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10 Safety Tips for Going on a Road Trip with Your Newborn

Road Trip with a Newborn: 10 Tips to Make Sure It’s Safe

Parenting is constant hard work, and that’s never truer than when you’re learning how to care for your newborn. Most parents try to avoid traveling with their infant, instead opting to keep them safe and sound at home until they’re a bit older. But, that doesn’t need to be the case. Traveling with a newborn baby in tow can be a fun and beautiful experience.

Today, we’re going to share some sage advice on traveling with a newborn baby learned through trial and error and countless trips with the kids. Whether you’re wondering when is it safe to travel with a newborn baby, or you’re just looking for some tips on how to make traveling with your baby easier, you’re in the right place.

Work as a Team

Undertaking a road trip with a 1-month old baby by yourself is a harrowing task, so if at all possible, you’ll want to bring your partner or a family member or friend along for the trip with you. Having a partner with you on your road trip means that you can take turns caring for the baby in the backseat while the other person drives.

The person in the back can keep the baby entertained, and take care of all the legwork that’s necessary to keep the baby happy, like preparing bottles or changing a diaper. Working as a team can help you cut down on stops and avoid the dreaded “total meltdown” situation where nothing seems to comfort your baby.

It’s also a good idea for the person in the back to get some rest whenever the baby knocks out for a nap. That way, they’ll be well-rested when it’s time to switch roles and take over the driving.

Budget Plenty of Time

Parenting a newborn means that there will always be surprises that pop up, costing you time in the process. Plus, basically everything you do with a newborn is more time-consuming than doing it yourself. Be sure to budget some extra time when you’re taking a road trip with a 6-month old baby.

It’s like clockwork, whether it’s a poorly timed poop as you’re getting ready to leave a rest stop, or a particularly cranky morning that you and baby need to work through, there will always be something to jam you up. By budgeting plenty of time for yourself, you’ll be able to handle all those unforeseen surprises without having to stress about being late.

Drive at Night if You Can

Driving overnight isn’t the most comfortable prospect on vacation, but it can pay serious dividends for your road trip if you’re able to make it work. Since the baby will presumably be sleeping at night, this represents a window of peace and quiet that you can use to make some serious headway on your journey.

The less you disrupt the baby’s routine, the better off you’ll be when it comes to driving at night. Go through all of your usual nightly rituals with your baby, and when you would regularly put them down for bed, that’s the time to put them in their car seat and hit the road. With any luck, they’ll stay asleep through the entire night, and you’ll take out a huge chunk of driving.

Don’t Take the Road Less Traveled

When it comes to road trips, so much of the fun of driving cross country is discovering fun new places off the beaten path. But when it comes to a cross country road trip with a newborn,, you’ll want to stick to the highways as much as possible.

With the back roads, gas, food, and rest stops are few and far between, which isn’t conducive to traveling with a child. Stick to the main roads, and you won’t have any issue finding places to stop when you need to.

It’s also helpful to take a look at the map ahead of time to plot out potential stops ahead of time, which is another way to minimize surprises on your trip.

Keep Everything You Need Within Arm’s Reach

No matter how much time you sent packing the perfect suitcase, it won’t do you any good if it’s locked in the trunk or buried beneath tons of other baggage. Make sure you have all the necessities you’ll need at the ready for your road trip with a 4-month old.

You don’t have to have an entire suitcase of baby supplies sitting next to you in the backseat. It’s better to have a small bag or backpack that’s packed with small amounts of your most needed supplies. Here’s a shortlist to help you get started:

  • A changing pad and a few diapers
  • Pack of baby wipes
  • A few favorite toys
  • A baby thermometer
  • Infant Tylenol
  • An extra blanket

You’ll know best what else to add to your emergency bag, but these six items are the perfect ones to start with.

Take Extra Precautions

When you’re traveling with a baby, it’s critical that you’re even more careful than you usually are. When you’re traveling with friends (or at least a car full of adults), unforeseen challenges or hiccups like a flat tire can end up being fun team-building exercises. When you’re traveling with an infant, you’ll want to minimize risks like these as much as possible.

Before you head off on your trip, Have your car checked by your mechanic to ensure everything is in perfect working order. Be sure that you have a spare tire that’s aired up and ready to go, a jack, or at least a can of fix a flat. Also, make sure that your car isn’t overpacked, so your view isn’t obstructed when you check your mirrors.

Make Extra Pit Stops

If things are going right, it’s tempting to keep pushing on for as long as you can, but taking regular breaks will pay off in the long run.

Stopping regularly allows you to give your baby a change of scenery and a quick cuddle session, which should improve their mood. Plus, anyone who has ever taken a road trip with a 3 month-old can tell you, they want to eat all the time.

A quick pit stop allows you to keep your baby fed, dry, and content, so they’re less finicky when you get back on the road.

Attach Sun Blinds to Your Back Windows

We all hate driving with the sun in our eyes, especially newborns. A few sun blinds on the back windows will save you hours of grief, and make for a much less cranky baby.

Not only will sun blinds help keep the sun out of your baby’s eyes, but it will also prevent them from overheating, which is something that’s a serious concern when you’re traveling with a newborn.

Be Prepared to Reach Into Your Bag of Tricks

When you’re road tripping with a newborn, you aren’t just a driver or wingman; you’re also an entertainer. How well you’re able to juggle these roles will have a definite effect on how smoothly your road trip goes.

You can set yourself up for success by making sure you have a few of the baby’s favorite toys nearby to break out whenever they’re getting finicky. You’ll also want to brush up on some favorite sing-a-longs to keep the baby entertained for long enough to get you to your next stopping point. When all else fails, a tablet or cell phone with some baby-friendly content should be able to buy you some time.

Learn Some Baby Massage Techniques

After about an hour in the car, the road begins to take its toll on you. Your back and butt hurt from sitting for so long, your legs hurt from not being able to stretch, and it’s not a very enjoyable experience. Keep in mind that the little person in your car is going through the same thing you are.

Learn a few massage techniques to keep your baby’s legs and feet loose and comfortable, and you’ll be able to keep the baby content so you can keep pressing on.

Know When to Call it a Day

There’s plenty to be said for the grin and bear it approach to a road trip, where you keep pushing no matter how tired or cranky you are. But when you’re with the baby, this is an approach you’ll want to avoid.

There’s no shame in shutting down and taking a break for a little while, or giving up on the day altogether so you can get a room and rest up for the next day. Whether you’re taking a break for a short while or for the rest of the day, it’s a much-needed chance for you and the baby to rest up so you can get back on the road when the time is right.

A road trip with a newborn can be a beautiful experience for parents and baby, provided you take some steps to ensure you’re well prepared for the journey. Whether you’re planning a road trip with a 2-month old, or your baby is a little older, following the advice above can help make the experience more fun for everybody.

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Ayesha Holloman

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Traveling With A Newborn By Car: Tips For Baby’s First Road Trip

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When you welcome your bundle of joy, life completely changes. Talk of the sleepless nights, crying babies, and endless joy, you name it. And after a while, it is natural to feel burnt out.

