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A road trip with a newborn can be very challenging for every parent, especially if it is their first child. As any parent will know, feeding, diapering, and nap time are some of the essentials when traveling long distances. Luckily, if you have the appropriate equipment and follow these general strategies, interstate travel with your little one will be fairly uneventful and even fun. Below you’ll find everything you need to pack for your baby essentials to parent essentials so that you don’t have to worry too much about having to deal with stress while you focus on your little family.
Newborn Road Trip Essentials
When planning very long car rides with a newborn, a list of appropriate items to bring for the baby as well as for your baby’s safety becomes crucial from feeding to changing diapers, to comforting your newborn and convenience while on the move, here is a list of ten basic baby essentials you should have.
- Baby Carrier– Momcozy PureHug Carrier
- Breast Milk Cooler– Momcozy Portable Breast Milk Cooler for Outdoor
- Milk & Water Warmer– Momcozy Superfast Portable Breast Milk & Water Warmer for Travel
- Infant Car Seat– Rear-Facing Car Seat with Base
The rear-facing infant car seat is perhaps the most effective product when it comes to travel safety for a child. It should be properly fitted and in right size to fit the size of your baby’s weight and length. Choose one that will be securely anchored as well as offer side-impact protection. Other aspects such as head support and air cushion also ensure that your baby remains comfortable during extended car rides.
- Diaper Bag– Fully Stocked with Essentials
It is an on-the-go hub that will come in handy in many ways that you have not even thought of. Choose one with many pockets to hold items like diapers, wipes, burp cloths, creams, and extra clothes to avoid clutter. You want to be able to access what you need in a diaper bag as soon as you need to change a diaper, wipe a face, or face an emergency.
- Changing Pad– Portable and Easy to Clean
A foldable changing pad provides a clean and comfortable surface for baby changing sessions, regardless of whether it’s at a bench, car boot, or your own lap due to exigencies. When it comes to their fabric, they should be made of waterproof material and easy to wipe surfaces including folding ones that come with pockets for wipes or diapers.
- Window Shades– Sunshades for Car Windows
Direct sunlight can wake up the baby, and make the car too hot for the baby. Rear window shades cut down excessive light and glare for your baby, making the car interior environment more comfortable for your baby. Many attach easily with suction cups or static cling, and some offer UV protection to shield delicate newborn skin.
- Blankets – Soft Swaddle Blankets
Swaddle blankets are a highly portable accessory when traveling, and can be used in many different ways. Swaddle the baby in them, use them as a nursing cover, to shield the sun, as an extra layer, or to create a clean surface for tummy time on breaks. Muslin or cotton fabric is the best to be used because it is comfortable for all ages, and it can easily be used for other purposes.
- Pacifiers– With Clips and Spares
A pacifier can be useful to calm down the child when the movement of a car is not enough to do so. It is good to have them within the reach of your baby, and not on the floor; pacifier holders allow you to keep some spares too. They are particularly useful to soothe the baby when on a car trip or when the mother is en route to breastfeeding the baby.
- Health Kit– Travel-Sized First Aid and Hygiene Kit
It is valuable to have a small first aid kit to requisition for minor ailments or nuisances. Some of the items that should be included are digital thermometer, nasal aspirator, saline drops, baby wipes and any medicine that the pediatrician has prescribed. Having these on hand just helps eliminate the stress and the hassle if your baby starts getting uncomfortable on a long car ride.
Tips for a Road Trip with an Infant
Traveling with an infant usually seems like a daunting task, but it does not have to be a daunting experience; it only requires planning and mindset. In addition to bringing the right equipment, knowledge about planning, organization, flexibility, and change management are key factors for successful road trips. The following are some tips that will assist you when on a road trip with a little one without having to compromise the comfort of the kid or other passengers.
- Time Your Departure Wisely
Try to plan your departure around your baby’s schedule. The best time to leave is when the baby has just eaten well or is about to be fed or given a nap-time formula; it is also useful to leave as soon as the baby is overwhelmed, so as to let them sleep most of the journey. A baby that is well-rested and fed will be less cranky during travels.
