How to Take a Road Trip With a Baby

Pre-baby road trips were easy. Grab your purse, gas up the car and hit the highway. Road trips with your baby will take a little more planning and structure, but with preparation and the right attitude, you and your little one can get to that cousin's wedding, family reunion or vacation destination with ease.

Things You'll Need

  • Car seat
  • Medications
  • Soft toys
  • Diapers and wipes
  • Baby food or formula if needed

Instructions

    • 1

      Check car seat installation. Even if it has not been moved since first installed, check it before the trip to be sure it has not come loose and is secured properly. Call your local hospital, fire station or police department. They are often willing to check the installation for you if you bring the car to them with seat installed.

    • 2

      Plan departure during your child's sleep time. Whether it is going to be a long or short trip, leaving when your baby typically naps or sleeps for the night will make the trip easier. Once on the road, your baby will already be tired and hopefully he'll be lulled to sleep by the car's motion.

    • 3

      Add a rear-view mirror in the back of the car. The mirror, sold commercially at most baby stores, allows you to look into your rear-view mirror and see your baby's reflection in the back-installed mirror that faces her car seat. This gives you the opportunity to read her body language, and pull over if needed, before she gets upset. You will be more relaxed when you can see her as well.

    • 4

      Pack snacks and formula or breast milk. Keep it in the trunk, with a cooler and ice. Stop to feed her and play with her before buckling her back in for the road. Always pull over to feed her. Babies can easily gag or choke, even on formula, and trying to help her while you are driving puts you both at risk.

    • 5

      Bring medications. Even if she is healthier than she has ever been, a cold, fever or teething episode can pop up without warning. A small makeup bag in your purse will hold a thermometer, baby acetaminophen and gum-numbing gels.

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