A family vacation comes as a relief for many new parents – or obligations interstate may see you needing to prepare for a long journey by road (especially if you’re not quite feeling ready for airplane travel with a baby!)

But we’ll bet there’s a constant worry whether traveling with a newborn by car is safe; and will you be able to survive a longer trip by car with your newborn?

Chances are that your newborn probably arrived home by car after delivery, meaning there are no restrictions on family road trips . Provided you and your baby get out of the car every couple of hours to take a stretch and avoid restlessness, there’s no reason you can’t undertake a successful road trip with a newborn.

Car travel with an infant is good for you and the family, and here are some reasons why:

  • It helps you build confidence as a parent
  • You get to share new experiences with your little one
  • You get to enjoy some quality family time
  • Traveling with your little one helps in their brain development

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How Soon Can a Newborn Travel Long Distance By Car?

How soon can a newborn travel long distances by car? This is an overwhelming query that lingers in every parent’s mind. It is very understandable, given the delicate, tender, and fragile nature of your little one, making you want only the best for their safety.

While no laws or safety implications have been put in to determine the right age for your infant, some safety tips ensure that your little one is safe as you travel.

The American Academy of Pediatrics maintains that there is no specific child age to travel, but it gives safety tips for traveling with infants and young children. Meanwhile, the NCT (UK ), recommends that if you are traveling with an infant that is less than four weeks , you should ensure that they do not sit in their car seats for more than thirty minutes .

a newborn baby strapped into a car seat

For an older baby , they should not stay in the car seat for more than two hours before you take a break.

Always Use An Infant Car Seat!

It should go without saying that you are ALWAYS to use an infant car seat anywhere you drive with your newborn, be it a short trip around the block or across the country. Never, ever hold your infant in your arms whilst the vehicle is moving, no matter how distressed your baby might seem, in their car seat is the safest place.

The most important thing to remember is that the car seat should always be in a rear-facing position when road-tripping with a baby and correctly installed in the back seat.

As your infant grows, you should also familiarize yourself with the car seat laws of the state(s) and countries where you will be traveling. This is because while some states/countries do not specify the type of car seat to be used at a particular age, or car seat position, some are clear about these in the laws; if car seat rules are violated, they can attract hefty fines.

Medical Issues and Concerns

If you have any concerns at all before setting out, please raise them with your pediatrician or health care worker. They are sure to put your mind at ease that a healthy baby is fine to undertake a road trip.

When you decide to go on a long road trip with a baby , and you are an American citizen, ensure that they (infants) have their medical insurance. Ensuring that you have the proper insurance for your baby is essential before you travel. You should also double-check to ensure your baby is registered under your medical plan.

If you are from another country, then be sure your child has their insurance health card and that you have it with you as you travel, just as important as their baby passport.

Tips For Road Tripping With A Newborn

Your car travel with a newborn might seem daunting at first, but it can be a rewarding and memorable experience if done right. And yes, your baby can also have a great time on the road!

First, you must adjust your attitude, carry some handy must-haves, and a few simple tricks to ensure you are all happy and comfortable on the road. Sure, there may be some tears (yours and your baby’s!), but let’s try and minimize these by going in to your car trip well prepared.

Buckle up and read on to learn how to ensure that your long journey comes with memories that will last a lifetime.

Get Your Car Checked Before Leaving For Your Car Travel With A Newborn

Before heading out, ensure that your vehicle is mechanically ready to hit the road . Check for tire replacement, whether you need an oil change or your car’s air conditioner is working. Trust us, an auto repair shop is the last place you want to find yourself in on your long car ride with a baby!

Having a technician ensures that your baby’s car seat is installed correctly according to the car seat manufacturers specifications before taking off is also a great idea if you’re feeling unsure.

Plan Your Route Wisely

Prior and proper planning beforehand will ensure that you avoid driving too far in a single day. You should therefore plan for several stops when road-tripping with a baby, as this is important, and inevitable. Always allow yourself extra time!

Traveling With a Newborn By Car - Plan Wisely

Depending on the age of your little one, you should plan for stops every one to three hours. Why, might you ask? This is because your little one needs frequent breaks from their car seat and regular feeds and changes. You can incorporate fun activities during the breaks.

These breaks will also be times for feeding, diaper changes, and walks for you and the baby to get the much-needed stretching and fresh air.

Time The Long Distance, Right

The right timing during your long car ride is when your little one has their nap times or bedtime. By so doing, you will have a good chunk of quiet, peaceful driving that you need.

But if your baby is not a great car sleeper, then the best time would be shortly after they awake in the morning or immediately after their nap and feed. This will ensure that you have a well-rested and happy baby.

All said and done on planning, ensure that before you leave, your baby has a clean diaper and a full tummy – these are likely be their largest causes for complaint once you’re on the move.

Entertain Your Baby

For newborn babies, remember you are still their favorite toy. As you travel, being as present as possible will be essential. How you might wonder:

Traveling With a Newborn By Car - Entertain Your Baby

  • Sing : yes, your baby loves your voice though you think otherwise. The sound of your voice soothes them, and it goes a long way when you incorporate hand actions and sound effects to capture their attention completely.
  • Give leg massages : just like you, your baby will feel relieved when given leg massages. So, if you are two (a driver and you), you can rub the feet and legs to help them reduce the tension.
  • Sit with your baby : if you have someone to help with driving, you or a family member should sit in the back seat. This is comforting for your little one and will help them remain calm.

If you are traveling alone, you may want to look at getting a baby monitor for the car to give you peace of mind what is happening behind you.

Pack Your Car Like A Pro

Packing your car the day or night before you leave is best, and while packing, you need to categorize. This is where you know what you will need to keep at arm’s length versus what you can stow away.

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The suitcases and large newborn baby items like the travel crib can go at the back of the trunk, or in a roof top cargo box , as you will likely only need to access these once you reach your destination. Then you can have a necessary bag with all you need en route.

FRT Traveling With a Newborn By Car - Packing like a pro

You can also have a separate changing station in a travel bag that includes diapers, baby wipes, diaper creams, changing pad, small trash baggies, and extra clothes for you and your baby for spit-ups, spills, or worse!

You may want a nursing cover handy too, if you are not comfortable feeding in public or your baby prefers to feed without distraction.

If you don’t have older children or other passengers in the car, keep a back seat free ready to do quick diaper changes. This will save you needing to hunt out proper change room facilities at every rest stop.

Take Regular Rest Stops

During your car travel with an infant, you will need to take frequent breaks for several reasons.

One of the reasons is that the much-needed break will give your baby a change of scenery and give you a chance to feed and cuddle your little one. This way, your baby might be a little less grumpy as they will have a chance to get out of the rear-facing car seat and interact.

As a general rule, you should take a 15-minute break after every two hours with young babies on a long road trip. The reason behind the 2-hour rule is concerns of restricted breathing in a car seat after more than a couple of hours.