- Map Out Rest Stops in Advance
Before you hit the road, use apps or GPS tools to locate safe and clean rest areas or parks along your route. Aim to pull over every 2-3 hours for eating, changing diapers, and letting the babies get some fresh air. It is easier to drive without developing a constant tension of where you’ll stop when you know where you are heading earlier.
- Dress Baby in Comfortable, Layered Clothing
Temperatures inside cars also fluctuate, or bounce around, based on whether you are moving across regions with varying weather or when driving long distances. To dress your baby, you want to dress him or her in loose and lightweight clothes that can be easily removed and added depending on the weather and need for an extra layer or two.
- Pack a Separate “Backup” Bag
Besides the diaper bag itself, have another small bag within easy reach that contains extra clothes for yourself and the baby and the baby, burping cloths, plastic sacks for soiled items, wipes, and a towel or blanket. It will help you avoid the frustration of rummaging through your bags in search of something to clean up a mess in case of a spillage or a blowout.
- Feed Safely—While Parked
Don’t feed the baby when the car is moving from one place to the other. In both cases, that is, breastfeeding and bottle feeding, it is required that the vehicle be stopped first before feeding the baby.
- Bring Quiet, Soothing Entertainment
Babies may not need traditional toys yet, and the best things that a baby can play with include high-contrast books, soft rattles, or fabric crinkle toys. Their usefulness comes in handy when the baby is awake and fully awake, but still not sleepy for a nap.
- Stick to a Familiar Routine When Possible
While road trips can disrupt your schedule, try to keep feeding, nap, and bedtime routines as consistent as possible; however, it is still important to remain as close to schedule for feeding, nap, and bedtime as possible. Certain things can travel with you, and these include things like a favorite blanket that you can use when traveling to keep your baby’s sleeping environment as familiar as possible.
- Use White Noise to Promote Sleep
Some babies sleep well with the sound of the car while others require some coaxing. A white noise app or a portable sound machine can work well to distract your baby from the noise on the road or other conversations and help him or her nap.
- Take Turns with Baby Duty
If you’re traveling with a partner, rotate roles. One can drive while the other sits in the back with the baby to offer comfort, entertainment, or a bottle. This tag-team approach helps prevent both driver fatigue and baby meltdowns.
- Keep Calm and Stay Flexible
Even the most carefully planned trip can hit bumps in the road. It is recommended to relax, not be too rigid, and not get nervous or panicked. In this way, your positive feelings will be sensed by your baby and will also help maintain the baby in the same mood.
FAQ: Road Trips with a Newborn
Can newborns go on long car rides?
Yes, newborns can go on long car rides, but with caution. Their bodies are still developing, and they should not spend many hours sitting on the car seat without standing up. For infants below 6 weeks, they advise parents should avoid using a car seat for more than 2 hours in a single period.
How long of a car ride is too long for a newborn?
There is no rule about how long you can drive with a baby, but it is recommended that you keep your daily driving time below 6-8 hours when the baby is very young. More importantly, divide the overall trip into segments, where no single segment takes more than 2 hours of driving time. After each leg, follow the 15–30 minute rule to take your baby out of the car seat to feed them, change the baby’s diaper, and calm the baby down. Readjusting the position of the baby frequently also helps to improve circulation of blood flow, since it is not healthy for babies to spend too much time in a seated or reclined position.
How soon should you travel with a newborn?
There is no specific age at which a newborn baby is suitable for travel, but most pediatricians advise that a baby should not travel before 2-3 weeks of age, and for long distances, not before the baby is one month old. It permits time for mandatory initial examinations and the development of early immunity in your baby. If your baby was born early or has some health issues, it is advisable to seek advice from your pediatrician on travelling.
Conclusion
Traveling with a newborn baby might sound like a very daunting task, but it not only is possible, but can also be quite enjoyable provided you have the right essentials. Bearing in mind, packing wisely and following some proven strategies, you’ll increase the chances of making your journey easier. Most importantly, remember to enjoy the ride and cherish the early memories made along the way.
