Road Trip with a Baby: 5 Tips to Keep Your Cool

The idea of road-tripping with an infant could sound a little crazy, but with the right preparation, it can be a fun and memorable experience for all involved.

Transitioning into parenthood is one of the biggest transformations any of us will ever experience. It is full of new emotions, sights, sounds, and smells… But having kids doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stop doing all of the fun things you used to do. Check out these ideas for how to road-trip safely and comfortably with a baby.

Here are five tips we’ve come up with to make the trip enjoyable for everyone involved:

1. Nap Time: If your kids are used to taking nap #1 around nine in the morning, that is a perfect time to hit the road. The gentle movement and background noise of travel will help them fall asleep, making the beginning of your journey stress-free. Afternoon nap-time is another great opportunity to cover some serious ground.
2. Travel Breaks: Stopping lets everyone stretch their legs, take a snack, enjoy the scenery, and get ready for the next leg of travel. Make sure to pack your bags strategically so that items you’ll need quick access to are accessible (there’s nothing worse than spending 15 minutes ripping apart your gear in search of a buried diaper).
3. Temperature: Babies aren’t able to regulate their body temperatures the same way adults are. If you are even mildly hot in your vehicle, there’s a good chance your child is seriously uncomfortable – maybe even dangerously so. Solar window tint is a secret trick for keeping your car comfortable at all times – even when it is parked in the sun. Solar window tint will reduce the load on your AC and actually save you money in gas, so it’s a win-win-win. Comfortable baby = happy baby = happy parents.
4. Toys: Most modern car seats face backwards. To keep your baby entertained during long stretches, consider bringing along a few small soft toys (hard objects could become dangerous during a sudden stop, so it’s best to stick with stuffies for this one). No need to spend much money; most dollar stores will have more than enough selection.
5. Double Up: Kids are notoriously picky when it comes to things like pacifiers or security blankets. It’s easy to lose small items (like pacifiers) on a road trip and having a backup of the exact type your baby prefers will keep things rolling smoothly if something becomes lost.

With these simple tricks, your next road trip is sure to be a success. For help regarding tip #3, give us a call or drop us a line. We would love to chat about the best options for you.