This is also an opportunity to adjust how many layers your baby is wearing as the day heats up. Overheating can be another common cause of newborn discomfort, even after they’ve been fed and diaper changed.

Bring A Cooler With Bottles, Snacks or Meals

Whilst you may be breastfeeding full-time at home, while you’re on the move you may find it more convenient to pump and transport your breastmilk ready for feeds in the car or roadside stops.

If you’re taking the pumping and pre-prepared bottle route, or prefer to formula feed your infant, you will want a good cooler for the car .

FRT Traveling With a Newborn By Car - Road trip cooler with snacks

If your baby hates taking their milk cold, a wise investment for your road trip will be a portable bottle warmer to quickly prepare their baby bottles on the move. Their are many fabulous models made for use on-the-go that work on a thermos system or plug into your car with a USB cord.

Remember YOURSELF, too. Throw a few healthy snacks in the cooler for yourself as well, in an easy to grab picnic bag or cooler as you may want to eat on the move if your baby is peacefully sleeping through and you’re not due a rest stop – some easy to grab granola bars are an excellent choice.

Recreate Your Baby’s Sleeping Environment

Having your little one sleep for a portion of your trip is essential for everyone’s happiness. So, do everything it takes to recreate your baby’s ideal sleeping environment.

You can bring their comfort blankets, lovey, or pacifiers. And if your baby is used to the white sound, you can download it to play on your phone or iPad or use a portable white noise machine.

You can also use a window shade to ensure your baby sleeps peacefully and is protected from the sun. A window shade is also great for creating a slightly darker nap-inducing environment.

Remember Baby’s Favorite Things

Having the things that your baby finds entertaining or comforting with you during your road trip with your newborn will be beneficial. When the baby has awoken from their nap, they will be ready to play and interact – which is difficult when you’re sat up front.

A young baby in a car seat holding a teddy

A newborn is likely unable to differentiate between old and new travel toys, so you’re a long way off needing to wrap them little surprised or anything like that, yet! (for older bubs, head over to our toddler road-tripping tips for further entertainment ideas).

For a young infant, you will need a few simple and engaging baby toys for the car , that they can squeeze, suck and cuddle as comfort items.

Make A Playlist

Making a playlist that you and your baby will enjoy will make your road trip soo much fun. If you can sync your phone or device to the car speakers, make a playlist of your family’s favorite songs.

The great thing is, your newborn is a long way from complaining how old and embarrassing your favorite hits are, and won’t be requesting Baby Shark on repeat, either!

You can also listen to podcasts or audiobooks . Maybe skip the thrillers genre, but something light and chatty can not only help the time move more quickly for the grown ups in the car, the sound of voices in the car can be relaxing for your baby, too.

Dress Your Baby In Everyday Clothes And A Blanket

You never know whether your little one will be too cold or too hot as you travel. Whatever the case, it is best to be prepared. Clothing your little one in everyday clothes will allow you to regulate their temperature more effectively and prevent overheating.

Ensure that they are not clothed in anything too padded, like a pram suit, as this might make their car seat ineffective in case of a collision. If they seem cold, use an additional blanket over their car seat – we have more tips for keeping your baby warm in their car seat here.

Conversely, you don’t want your baby overheating in their seat either when its hot outside, we share all top tips for keeping infants cool in their car seat over here.

Remember Your Camera

Road trip with newborn calls for lots of pictures! You will be lost without your camera.

Ensure that you capture all those magical moments of your newborn first road trip. And who knows, once you have exhausted everything to entertain your baby, they might find it attractive to look at your pictures and themselves!

Traveling With a Newborn By Car - Capture moments

Be Prepared For Everything And Anything

All we hope for when traveling is to arrive safely at our destination. But it is only sometimes smooth, and some unforeseen circumstances might arise. Always have a bucket or a small garbage pail and old towel or muslin c l oth within arm’s reach.

Have a first aid kit with sunblock, band-aids, over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions, and bug spray, just in case. Also, ensure that your vehicle has emergency supplies like jumper cables, a spare tire jack, and, if applicable to your location, a small snow shovel and a brush.

We share our complete list of road trip essentials over here.

Best of luck with your new baby adventure! Sure, they’re not going to remember their early years on the road but you’ll undoubtedly be creating memories of a lifetime , and well on your way to becoming a family of adventurers !

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10 Tips for Road Tripping With an Infant

road trip with newborn

Image Source / Getty Images

Road trips with an infant can be stressful, but they don’t have to be, and the truth is a car ride with a baby is often less stressful than getting on a plane. You can stop your own vehicle for an emergency bathroom break or to move around a restless toddler. And if your baby does throw a tantrum, you can focus your attention on their needs instead of worrying about other passengers.

Whether you're hitting the road to visit the grandparents or heading to a vacation destination geared toward families with infants , you may be surprised at some of the simple things you can do to keep your little one calm and quiet during your trip. Whether you’ll be on the road for five hours or five days, these 10 tips will help your vacation go as smoothly as possible.

While one person is driving, have another sit in the back with the baby. Having that caretaker in the back seat can help address issues as they arise—preparing bottles, wiping up, curing boredom with some old-fashioned “peek-a-boo”—which can help minimize stops and avoid total meltdowns.

It's an old bit of wisdom, but "sleep when the baby sleeps" is solid advice during a road trip with kids . When the baby is sleeping, the person in the back should try to rest, too, so they can be refreshed enough to take over driving when the driver gets fatigued.

Manage Expectations

Any number of things can go wrong on a road trip—a flat tire, bad weather, food poisoning—but those hiccups become exponentially more stressful with a young (likely screaming) infant in tow. Accepting that going in and maintaining a sense of humor about the situation can go a long way to help ease the tension. After all, the difference between a fiasco and an adventure can be as simple as your state of mind.

One way to make light of unpleasant situations is to make a game out of them. For example, put together Baby Road Trip BINGO cards where spaces are filled in with any and all potential disasters—think "blow out in the car seat" or tiny victories like "finished a whole podcast." That way, even bad situations turn into wins.  

Drive at Night

It’s a bit uncomfortable for the parents, but then again, so is a screaming child with no exit in sight. Driving at night means your baby will spend more time sleeping and less time awake and hungry, bored, or needing changes. You’ll be able to drive for longer stretches without needing breaks. 

A great way to maximize drive time is to schedule your departure so that it coincides with bedtime. Go through your whole routine (bath, pajamas, bedtime song—whatever your nightly ritual entails), but put the baby down to sleep in the car seat instead of the crib or bassinet. Drive as long as you're comfortable—or for as long as the baby is sleeping—but be sure to switch drivers, caffeinate, and rest when needed to avoid driving drowsy. 

Plan Frequent Breaks

You might be able to go six hours without using the bathroom or needing to eat, but the baby likely can't. Plan for stops every one to three hours during the day and three to six hours at night to change diapers, stretch legs, eat, and change sweaty or spit-up clothes as needed.

