Easy Ways To Survive a Road Trip With a Newborn
Many parents-to-be think that you need to give up your travel dreams with a baby. Diamond and Diamond Lawyers is here today to show you that it’s not the case. Although you have to deal with more stuff than usual (diapers, car seats, and crying), road trips are even more fun if you know what to pack and how to be safe on the road.
Go Step-By-Step
Start with short drives in the neighborhood to get the baby used to a longer ride. The infant will gain the stamina of staying in the car and won’t get too annoyed during the main trip. You don’t want your baby’s first car ride to be a 3 hour trip to New York to visit family. When you are traveling with kids, you need to be mindful that you “break them into” the process so you don’t end up dealing with carsickness!
Pack the Necessities
Packing for travels is hard. With a newborn, it’s even more challenging.
Now, if you’re “training” the baby as described, you already have more experience than most parents. So make a checklist during those events and write everything you need on the spot.
Another way is to write items into the checklist during the day when a baby-related emergency happens. Don’t be left in the middle of the road missing the baby’s favorite toy.
Timing Is Everything
Building the infant’s biological rhythms into the trip’s schedule is essential. When do they like to nap? When are they most irritated?
Don’t forget to consider the traffic, highway construction zones, and other disturbances that might set off your child.
The Diaper Change
Do you consider yourself a diaper-change demi-god? A road trip might test your skills! First of all, you need to decide if you’re going to do the procedure in the car or elsewhere, such as the gas station, store, restaurant, or rest stop. Where you will be changing your baby will also affect what you need to pack to make it comfortable and easy.
Wherever it is, lay down anything you might need for easy access and put the baby in the middle. Always secure the child with one hand while you maneuver with the other. You should also take a few grocery bags to wrap the used diaper and toss it in a nearby bin.
Full Baby Is a Happy Baby!
For those moms who are breastfeeding, the crucial task is to stay hydrated. Especially if the child has never eaten anything else, you can’t risk not having milk during the drive. Sure, bathroom breaks take time for everybody, but that’s the sacrifice you’ll have to make, especially when you are traveling with kids.
If you pump the milk to feed them from the bottle later, it’s going to be easier. You might just need a small refrigerator or cooler bag and a charger for the pump, as well as something to heat the bottle.
Hygiene and Safety
For the diaper change and breastfeeding, hygiene is the most important. Pack some rubbing alcohol, baby wipes, and whatever you might need to keep everything clean, both in the car and the destination.
Responsible driving and proper car seat usage during the trip are essential for everybody’s safety. We recommend that you read all the laws before traveling with kids or hitting the road with your baby. Don’t forget to pack a medicine bag and basic first aid kit as well.
Final Thoughts
Take this guide into account when traveling with kids to avoid worrying and irritation. Remember: your child senses your emotions. If you’ve planned everything strategically, have it under control, and most importantly, are enjoying yourself, it will be a much easier trip with your baby.