Driving with a baby can be stressful, especially if your trip is a long one. Careful planning will help you avoid common mistakes and make your trip as smooth as possible. Check out the steps below for the best possible tips on traveling with your baby.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Using a Baby Car Seat
Step 1. Choose a baby car seat
Security is your top priority. This is so crucial that you should buy a chair that is designed for your baby's size and age. There are three basic models on the market: rear facing infant only car seat designed for infants under 15.75 kg, rear facing infant-toddler combination seat for infants under 20.25 kg and forward facing for toddlers, and the booster seat is made to position children over four years old which optimizes the use of seat belts. If you have a baby, choose an appropriate seat.
- If possible, buy a car seat before your baby is born. If you are driving by car, you will be taking your baby home from the hospital or birthing center. The sooner you familiarize yourself with the chair and read the manual carefully, the easier it will be to use it when the time comes.
- If your family owns two cars, consider buying separate car seats for each. The extra expense will be worth it: it will save you time in the future and prevent the installation errors that sometimes arise when you are in a hurry to move your car seat from one car to another.
Step 2. Install the baby car seat correctly
The car seat should fit in the back seat of your car, and, if possible, be placed in the middle of the seat. Double-check the instructions in the user guide to make sure you have installed them correctly. Make sure all belts and hooks are secure. For babies, the seat should be facing backwards – this is the safest position for babies.
In many locations, you can go to the police and fire department (or sometimes elsewhere) for expert assistance in checking the fitting of your car seat for safety. Use the online help options in your area. There is one good site, which will help you in finding the location of your zip code.:
Step 3. Know the criteria of a baby car seat
Car seats vary from one time to another, so always check to make sure it's the right fit for your baby's safety.
Part 2 of 4: Prepare your vehicle
Step 1. Make sure your car has been inspected
If you plan to drive a considerable distance, take your car to a repair shop or mechanic before traveling. It's better to find out the problem before you leave than to have an unexpected car problem in the middle of your trip. If needed, repair or replace whatever is needed.
Do not underestimate the heating and cooling of the vehicle. You want to make sure that your car is at a temperature that is comfortable for your baby
Step 2. Purchase a replaceable sun visor
You don't want your baby to see direct sunlight, so buy a sun visor to attach to the car window. As you drive, you can look to make sure that your baby's face and eyes are protected from the sun.
Step 3. Get rid of dangerous objects
Make sure that you don't have sharp objects within reach of your baby's car seat, whether your baby can reach it or not. If you brake suddenly, make a sharp turn, or have an accident, these objects can become dangerous. Cover all metal objects within reach of your baby, as they can heat up in the sun and can burn your baby.
Step 4. Consider buying glass
Buying a mirror that is easy to move and install can make it easier for you to see your baby clearly from the front seat of the car. You can check your baby more easily, and he can see you too.
Step 5. Decorate your car windows
A few brightly colored images that are easy to remove can make your baby feel comfortable during the trip. Just consider not choosing an image that is too large that could interfere with your ability to see. Security is the most important thing.
Step 6. Make sure there is a light source
If you are going to be traveling at night, consider bringing a light source with a light that is not too bright so that your baby will not be frightened. Choose lights that are not too bright that can interfere with your driving.
Step 7. Fill your car's gas tank
Starting your journey with a tank full of gas will save you from extra stops. In addition, you will expose your baby to less exposure to gas fumes from evaporating gasoline.
Part 3 of 4: Preparing for Your Journey
Step 1. Bring plenty of diapers and wipes
Bring more of what you need, as you won't want to run out of diapers in the middle of your trip.
Wet wipes are useful for more than just changing diapers: You can use them to do an instant hand wash and to cool and refresh your baby's face
Step 2. Prepare the necessary food supplies
If your baby uses a bottle, bring extra supplies: your trip may take longer than planned, and you may not have an easy way to clean it. Make sure you have enough formula if that's what your baby is drinking. If your baby starts eating solids, take those supplies with you too.
Step 3. Bring yourself more water and snacks
If you are still breastfeeding, you need to eat and drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated and to maintain your milk production. Even if you are no longer breastfeeding, you need to maintain your nutrition and prevent thirst; this will make you a safer rider and keep your mood.
Step 4. Don't forget to bring blankets and towels
A baby blanket will be a great help on travels: you can use it to support your baby's head in the car seat, to protect him while he's asleep, and as an extra layer if your baby gets cold. Towels are useful as a base when changing diapers; by rolling out a single layer on the car seat for changing your baby's diaper (waterproof and/or disposable replacements work well for this too). You can also use a towel to clean stains or clean your baby when he is dirty.