To avoid unnecessary stops, make a checklist of items that you go through during every break so you don’t forget anything, such as changing the baby’s diaper or clothes, using the restroom (for those not in diapers), and refreshing essential supplies. 

Skip the Scenic Route

While scenic overlooks and long stretches of the open road might seem like the very things that make a road trip worthwhile, they can also make it difficult to find help or reprieve when you need it. Choose a route in advance that has frequent access to food, 24-hour gas stations, restrooms, and service areas.

Even better, plot out some pit-stops in advance —including some potential hotels if you think you might need a real rest—so you can pull over when necessary.

Keep Supplies Nearby

You might have a giant suitcase with everything you need to survive traveling with an infant for an extended period of time, but that's not what you want to be digging through at 65 mph while a baby is screaming in your ear, or while parked at a dodgy rest stop in the middle of the night.

Keep a kit within easy reach so you don’t have to unbuckle your seat belt to retrieve any critical items, and fill the bag with small amounts of necessities (you can always refill as you go). You could pack all of these items into a medium-sized backpack or tote bag:

  • A portable changing pad with two or three diapers
  • A packet of wipes
  • Pre-portioned bottles of formula or breast milk in a small cooler bag
  • Two or three small but versatile toys
  • Infant Tylenol or ibuprofen
  • A baby forehead thermometer
  • A small portable sound machine
  • An extra blanket

In addition to the baby kit, be sure there's one for the adults, too. That could include mobile chargers for your electronic devices, a tablet or e-reader, high-protein/easy-to-eat snacks, sleep aids, sleep mask, a small pillow, earphones, and earplugs. You might also want to bring along a car sun shade to help your little one nap.

Brush up on Baby Massage Techniques

Babies can get stiff and uncomfortable after sitting for hours in their seats, just like adults. Read up on some infant massage techniques that you can modify to use either while driving (if you’re on backseat duty) and during stops. Gently massaging legs and feet, in particular, can often help calm a fussy baby long enough to get you to a good stopping place where they can stretch out their legs in earnest.

Sing Simple Camp Songs

When it comes to fussy infants stuck in car seats, be prepared with a variety of tools at your disposal. Singing songs can often be more effective than the radio at helping to put a baby to sleep, calming them when they’re fussy, and entertaining them when they’re bored. Try to pick songs with simple melodies, but where verses can be added or improvised as with many nursery rhymes or typical camp songs. Taking turns inventing new lyrics can help break up the monotony for parents, too.

Take Precautions

With or without an infant, standard prep and safety precautions should be followed. Make sure you have a spare tire, car jack, and tire iron that are ready to go, especially if you're driving through sparsely populated areas where the nearest mechanic could be several miles away. It's not fun waiting hours for a tow truck to arrive and even less so when you have a baby on board.

While packing the car, be sure not to obstruct the driver’s view, including in the rearview mirror. And always take steps to pull over to well-lit areas when stopping at night.

Admit Defeat

If you’re tired, if you’re frustrated, if everyone in the car (including and especially your baby) can’t take another second on the road, then stop. It’s okay.

Find a place to rest and give yourself a few minutes or hours to regroup. Most hotels will take bookings any time of day and many provide cribs in the room upon request. Take a nap in a real bed or freshen up with a hot shower and a meal at a sit-down restaurant. Giving yourself and your baby a chance to reset can help make the rest of the ride go more smoothly.  

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Road Trips , Tips & Tricks · October 31, 2023

Traveling with a Newborn Baby Road Trip Tips (2023)

You’re new parents getting ready to take the baby’s first road trip. A lot of questions can come up, and there can certainly be some nerves. But don’t worry! After a (LONG) recent road trip, I’ve compiled a list of the best traveling with a newborn baby road trip tips to make it a success!

When we took a family road trip for the first time, our baby was 8 weeks old. I was unsure what to expect on our journey from Colorado to Lincoln, Nebraska , and then from Nebraska to our final destination of Northern Minnesota—and then back home! We had a few 10-hour days in the car, but it was well worth it to see family and friends, explore, and get our baby used to being on the go. I definitely understand being a bit skeptical of the whole situation, but let’s answer a quick question before we get into the tips:

road trip with newborn

When can my newborn baby go on a road trip?

You’re the mom (or dad!) Your newborn can go on a road trip with you whenever you feel ready to take them! As long as you are prepared to keep them safe and ensure they don’t spend more than 3 hours in their car seat at a time, go for it! I am a strong believer that starting early is key to getting them used to it when they are older. And honestly, newborns sleep a majority of the time anyway—take advantage!

Traveling with a Newborn Baby Road Trip Tips

This post does include affiliate links that will amount to no extra charge to you.

road trip with newborn

Before Your Trip Baby Road Trip Tips

It all starts well before you even leave. Here is where to start when it comes to a successful road trip with a newborn:

1. Use the Car Seat A LOT

First things first when it comes to a long road trip…get your baby used to the car seat. In the weeks leading up to your trip, get in the car every single day. Even if it’s just a quick run to the grocery store, it will help them get used to being buckled in, the feeling of a moving car, and falling asleep in their seat. Plus, you’re going to be able to tell if car sickness affects them or not.

road trip with newborn

We use the MESA V2 Infant Car Seat and I swear by it. Our baby loves it and has no problem falling asleep and staying comfortable. We use the entire travel system and it makes things such a breeze. My family calls it “The Cadillac” and I think it’s worth the price.

2. Set Your Expectations

One of the most important things is to set your expectations. Your drive time will increase. Google Maps estimated arrival time will not be accurate. Not everything will go as planned. And that’s okay. You’re going to have a much better experience if you go into it accepting that and rolling with the punches.

For us, we added 15-30 minutes to every hour of travel. For example, an 8-hour drive will take us at least 10 hours with the extra stops.

3. Don’t Plan Stops

I’ve seen the opposite as a tip, but strongly believe it’s best not to plan your stops. You have no idea how this is going to go. Stop when the baby needs to stop. And avoid it when they don’t. Unfortunately, that may mean having to pee for a while (don’t wake the baby!), but hey, welcome to parenthood. Your baby might sleep in longer stretches and you want to use those couple of hours to gain ground. The babies make the rules and planning when and where to stop sounds like a great way to add frustration when it doesn’t line up properly.

road trip with newborn

4. Pack the Car the Night Before

It’s a good idea to get as much done the night before as possible. Pack everything you can, leaving space for what you can’t pack until the day you leave (like milk), and it’s one less thing you need to do in the morning. It’s already going to be stressful so do it when you have plenty of time to be smart and efficient vs. throwing everything into the car while you’re trying to leave the driveway. That takes us to…

5. Pack STRATEGICALLY

There is a right way to pack the vehicle and doing so will help immensely during your travels. Assuming you have a trunk area, a middle row, and the driver plus passenger seat, here is what I recommend:

  • Trunk: Everything you will NOT (or at least should not) need during your drive. Suitcases full of clothes, the stroller, the travel crib, etc. The key here is Tetris; make it all fit together! It may take a few tries.
  • Middle Row: The child’s car seat, obviously. And then what you WILL need during your travels while keeping one seat for an adult open. Milk cooler(s), tote bags with diapers, wipes, rags, pacifiers, and any personal items. Make sure to utilize the floor space (coolers are best here in case of any leaks.)
  • Passenger Seat: Extras. Personal backpacks Snacks. Plastic bag for trash. Basically, the leftovers.

