How to Travel Long Distance with a Baby: The Ultimate Guide
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With a baby, long-distance travel can be daunting. But with the right planning and preparation, you can make the road trip go smoothly. Once you master the art of long-distance baby travel, you'll find that it's actually a lot of fun! In this article, I will outline the steps you need to take in order to travel a long distance with your baby without any problems.
A road trip with a baby is going to take a while
For every 2-3 hours of driving, you will probably have to take a 30-minute break. Sometimes, you'll find yourself stopping even more frequently than that. A common misconception is that traveling gets easier as your child gets older. In my experience, infants are easier than toddlers. If you're lucky, an infant will sleep for most of the road trip. Toddlers will require more stops, so they can get out and stretch.
Pack everything you need in the car the night before
Pack the car in advance before you leave for your vacation, no matter what time you're leaving. This will help reduce stress as you're leaving. I try to have everything but the diaper bag and cooler in the car before we depart. If you're leaving early in the morning, you should definitely pack up the night before. When trying to hold the baby or wrangle the rest of the family, the last thing you want to do is stuff a week's worth of stuff into your car.
Essential things you should bring
Ziploc bags - If your baby has an accident on the road (and they probably will), you'll need somewhere to put the mess until you reach the next rest stop. This is where Ziploc bags come in handy. I recommend gallon-sized ones so you can easily slide a dirty diaper in.
Cooler - Just in case your baby wakes up during the trip and needs a drink or some food. A cooler will keep any formula or milk cold, along with snacks that should usually be refrigerated.
Diaper bag - Make sure you bring plenty of diapers along with wipes, powder, or anything else you typically use to clean your baby.
Plan your driving based on your baby's usual sleep schedule
Plan on driving when your baby is usually sleeping. The drive may influence their sleep schedule a little, but it should be roughly the same as always. This is a good way to guess how long a trip might take. You can plan on driving while they're asleep and stopping for a little while when they're awake. If you have your partner in the car, you can do more driving while the baby is awake. If it's just you and your baby, you should try to avoid driving a whole lot while your baby is awake, as it may cause distractions.
Bring snacks, your baby will get hungry
I always bring snacks for myself and my baby. Babies get really hungry during long trips, so it's a good idea to have something on hand in case they wake up. Usually, I'll pack some fruit, milk, formula or oatmeal bars, or even trail mix. The food you bring largely depends on the age and the preferences of your baby.
Keep your baby entertained when he or she is awake
For the times when your baby is awake, be sure to have a way to keep them entertained. My infant likes usual baby toys, anything simple and colorful. Of course, you are the main ingredient to make any toy fun. Play around with your baby for a while until they're ready to go back to sleep. My toddler enjoys playing simple, kid-friendly games on a tablet. He also likes playing typical road trip games with us, such as I Spy. After you play with your baby for a little while, try some soft, soothing music to help them drift back to sleep.
Look up rest stop locations before your trip
Before you go on your trip, make sure to look up the rest stops along the way. Many have changing rooms and places to eat or play. This way, you can ensure that your baby stays comfortable throughout the trip. I like to look up the rest stops using apple maps on my iPhone and pin their location. This makes it easy to see where they are while looking at the map.
Alternate responsibilities with your partner
One of the best things you can do for your partner and yourself is to alternate responsibilities. This allows both of you to take a break from driving or caretaking. One person can drive while the other sleeps or entertains the baby. This way, you both get a little bit of time doing different things, allowing your minds to stay stimulated and focused. This will help ensure you make it to your destination safely.
Remember, safety first!
The most important part of a family road trip is ensuring everyone stays safe. Always drive safely and obey all traffic laws when traveling with a baby. Always keep your eyes open for other drivers, pedestrians, and animals in the area. Remain alert at all times so that you can avoid any accidents or injuries. Here are a few ways to help ensure safe travels:
Car seats
Install a car seat in your vehicle before you go on your trip. This will ensure that your baby is safe and secure while traveling. Make sure to select the correct car seat for the type of vehicle you are using. Many manufacturers offer a variety of convertible seats, which can be used for both infants and toddlers. Your baby will be in the seat for a long time, so make sure it's high quality and comfortable!
Staying focused
When you are traveling with a baby, it is important to remain focused. Make sure to take regular breaks and try not to allow your baby to distract you from the task at hand. Avoid talking on the phone or listening to distracting music.
Should you ride in the backseat with your baby?
There is some debate over whether or not parents should ride in the backseat with their baby. In my opinion, it's completely up to you. I generally start off in the front seat and move to the back of my infant seems to be having a tough time with the trip.
Conclusion
Long-distance travel may be difficult while you have a baby on board. However, properly preparing for a road trip with a baby can help ensure it goes smoothly. Long-distance travel with a baby may seem scary at first, but it's tons of fun when you get the hang of it! If you'd like to find things to do on your next family road trip, check out ZuzuForKids.com.
Guest Author, Karen Smith Bio:
Wife, mother of two amazing boys, writer, and editor for ZuzuForKids.com
