How to Entertain a Baby on a Long Trip
Parenthood requires thoughtful modifications in many lifestyle areas, and travel is no exception. You may wonder how to make getting there as pleasant as possible for you and your little one. But don̵7;t fret; your trip doesn̵7;t have to be a journey into despair. Instead, keep a sense of humor and enjoy the ride. Proper preparation can noticeably minimize the stress associated with taking your baby on a long trip, advises the American Academy of Pediatrics, which will transform this challenge into an opportunity to make new memories with your baby.
Things You'll Need
- Rear-facing car seat
- CDs
- Soft toys
- Musical toys
- Board books
- Baby wipes
- Diapers
- Diaper rash ointment
- Baby food
- Snacks
- Blanket
Instructions
Make your baby̵7;s safety the first of your trip planning priorities, by ensuring the correct installation of her car seat. Properly install a rear-facing car seat in the back seat. Approximately 70 percent of car seats aren̵7;t properly installed, so review the installation instructions in the car seat̵7;s manual. If traveling by plane, and you have purchased a seat for your baby, bring your own FAA-approved car seat. The FAA permits you to hold your child under the age of 2 on your lap, but your car seat provides optimal protection for your baby during airplane travel. Take along CDs to play your baby̵7;s favorite songs and stories, recommends Fisher-Price. Multiply the entertainment factor by singing along with his favorite tunes ̵1; regardless of your singing ability, you are your baby̵7;s favorite vocalist. Bring several soft toys and board books. Choose toys with minimal parts and accessories. Musical toys are good bets to hold your little one̵7;s attention. Don̵7;t forget to include a few new toys to surprise and keep your baby entertained and happy. Provide regular breaks from your car about every two hours to avoid irritability for you and your baby, suggests the American Academy of Pediatrics. Riding without a break can produce crankiness, especially if the ride includes a wet or soiled diaper. Keep your little rider as clean and dry as possible. Providing breaks on a plane trip are important for your little one as well. Before your baby appears restless, take an excursion down the aisle, visit the restroom for a diaper change or hold your baby on your lap to provide a much needed change in scenery. Make the breaks short in duration in order to return your baby to the safety of her car seat. While traveling presents obstacles to your baby̵7;s routine, do your best to stick to your baby̵7;s regularly scheduled meal and snack times. Pack your baby̵7;s favorite snacks, and offer meals and snacks when she is awake. Weather permitting, put a blanket down at a park to provide a baby-friendly option for stretching little arms and legs. The food court at a shopping mall provides an indoor respite for parents and little car travelers. For snacking during air travel, Cheerios are an example of a finger food favorite to keep within easy reach. No plan is infallible. However, establish a schedule that accommodates your baby's regular eating, napping and play periods for the tentative duration of your trip. Planning allows you to pack wisely, and dispense toys and snacks to last throughout the trip.