The middle row is the most important. As you pack, make sure what you’re going to need frequently has the easiest access so you are not rifling through all of your belongings and making a huge mess on the road.

6. Charge EVERYTHING

Phones. Breast pumps. Bottle warmers. Toys. Make sure everything is at a full charge when you’re ready to leave. And have a cord in the car for easy charging on the go.

During Your Trip Baby Road Trip Tips

You are planned and packed. Here are newborn baby road trip tips for when you’re actually on the move:

7. Sit in the Back Seat

As mentioned, have someone in the back seat so it’s easy to keep a happy baby. You don’t want to pull over because the pacifier fell out, the sun is in their eyes, or their onesie is bunched up in their face. Plus, your baby will likely be much more content if they can see you.

road trip with newborn

8. Leave Early in the Morning

When is the best time to actually leave? After they wake up to start the day and right before the next nap time. If they wake up at 5 AM, get them fed, changed, ready, into their seat, and hit the road. A little extra coffee is going to be worth it. Hopefully, the car lulls them back to sleep and you get a solid 2-3 hour stretch of drive time right away in the morning. If you wait, you risk everyone being ready to go except the sleeping baby. No one wants to wake them up and you’re losing out on crucial drive time!

9. Avoid Night-Time Driving

Plus, the earlier you get going, the more hours of daylight you have to take advantage of. Night driving sucks. Night driving with a baby sucks even more. You don’t want to be fumbling around in the dark for diapers and milk. Plus, everyone is exhausted—you have a newborn! Long days in the car are better than long nights.

10. Dress the Baby Super Comfortably

Nobody wants to spend a long drive stuck in uncomfortable clothes. Make sure your car journeys include a super comfy baby. Try something super soft with built-in feet (don’t mess around with tiny socks) and a double zipper to make diaper changes even easier.

11. Rest Stops vs. Gas Stations vs. Off-Ramps

Where are the best places to make pit stops? Well, it depends on what you need. After our first trip on the road with our newborn, here’s what I found to be the best:

  • Rest Stop: Someone (not the baby) needs to pee—BAD. Do your best to hit a rest stop. It’s easy in and out without turns. Fingers crossed, the baby stays asleep.
  • Gas Station: Someone needs to pee, and/or you need gas (duh), food, oil, a charger, etc. Gas stations are the answer when you have multiple things to handle.
  • Off-Ramps: The baby is hungry. If this is it, just get off at the next ramp and find a safe place to park. A few items below will make sure you’re set up for success—and avoid nasty gas station bathrooms. Plus, you avoid crying while waiting for the next gas station.

In my personal experience, the off-ramps were the easiest!

road trip with newborn

12. Take a Walk, If Needed

A little bit of fresh air works wonders for babies. Have easy access to your stroller so you can take a quick walk during your travels—even if it’s just 10 minutes.

What to Bring Baby Road Trip Tips

Babies do NOT travel light. How such a little human can have so much stuff is beyond me. But, stay organized and it will be fine. Here is everything to bring to make your life easier:

13. Portable Breast Pump

Nothing, and I mean nothing, stops the need to pump! And it’s a hell of a lot easier to get it done with a portable breast pump. I use the Elvie and SWEAR by it. It’s expensive, and there are cheaper options, but I do think it’s worth it. If you’d rather use your regular pump, just make sure it’s charged (there are adapters for car charging as well) and that you have the space for it.

NOTE: Don’t forget extra storage bottles. These are my favorites —they even let you note which day and time it’s from.

I don’t like pumping (does anyone?), but the good news is, it sort of passes the time when you have to do it in the car. Setting it up, pumping, cleaning it, storing it. Before you know it, an hour has gone by!

14. Breast Pump Cleaning Wipes

One of my FAVORITE items. Easy-to-use wipes to clean your pump parts so you don’t need to worry about stopping to rinse and clean them. These wipes work like a charm! (I keep a pack in the car at all times.)

15. Breastmilk Cooler Bag

The most important thing, right!? Make sure you have plenty of cold milk no matter if you’re breastfeeding or formula feeding—or both! We have this cooler which perfectly fits six short Dr. Brown’s bottles and comes with ice packs. It has a nice strap, and an extra storage compartment (for pump parts, empty bottles, etc.), and we had no trouble with leaks. Highly recommend.

road trip with newborn

16. Portable Bottle Warmer

You have a hungy, crying baby in the car and the baby’s needs come first, right? Well, this portable bottle warmer makes everyone happy and is one of the baby road trip ESSENTIALS if you’re bottle feeding. In just a few minutes you can have a warm bottle ready without even getting out of the car. It includes multiple adapters for popular bottles and it holds a good charge.

BONUS: This is perfect in your hotel room, at bars and restaurants, really anywhere you go! I’d buy this ten times over.

road trip with newborn

17. Car Seat Liner or Burp Cloths

Don’t learn the hard way what happens when there’s a blowout. They do sell car seat liners, but a burp cloth layer should do the trick as well to keep the car seat in tip-top condition!

18. Changing Pads

They are fed and now it’s time for a diaper change. As mentioned above, I find all of this to be easiest when you just pull off onto the side of an off-ramp. And if you do that, a Snuggle Nest Lounger is the perfect changing pad. It folds up for easy storage and once you open it, place it on the backseat and you have the perfect (and clean!) changing station. Stash some diapers and wipes in it and you’re set!

While you can surely use this if you change a diaper in the rest stop or gas station, I also have this smaller roll-up one that stores in a diaper bag. I love to lie down anywhere the baby is being changed.

road trip with newborn

19. Extra Baby Blankets

Don’t let the sun ruin your baby’s car trip sleep! Purchase window shades if you prefer, but we just threw a blanket over her car seat. Plus, we had one to cover her. And another in case one got dirty!

20. New Toys

When traveling a long way, add a few new toys to the mix! This makes more sense when the baby gets a little bit older. But a newborn may be entertained by new or favorite toys hanging off their car seat handle. Whatever buys you some good, not-crying time!

21. White Noise Machine

Does your baby use a sound machine when they sleep at home? Well, it’s a great idea to take it on the road as well. This is my favorite portable one.

22. Totes to Stay Organized!

The best way to store everything for easy access is totes that fit perfectly in the car and help you keep everything together in one place. You can pack a diaper bag but then you’re just digging through it, what you need is at the bottom, and items are coming out, not going back in…it just ends up being more work than it’s worth. Totes allow you to see where everything is at once. Can’t recommend this one enough for diaper changes and the other one for breastpumping items—which also comes with a mini cooler.

