Baby on Board: Tips for Stress-Free Family Road Trips
Traveling with an infant can lead to such wonderful memories, but it often comes with its share of surprises. Sometimes unexpected challenges can arise, and if you’re unprepared, a fun trip can quickly become overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be that way! We’re here to share some tips and tricks to help you prepare for those unpredictable moments during a road trip, and hopefully get you back on the road with minimal stress for the entire family.
Understanding Your Baby’s Rhythm
First, it’s important to remember that every baby is different. We were lucky that our kids were pretty easygoing, especially with their schedules. I know many families, however, live and breathe by their child’s schedule, particularly when they’re very young. Whether your little one needs to nap at precisely 1:00PM or can “go with the flow” a bit more, keeping their schedule in mind is crucial. Try to plan your stops so they align better with important nap times. You might also want to invest in a good sunshade to keep the sun out of your baby’s eyes and they can snooze while you drive!
Strategizing Meal Times
Infant feeding schedules are incredibly important. When our youngest was just 10 weeks old, we took a road trip to Orlando. He was exclusively breastfeeding, and we obviously weren’t comfortable trying to feed him while driving. So, we planned to stop every two hours. This allowed our youngest to stick to his feeding schedule, and our oldest (who was only 2 year old) got to stretch his legs and burn off some energy. There might have even been some ice cream during at least one of those stops! This strategy for eating benefits the whole family, not just the baby.
Fueling the Whole Crew
Speaking of eating, the entire family benefits from regular food stops! When you’re driving in an unfamiliar area, you might unexpectedly find yourself in the middle of nowhere with limited food options. While we don’t meticulously plan every stop, we do try to keep in mind how populated an area might be. More populated areas generally mean more food choices. If you know you’re heading into a fairly isolated stretch, make sure to stop and refuel – or at least grab some snacks for later. It never hurts to keep a few emergency snacks in the car too!
Embrace Your Silly Side
Sometimes, you just need to embrace your silly side. We were driving through Pennsylvania, near Lancaster, with our oldest when he was about nine months old. He was usually great in the car, but for some reason, on this particular trip, he was just done. Unfortunately, we weren’t even close to our destination. We had stopped and moved around, but it wasn’t enough. Probably out of desperation, we started singing “Old MacDonald.” Making funny animal sounds was the only thing that made him laugh. We’d sing and pick animals, and he’d giggle. When we stopped singing, the crying resumed, so we probably sang that song for over an hour. But it made everyone happier, and honestly, it’s a fond memory we still talk about almost a decade later.
The Power of Novel Toys
Always keep a variety of toys with you. I used to keep a handful of toys in the diaper bag and another handful in the car. These were toys the kids only really saw when we were out, keeping them novel and exciting. The toys weren’t particularly special – rattles, soft crinkle books, and mirror toys, for example – but because they were new, they were interesting. Also, we could rotate them. That way, when they got tired of one toy, we had another ready. Of course, if your child has that one special toy – make sure to bring it too! And here’s a pro parenting tip: if your child has a beloved comfort toy, buy two and keep one tucked away, just in case! There’s nothing worse than losing a favorite snuggly friend on the road!
Flexibility is Key
While no road trip is likely to be perfect, a little planning and a lot of flexibility are the keys to success. Young children need breaks but can’t always articulate that. Follow their lead. If they get fussy, maybe it’s time for everyone to take a few minutes to stretch. When they’re happily sleeping, press on! Be responsive to their needs and know that you will reach your destination creating wonderful family memories along the way. Do you have any additional tips for traveling with baby? Please share in the comments below.
Leave a Reply