gas stations, or supermarkets can be a godsend in the event you forget something. So don’t sweat the small stuff because odds are you can easily grab what you need on the go.
However, there are a few essentials that you simply must have on your many-hour tour with your tiny tot. For instance, a diaper bag is crucial on any road trip with a baby. Not only is it essential for nappy changes, but a designated bag will also help you stay organized.
A core go-to bag should hold everything related to changing diapers and cleaning baby’s bum in one central location, so there’s no guesswork or digging through the car to find what you need.
Furthermore, a handy diaper bag can house must-have items such as nursing bottles, pacifiers or wipes. The idea here is to have all core necessities available at your fingertips so you can adjust and tend to your baby efficiently while on the road.
Get Your Vehicle Checked Before Leaving
This might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many parents jet off in their cars only to be dismayed by some kind of mechanical failure while traveling with their baby. Do yourself a favor and get your vehicle fully inspected. Make sure the oil is changed, the water reservoirs are topped off, tires are checked and everything is in tip-top shape before traveling with your child.
Additionally, make sure your car insurance is up to date. If your auto insurance doesn’t cover everything you may encounter on the road, think about getting additional roadside assistance. Organizations like Triple-A and other auto memberships can provide discounts at restaurants and hotel stays in addition to offering car repairs or towing if you get into a jam on the road. These simple acts can help you avoid epic amounts of stress and drama while on the road with your infant.
Don’t Forget About You
It’s tempting to get totally consumed with the well-being of your baby and preparing for every incident while traveling. Nevertheless, remember that you’re the one in charge. If your needs aren’t met, then you may struggle to meet your baby’s needs while on the road. Be sure to pack your own essentials, such as phone chargers, your favorite snacks, or stuff that puts you at ease. For instance, consider making a playlist of your cherished tunes to keep you upbeat and singing down the highway.
Yes, taking a road trip with a baby can be harrowing and hair-raising. But it doesn’t have to be. Simple common sense and planning goes a long way towards keeping you rolling down the road with ease. Take the time to think about essentials and necessities while traveling and you’ll find just the right strategy that will result in a safe, happy road trip for you and your child.