23. Extra Everything

When driving long distances, take a little bit extra of everything. Clothes, diapers, wipes, toys. Either use a tote or a backpack that you know is full of extras. You might need to dig through it, but if everything goes smoothly, you won’t. It’s just a peace of mind thing!

24. Ziplock and Plastic Bags

When you have the whole family in the car, garbage is going to pile up. Be ready for it with a few plastic bags so it’s easy to keep trash together and throw it away in a gas station parking lot. Don’t forget a Ziplock or two as well—they will keep the smell of a dirty diaper locked inside if there’s nowhere to throw it right away!

road trip with newborn

25. Cleaning Wipes and Stain Remover

While we’re on the clean train, bring some generic cleaning wipes for spills. And this is a great stain remover if the baby spits up or poops on their clothes. (Or you get pizza sauce on your white shirt.)

A long car ride with a newborn can be, well, long! Keep yourself entertained with some of your favorite snacks. Plus, they are much needed when you get hungry but don’t want to stop because the baby is sleeping!

27. Handheld Car Vacuum

This thing is awesome! And perfect for a road trip when you are bound to have a mess or two. Easily suck up crumbs and dirt to keep your vehicle as clean as possible.

28. Lastly, Patience…

Your road trip will not be like it was pre-baby. There will be more frequent stops, your travel time will increase, there will be extra time spent at gas stations than you’re used to, and you may be in for a long trip. But don’t worry, it’s all worth it when you get to the destination!

road trip with newborn

There is all of the general advice for baby car travel that will hopefully help you as first-time parents and ensure you have the best road trip with your new baby. Good luck!

Baby car travel is definitely different than doing it with young children, and even older children! As we go through life with our baby, I’ll be sure to post more of the best tips.

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How to Prepare for a Road Trip with a Newborn (Step-by-Step Guide)

Planning a road trip with a newborn? Check out our top newborn travel tips & essentials that will help you feel more prepared & at ease!

road trip with newborn

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Planning a road trip with a newborn? You will likely need to stop more often, and it will probably take longer to get to your final destination, but the newborn phase can actually be really great for travel because newborns like to sleep A LOT!

The motion and sounds of the moving car will likely soothe your little one to sleep for the majority of your trip. For this reason, road tripping with our newborn feels a lot easier than with our busy, active toddler!

Check out these tips for your road trip with a newborn – you will feel more confident, prepared, and ready to hit the road!

11 Tips for Your Road Trip with a Newborn

road trip with newborn

1. Talk to Your Pediatrician

For us, taking a road trip with our newborn felt like a safer option than flying somewhere. Our pediatrician agreed that traveling by car would likely expose our newborn to a lot fewer germs/illnesses than if we traveled by plane.

Our pediatrician told us to make sure to take our baby out of the car seat at least every 2 hours. Most newborns need to eat every couple of hours anyway, so it is good to plan on letting the baby stretch out, get a feeding in, and get a diaper change every 2 hours.

Your pediatrician can give you advice, answer any questions that you have, and help you to feel more at ease about your trip.

2. Schedule Oil Change/Service Car If Needed

Make sure your car is up to date with an oil change and address any issues or other maintenance before you hit the road.

No one wants to deal with car troubles during a road trip, especially when you have a newborn to take care of on top of it. Sometimes it’s inevitable, but do what you can before you leave to reduce your chances of having car troubles during the trip.

Renting a car is always an option too if you don’t feel comfortable taking your personal car on a long trip.

3. Make Sure Car Seat is Properly Installed

Car seats are complicated! When you install your car seat for the first time, make sure to read the directions carefully. Most car seat companies have installation videos on their websites that can be super helpful.

Click here to learn more about how you can get your car seat inspected to make sure that you have everything installed properly and have your baby buckled in correctly.

road trip with newborn

4. Practice Taking Baby on Car Rides Before Your Trip

Practice running errands or taking short drives around town to get your newborn used to riding in the car. Test out changing a diaper on the go.

This extra “practice” will likely make you feel more comfortable and more at ease when it is time for your big road trip!

TIPS FOR DIAPER CHANGES ON THE GO!

road trip with newborn

  • Get a portable changing pad with room to store diapers, wipes, and diaper cream. When you need to change a diaper, you won’t have to dig through a bag to get what you need – you have it all right there in the changing pad!
  • Bring plenty of diapers and wipes – most babies go through 8-12 diapers per day, To play it safe, I pack about 15 per day during the newborn stage. So take 15 x # of days staying. If you don’t want to pack that many diapers, bring at least enough for the first couple of days, and you can always buy more throughout the trip if you have access to a store.
  • Pack disposable diaper sacks to contain smelly diapers if you don’t have a place to throw them away right away. This will keep the car from smelling like a big dirty diaper.
  • Where to change your baby on a road trip? You can always try to find a gas station or rest area with a changing station, but I prefer changing baby in the front passenger seat of the car or even on the hood of the car if the weather is nice.

5. Keep Eyes on Baby

It is important to monitor your newborn throughout the road trip. You want to make sure the baby is breathing ok, isn’t overheated, hasn’t spit up all over, etc.

Don’t feel like you need to have your eyes glued on the baby the whole trip, but just make sure to check in often.

Maybe you want to have one adult sit in the back next to the baby while another one drives.

We love using these baby car mirrors to easily keep eyes on rear-facing babies/toddlers while driving or sitting in the passenger seat up front.

Shynerk Baby Car Mirror, Safety Car Seat Mirror for Rear

6. Have an “Easy Access” Bag or Caddy

Pack a bag or a little caddy with essentials that you will need to access frequently during the road trip. Keep the bag in a handy spot so you can easily grab whatever you need.

What to pack in your easy-access road trip bag:

  • Wallet/ID/navigation and travel documents
  • Chargers – phone, watch, etc.
  • Electronics (phone, headphones, iPad, etc.)
  • Entertainment – books, magazines, notepad/pen, road trip games ( this is one of our favorites )
  • Wet wipes/napkins
  • One change of clothes for everyone
  • Diapers/wipes
  • Swaddle Blanket
  • Baby Travel Entertainment – newborns don’t need a lot of entertainment, but a little rattle, crinkly toy, or mirror can provide some fun!
18 Best Travel Activities for Toddlers & Babies – Keep Them Calm and Busy!

7. Use a Car Seat Liner

A car seat liner can save you a big headache and some serious time if your sweet little newborn decides to have a blowout during your road trip.

Just make sure that the liner is approved to work with your car seat – some car seat companies might sell liners designed specifically for safe use with their particular car seat brand.

Child Car Seat Saver Waterproof Liner by Lebogner - 100%

8. Plan for Frequent Stops

Newborns need to eat every 2-3 hours. It is best to pull over any time baby needs to eat whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. As mentioned earlier, it is good to get your newborn out of the car seat frequently.

Plan on a diaper change, feeding, and some snuggles every couple of hours throughout your road trip.

