10 Tips for Road Tripping with a Baby

Don’t panic about an upcoming road trip with your baby. Baby will do fine if you prepare well for the event. If this is your first road trip with baby, there are major things to consider to ensure it will be an enjoyable time.

Ten tips include:

Carefully Plan Time of Travel

It’s best to work the time you’ll be on the road around baby. What does this mean? If baby is so relaxed in the automobile that they sleep to the point where it is difficult to awaken them for feedings, then it may be best to drive from five in the morning until noonish. In this way, baby will have the rest of the day to be awake and have meals, and you won’t lose out on your sleep. The trip may take longer, but it will be worth it. Should your baby dislike riding in the car, you would most likely select another mode of travel for the well being of the entire family.

Ready made formula

Assuming that baby is formula-fed, purchase of readymade formula is a must. First of all, water’s chemical make-up varies from town to town. By not having to use unfamiliar water, you eliminate any concern for reaction to the water. Pack at least half again as much as you normally would use in the given time. In this way, should the formula not be available at your destination or along the routes, you are safe. Should some unforeseen event occur that lengthens your time away from home, again, you are prepared.

Laundry Soap and Fabric Softener

You realize how sensitive baby’s skin can be and it cannot tolerate certain soaps and fabric softeners. Therefore, especially if this has been a prior problem, take an adequate supply of such wash products with you. Not all stores will carry those specific products.

Favorite Toys and Music

Most babies prefer consistency. Since the trip alone will be a gigantic change for baby, bring along baby’s favorite toys and music. They will provide comfort for baby and, therefore, comfort for you.

Routine

Babies function best when kept on schedule. If at all possible, work your schedule around baby’s. Keep naps and feedings as close as possible to what they would be if you were at home.

Doctor and Health Care Information

Besides health care cards, carry with you your pediatrician’s phone numbers, which includes after hours answering service telephone number.

Medicine

Should baby require any medication, bring it with you and store properly. For example, if it needs to be refrigerated, bring a cooler bag and maintain it with adequate ice packs or ice cubes.

Clothing

Since temperatures and humidity could be considerably different at your destination, bring both light and heavier clothing for baby, along with blankets. Plan for at least one outfit a day for both light and heavy clothing.

Carrier and/or Stroller

Bring along a carrier and/or stroller in which baby can sleep when you are visiting locations or sit in observing surroundings when awake. By taking one multi-purpose item, it eliminates the need to take several.

Quiet Time

Most babies need some down time each day to relax and unwind. It may be necessary to build this time into your schedule to maintain baby’s good nature and sleeping habits.

Congratulations, you are now ready to head out on your voyage with the confidence that you are as prepared as possible! Oh, and don’t forget your camera, since you’ll want to record memorable events for future enjoyment. Bon voyage.