5 Tips for Planning a Road Trip When You Have a Baby
Embarking on a road trip with your household can be the ultimate family adventure.
You, your partner, and any kiddos will make incredible memories as you discover new places.
Your first trip or two with an infant can be stressful, but you’ll feel more prepared with some motherly advice. To help, we’ve compiled several tips for planning a road trip when you have a baby.
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Consider Your Baby’s Age
One of the first things to evaluate is your little one’s age. Generally, babies should be at least two to three months old before going long distances in the car. However, most pediatricians advise waiting until your baby is closer to three to six months old. Holding off until your baby is a bit older gives them time to adjust to life outside the womb.
Invest in a Quality Car Seat
A quality car seat will provide comfort and support for your baby, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride. You should choose a car seat that fits your baby’s weight and height. Review the product details in the user manual or online to ensure the car seat is ideal for your baby. Once you have the perfect seat, review the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.
Motherly Tip
If you need to buy an infant car seat, strive to read through customer reviews for a clear idea of quality.
Pack Your Baby Essentials
Another tip for planning a road trip when you have a baby is to pack everything your baby needs. Ensure you bring plenty of diapers, wipes, binkies, bottles, formula, and other baby essentials. Put a few teethers in the diaper bag if your baby is teething and a toy to comfort your little one on the road.
You should also pack essential baby gear like a stroller, a baby carrier, and a portable crib if necessary. Pack a range of apparel so you can dress your baby in layers and have spare outfit changes.
Wear the Right Clothes
As your road trip day approaches, plan the appropriate outfits for you and your little one to wear. Ideally, you should dress your infant in cozy, breathable fabrics and make sure to layer their clothing so they don’t get too warm or cold.
Likewise, you need to feel comfortable for hours of sitting and entertaining your baby in the car. If you travel in the summertime, consider some comfortable summer clothing options for new moms, such as a loose linen shirt and cozy pants. You’ll need to make various stops to change your baby’s diaper or walk around, so your clothing should be easy to move and sit in.
Create the Ideal Schedule
Create a schedule that works for everyone involved in the trip, including your little one. Plan for frequent stops to stretch and to feed, change, and play with your baby. Moreover, remember to be flexible with your schedule, as babies tend to be unpredictable, and they have different needs at every life stage.
As you decide on a time to leave, consider what works best for you and your partner while also accommodating your baby’s sleep and feeding schedule. A good road trip with a baby is not about how quickly you reach your destination but about enjoying the journey with your lovely family!