We once tried to give our son a bottle in his car seat during a road trip to save time. He had horrible gas because of how he was positioned in the car seat while eating and was screaming in pain when we got to our hotel. It was horrible, and we learned our lesson!

It is good for YOU to get out, stretch your legs, and go to the bathroom every couple of hours too. 🙂

TIPS FOR FEEDING ON THE GO

  • If bottle feeding, bring a thermos of hot water to warm bottles in or consider getting a portable bottle warmer. If you’re in a pinch, sometimes Starbucks or other restaurants will provide hot water for you to heat a bottle.
  • This little portable drying rack and bottle brush set is super helpful for cleaning bottles, pacifiers, and pump parts on the go!
  • These sterilizer bags can be reused many times and provide a quick and easy way to sterilize anything that will be going in your newborn’s mouth.
  • I love this pump bag for taking my pump/pump supplies on the go.
  • If you are breastfeeding and want to have some privacy in public, use a swaddle blanket or one of these versatile nursing covers .

OXO Tot Travel Size Drying Rack with Bottle Brush- Gray

9. Pack a Cooler with Snacks, Drinks, & Milk/Formula

If you don’t want to load up on fast food and gas station snacks, consider packing your own food and drinks in a little cooler that you can access throughout the road trip.

A cooler or a portable refrigerator can be helpful for keeping breastmilk or formula cold if needed as well.

AstroAI Mini Fridge, 4 Liter/6 Can AC/DC Portable Thermoelectric Cooler

10. Be Flexible With Your Travel Plans

It might take you longer to get to your destination than anticipated, but it will be ok!

If you get too tired, find a place to rest or stay for the night, even if your original plan was to drive further that day. It is much better to deal with a change of plans rather than risk falling asleep while driving.

If your baby is really fussy and just needs some time to snuggle or be out of the car, then find a park or somewhere nice to stop and relax for a bit.

Try to enjoy the journey and find the good in each stop rather than rushing to the final destination.

11. Take Care of Yourself

I know this is easier said than done with a newborn, but make sure that you feel well-rested so you are alert and awake while driving. If you are driving with another adult, try to take turns driving, so one of you can nap or rest and relax while the other drives.

Make sure you are staying hydrated and fueled too! It can be easy to forget to eat or drink enough water when you are taking care of a newborn. Set reminders on your phone or use a water-tracking app (I like Waterllama ) – whatever it takes to make sure you’re taking care of yourself!

zion mount carmel highway

I hope you found these tips for taking a road trip with a newborn helpful!

Wishing you safe & happy travels with your sweet, tiny traveler!

Want more road trip hacks & organization tips?

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The Essential Packing List for a Road Trip With a Baby

The Essential Packing List for a Road Trip With a Baby

If you’re like me and a first-time parent, it is daunting to go on your first road trip with a baby. What to pack, what to bring, the mental checklist runs on.

Our first road trip was from Sacramento to Los Angeles with our 8-week-old. Now home, I want to share what we brought on the trip to help make it go smoothly.

We booked a six-night trip that was split across two hotels and around a 5.5-hour drive each way. I spent probably too much time thinking about what to bring. But I would much rather be prepared and it certainly helped calm my nerves.

Now back home, I can say the trip was much easier than it felt in my head. The prep work definitely paid off and having a game plan was helpful. We thought about where we wanted to stop and made sure our car was set up for the stops to feed and change. More on that below.

So here’s my essential packing list for a road trip with a baby. It’s everything we brought for the car drive and what you may consider bringing on yours.

Essential Packing List for a Road Trip With a Baby

Travel tips for the road trip, time budget.

We chose to stop every 2.5-3 hours to give the baby a break from the car seat, feed, and change. These longer stops took around 45 minutes to an hour. Then we had the occasional one-off stop for a quick feed or change.

I would recommend the essentials being within hand’s reach and setting up a diaper changing area. We didn’t want to use public bathrooms so we changed her in the front seat of the car.

If you’re headed on a longer trip, try to time it with one of the longer naps. I know our baby sleeps longest in the morning and after the middle of the night feed. So we left at 5 am promptly after her feed. We got a really nice long stretch before having to stop.

Flexibility

Sometimes you may have to stop in the most random places or even only after being on the road for 15 minutes, roll with it!

Always double-check your car seat. Map out where you want to stop, it is super helpful.

What to Keep in the Front of the Car

Diapering station.

  • Several diapers + wipes
  • Butt cream (we used this one since we were going for 3-hour stretches)
  • Changing pads. For the changing pad, I bought these puppy puddle-proof liners to protect our car seats underneath our Gathre changing pad .
  • Plastic bags for dirty diapers or soiled clothes.

Feeding Essentials

  • Burp cloths and lots of them. I had a single bag just of burp cloths for the trip.
  • Haakaa if breastfeeding (super helpful if you get engorged/overfull on the trip)
  • Any other feeding essentials like bottles + formula

Other Essentials

  • Portable sound machine — we use this all the time in the car.
  • Nasal bulb suctioner in case you need to suction.
  • Blankets — we keep two in the car.
  • Outfit changes for you and baby. At least 2 for baby.
  • Sun shades for car windows — these block UVA
  • Safety mirror to see baby
  • First aid kit + one towel
  • Toys or books for baby for entertainment (see my toddler travel essential gear list for our favorites!)
  • Diaper Bag: I kept ours up front stocked with our normal go-to’s. I love our Caraa Diaper Bag .
  • Snacks and water

Everything Else to Pack

How much you pack is dependent on what gear you choose to travel with. Since we were road-tripping and using our SUV, we packed what would be most convenient for the trip.

I’ll share what we packed for gear and some alternatives to consider.

  • Car seat ( Cybex Cloud G ) + Mios 2 Stroller . These connect together as one travel system. (rain gear for carseat and a stretchy car seat cover — great for protecting baby from curious eyes!)
  • Baby Bjorn Bouncer — loved having another spot to put baby in our hotel room.
  • We have the Guava Pack & Play which is what I pack every time
  • The Slumber pod — a black-out tent for naps and fits over most pack & plays. Wouldn’t travel without it.
  • Artipoppe Baby Carrier — this was amazing to have on the trip, it’s one of our most used baby items.

Sleep Essentials

Whatever you may use to get baby down at night. For us that is:

  • Swaddle (brought 2 in case one was soiled) or sleep sack
  • Hatch Sound Machine – we use it as a nightlight, could use the portable sound machine instead. Certainly wasn’t necessary but we had the room.
  • VAVA Baby monitor . You don’t need any internet for this to work.
  • 2-3 outfits a day – we live for bodysuits and kimono-style onesies.
  • Sweaters and outerwear
  • Sleep sacks or pajamas
  • Socks, shoes, beanies, and sun hat

Hygiene + Medical + Diapering

  • Laundry detergent — we did a bit of hand-washing
  • Baby Shampoo + Soap and brush
  • Thermometer and infant medications
  • Rash Cream and body ointment
  • Diapers, wipes, and changing pad
  • Baby brush and nail clippers if a longer trip
  • Nasal aspirator and saline drops
  • Burp cloths — these muslin ones are our favorite
  • Formula, bottles , cleaning brush
  • Fork and spoon set and suction plates
  • Breastfeeding: cover , disposable nursing pads , Haakkaa , breast pump if needed

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Ps — are you booking a trip soon use my booking checklist.