Don't leave the blanket in your baby's car seat if you can't see your baby at all times. It's important to make sure it doesn't cover all sides of your baby's face
Step 5. Bring extra clothes for you and your baby
Your baby may spill food, spit on it, or will soil it. So it would be great to have a change of clothes for you and the baby.
Step 6. Bring a trash bag
Bringing a few trash bags will come in handy for diapers, trash, and leftovers. You'll need a place to put them all until you find a place to throw them.
Step 7. Think about entertainment
A few plush toys will keep your baby active for some of the trip. A toy hanging over a car seat is a good move for younger babies. You can also bring music, something your baby likes, or something that will help put your baby to sleep.
Don't give your baby hard toys; this can be a dangerous thing when driving
Step 8. Save important numbers
Make sure you have a telephone number for emergency and/or written services and services. You probably won't need it, but just in case your baby gets sick or an emergency arises, it's a good idea to have one.
Step 9. Bring a medical first aid kit and necessary medications
Make sure your car has a standard first aid medical kit. In addition, bring a thermometer, temperature-lowering medication, rash cream and any other medications your baby may need.
Part 4 of 4: Driving in a Car with Your Baby
Step 1. See your pediatrician
If you are going on a long trip, check with your baby's doctor. He can check on your baby's health and give you advice on travel.
Step 2. Get your baby used to the car seat
If you don't travel by car very often, you may need to get your baby used to being in a car seat. Put your baby in the seat a few times before you leave, and let him play and/or sleep there. This will reduce the chances of your baby feeling uncomfortable while you are on the road.
Step 3. Go if you feel well
Your baby's health is important but so is yours – make sure you're healthy and feeling good before you leave, especially if you're the only one driving.
Step 4. Plan for procrastination
Remember that you will need to stop periodically to feed, change diapers, and comfort your baby. If the trip takes more than six hours, plan for at least eight or nine hours with your baby in the back.
If procrastination becomes necessary, and your trip is a long one, you may want to spend the night at a roadside hotel. This will give you a chance to rest and recharge before completing the rest of your trip
Step 5. Bring someone with you whenever possible
If possible, try to bring another adult on the trip. Having someone to accompany you and assist in comforting the baby will make the journey more comfortable, and having someone to alternate in driving will make it less tiring.
Step 6. Consider going at a time when your baby usually sleeps
Some parents find their car trips to be smoother if they plan to leave at night or at bedtime. With this, your baby will probably sleep for most of the trip.
Every baby is different, and you have to think about how your baby tolerates it. If you think it's better to go when your baby is usually awake and happy, you can try that too
Step 7. Apply several layers of clothes to your baby
Depending on the weather conditions, you may want to dress your baby in at least a few layers so he doesn't feel too hot or too cold. Singlets and socks can serve as a base, and you can add clothes if needed.
Step 8. Feed and change your baby before leaving
Take care of your baby's basic needs before you start driving. If your baby feels warm, dry, and full, he will be more tolerant of driving. Plus, you can have a good start and drive for a while without having to stop prematurely.
Step 9. Stop periodically
You and your baby will get better if you stop for a few hours to rest. Keep this time off so you can feed your baby and try not to disturb the time.
- When you stop to feed your baby, make sure you allow time to burp. This will help your baby to avoid stomach problems during the trip.
- Even if your baby looks fine, it's a good idea to stop periodically and get out of the car. Fresh air and changing atmosphere is good for both of you. Also, it's not a good idea for your baby to sit cooped up in a car seat for long periods of time – especially if he's a newborn. Consider, in particular, planning an unplanned stop if you see a park or other good place for a walk.
Step 10. Try to sing
If your baby starts to fuss, try singing. You don't have to be a good singer because your baby doesn't care. Your voice will be soothing, and is a great way to let your baby know you're there.
Step 11. Never feed your baby while you are driving
Do not give your baby a bottle of milk or other food while the car is moving, as your baby may choke, swallow too much air, or vomit. If your baby needs to eat, then stop the car.
Step 12. Do not remove your baby from the car seat while the car is moving
Stop the car first if you need to lift your baby from the seat. It is unsafe (and illegal) to leave a baby unbelted while the car is moving.
Step 13. Pay attention to parking
Make sure you park so that you will have enough space when you open the back door of the car, and try to park with the baby on the other side of the road for oncoming vehicles.
Suggestion
- Don't forget to pay attention to your own needs. If you feel hungry, tired, distracted, or overly stressed, stop the car for a while and get some rest.
- Try to be as relaxed as possible. Your baby may be uncomfortable, it would be best for both of you to always be positive, talk to your baby as cheerfully as possible, and think of this trip as a fun adventure.
