Do you need tips for a road trip with newborn baby?
It may seem difficult to travel by car with a newborn. But if you do it well, it can be a satisfying and enjoyable experience.
Babies don’t just survive at home; they can also survive (and enjoy themselves) when traveling.
A change in attitude, a few essential should all, and a few easy tips will keep you all content and at ease while travelling.
Here are best tips for your road travel with newborn baby and listed down below the follow essential items that you can carry for your baby.
Related: Solo Bike Trip If you want to go alone!
ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR A ROAD TRIP WITH NEWBORN Baby
After the birth of our baby, we travelled quite a bit. Since my husband was playing football at the time, we spent weekends travel to away games to watch him play.
We were initially hesitant to go with this little one who we were still getting used to taking care of. But we quickly got the hang of it.
I’ll include my top tips for a road trip with a new newborn baby that I’ve learned through experience in the paragraphs below.
Travel with your newborn baby in the backseat.
The best option to simply take care of your newborn baby’s requirements when traveling is to always have an adult or responsible older child in the backseat with them. This can aid in keeping your baby as consistent with a routine as possible. It enables you to play with them, feed them at their regular times (if bottle feeding), watch out for problems like vehicle sickness, and know when to stop for a diaper change. A smoother journey will come from being right there through their side to sing, read, or even massage them.
How much time should a baby spend in a car seat?
How long can newborns ride in car seats? is a common question asked by parents. The common recommendation is that your child shouldn’t spend more than two hours at a time sleeping or sitting in their car seat. This is due to the fact that the lie-flat posture is thought to be the healthiest for them, however with a baby car seat, their position is not quite lie-flat. This won’t keep you from going on long car trips together but you’ll need to schedule frequent stops to change and feed your baby.
Bring a big blanket so your baby may stretch out comfortably when you stop for a rest.
Keeping your baby comfy
Follow these instructions to keep your newborn baby calm during the travel.
- Your baby will be safe and comfortable in their new car seat cocoon.
- To encourage your baby to sleep, use window shades or a car seat cover to make the room darker.
- If your baby enjoys nursery rhymes, be sure to pack some for the trip.
- If your baby has a favorite blanket or toy, make sure it is packed and available.
- To keep your baby cozy and warm, use a blanket. You’ll be able to take off the blanket without upsetting your baby if the temperature in the car rises, just like you could with a jacket.
Take baby toys for road travels
You may keep your baby entertained by hanging colourful photos to the side of the car seat that they will be facing. Search for baby toys with textures and sounds that may be fitted to the car seat to keep the baby busy.
Be careful when planning your trips.
You’ll need to modify your expectations around baby car travel if you’re the type of person who lives on creating and following to plans. You must consider your baby’s needs as well as your own health despite the temptation to get to your goal.
Even a baby who has traveled a lot can only tolerate so many hours in a moving car (and you shouldn’t leave a baby in their infant car seat for more than a few hours at a time). When on a long car ride, plan lots of stops for your baby’s sleep as well as your own.
Also, you wanted to confirm that you were caring for both your partner and yourself. Babies and sleepless nights frequently go hand in hand. Avoid trying to drive for longer than five to six hours per day or all night if you are already tired. The most crucial factor is the protection of your family.
We’ve always found that timing long stretches for the infant’s typical nap time is helpful, but when traveling with a baby, “normal” isn’t usually the case! There is no “optimal time” to take a nap if you also have to pay attention to the following older children and multiple napping schedules.
The following items should be on your road trip packing list:
- Sippy cups or bottles (if needed)
- Pumped milk or powdered formula (whether using formula, carry bottled water at room temperature).
- Soap and water
- Diapers, wipes for babies, cream for diapers, a changing table, and bags for used diapers. One of the “kits” for changing pads from Amazon that clips shut and holds everything is what I advise. Compared to a loaded diaper pack, it is much simpler to transport into a brief pit break. This one is my favorite because it can distribute wipes while hanging off the seat back. Ideal for speedy car changeover.
- Newborn baby food (if your baby is at that point) In my opinion, these spoons that screw onto the pouches are great if you still spoon-feed your baby. No need for jars or bowls!
- Bibs and burp cloths
- Two pairs of diapers for the baby
- Change of clothes for you
- Car seat urinal pads. It is a known fact that the diaper will leak if there isn’t one in the seat.
- Diaper covers. Although it seems ridiculous, we really cover disposable diapers when driving. After a trip to Montreal, we were frightened by a poo situation while we waited to cross the border.
- Cleaning microwaveable bags. These were a great favorite of mine for traveling and sanitizing bottles, pump equipment, teething toys, and more. Even if there isn’t one in the room, the majority of hotel lobbies contain microwaves.
- Board books for a child who is old enough to hold them. Books about baths are highly recommended. They are simple to wash off and clean.
- A sun shades when travelling with a newborn, remember to include baby sunscreen as well. Through car windows, sunburns can and do happen.
- Baby carrier I’m a huge proponent of carrying babies while out and about, and a nice baby carrier can make fast trips simple and hands-free (particularly if you also need to pee!).
- Pacifier. Bring extras if your child needs one. When you open the car door, they frequently “jump” out.
- Back of seat organizer and car seat cover. I’ll tell you what’s fantastic. When your seat becomes ruined by spilled snacks in the car. Not. I enjoy slipping a seat cover under the car seat. Choose a type with pockets so you can store a bottle and a few spare diapers for easy access.