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

  • World Nomads (best for all-around)
  • Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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Tips for a Road Trip With a Baby: How to Survive the Long Drive

tips for a Road Trip With a Baby Car Seat

Setting off on a road trip with your little one? I know – it sounds like a mission. Trying to figure out nap times, packing enough but not too many toys, dealing with sudden mood swings (and that’s just from the parents!) – it’s enough to give anyone a slight headache. “Will my baby be okay? How on earth am I going to keep them calm? Did I pack enough diapers?” These questions whirling around in your head are perfectly normal, and I’m here to help with my tips for a road trip with a baby.

Over the years, I’ve taken my kids on so many road trips, I’ve lost count. Short weekend jaunts, epic cross-country adventures, you name it. And you know what? Every single one was a learning curve. Sometimes, it felt more like a rollercoaster than a curve, but that’s parenting for you. I’ve had my share of forgotten essentials and messy surprises, but each hiccup has helped me perfect my road trip routine.

Don’t worry – by the end of this blog post, you’ll be a lot more confident about hitting the road with your little partner in crime. You’ll know what to expect, what to pack, and how to handle those inevitable bumps along the way. I’ve done all the hard yards, the late-night packing, and the frantic roadside diaper changes. Now, you get to benefit from my road-tested wisdom and plan a trip that’s all about the fun stuff.

Table of Contents

Road Tripping With an Infant FAQs

road trip with baby toddler

I know how different it is to take your kids with you on a long drive compared to a fun and spontaneous road trip as a couple . Especially if you’re taking a baby with you. And if it’s your first trip as a family, you’d be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed and nervous . 

Jumping in the car to explore the country can be such a fantastic memory-making experience. Plus, showing your kids (even the teeny tiny ones) magical places is part of what all parents dream of doing. 

So to calm your worries and help you plan a fabulous vacation, I’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions and answered them as best I could. 

Have another question? Or a tip for new parents about to hit the road? Let us all know in the comments, and keep the support going!

What to Expect When Traveling With a Baby

baby road trip mirror

The question most parents would love to be able to answer with a crystal ball; I promise, even if you have a few hiccups on the road, at the end of the day, the memories will be worth it. 

A road trip with a baby under 12 months isn’t the nightmare that some may make it seem, as long as you prep properly . Your baby has their usual routine, space, and expectations in their daily life—all of which go away once you put them in the car for an extended period of time. 

You definitely should expect them to be a little fussy , possibly get bored, and very likely make a bit of a mess . With a few important steps, you can ensure the ride is pleasant for the baby and parents. You want to make fun family memories , which means enjoying the journey just as much as the destination .

I’ve been using Roadtrippers for years to help me plan out my trips and find fun stops along the way. Use my code “BTR5QTP” for $5 off when you sign up!

What is The Best Age to Road Trip With a Baby?

This depends on your baby, of course. Generally, it’s best to start planning your family road trip only once your baby is about three months old. Between three and six months , babies are in their developmental stage and will begin to gain more head and neck control. 

This means they can sit in a car seat and be comfortable for slightly extended periods. They’re also typically on better sleeping schedules at this age, allowing you to plan accordingly. 

You can entertain your baby between three and six months with bright, colorful, and noisy toys. They’re interested in the world around them but not yet crawling or walking , so they won’t be too antsy to get out of their seat for the whole ride.

Also taking Fido? Here are some tips for a road trip with a dog .

How Often Do You Have to Stop With a Baby on a Road Trip?

road trip with baby tips sleeping

When you’re planning a road trip with a baby, your stops will need to be planned around their routine . You’ll likely need to stop for feeding, diaper changes, and as they get fussy . You may find that a stop is needed as they wake up from a nap or before they fall asleep. 

On average, I would say plan for a stop every two to four hours . Try not to go longer than this, for the whole family’s sake. Although, if you’re driving overnight and your baby sleeps through, you may be able to extend this a bit. 

The shorter driving times when you’re traveling with a baby may just give you the perfect excuse to stay over in more small towns. Driving four hours and then retiring for the night at a quaint hotel or BnB only adds to the entire road-tripping experience is one of my best tips for a road trip with a baby.

How Do You Occupy a Baby in a Car?

Unlike older kids, babies are not going to be interested in games of I Spy or a traveling trivia quiz . So how do you keep them busy for the ±four hour stretches of driving?

One way is to play music in the car — not the latest pop songs, but nursery rhymes and calming tunes. Sing along and make it a fun time for the baby. Give them a rattle to play with as well, as this will help stimulate them. This is ideal when on a road trip with a baby and toddler, as it can entertain both of them at the same time (I used this trick many times on drives).

You can also set up a sort of mobile in the car, with animals and colorful toys for them to look at and grab. If their heads can’t reach the windows, give them a plastic handheld mirror or position a mirror to help them see the fun sights outside. 

If all else fails, chatting with your baby is normally always a winner. Play peek-a-boo , describe your journey, and tell them where you’re going. Even if they don’t seem to understand it all, your attention and the sound of your voice are often enough to keep them engaged. 

Make sure to reserve your rental car ahead of time! I love using Discover Cars for my trips.

Can You Give a Baby a Bottle While Driving?

The short answer is no. 

It might be perfectly fine to have your older kids snacking while driving, but the risks are too high for an infant. You shouldn’t have a baby drinking from a bottle without your attention being fully focused on both the baby and the bottle . 

Even if you are breastfeeding, it’s not safe to do so while the car is moving . So it’s best to plan your stops according to the baby’s feeding schedule . 

How Do You Calm a Crying Baby on a Road Trip?

There’s always a reason why your baby is crying. First, check that they’re not uncomfortably hot, cold, or perhaps have a dirty diaper . It’s also good to check that they’re not hungry . 

If their basic needs are met, and they are still crying, they may just not be enjoying the drive as much. Try playing soothing music, talking to them, or giving them a toy to distract them . If none of that works, then it may be best for everyone to stop the car at the next safe spot, get out, and cuddle the baby until they are calm again . 

Are Car Seats Uncomfortable for Babies?

As long as your car seat is properly installed and has all of the right cushioning, it should be comfortable enough for your baby to sit in during a drive. Sitting in one for too long for a more extended, cross-country drive with a baby can become uncomfortable . 

Staying in one position for extended periods of time will agitate anyone, and babies are no different. There are a few ways you can ease this discomfort until you stop, though:

  • Keep the car’s temperature pleasant. 
  • Give the baby a little extra cushioning where you can. 
  • Distract them with toys and excitement. 

How Long Should a Baby Be in a Car Seat on a Trip?

Even though babies can’t walk around yet, they still need to stretch during road trips . If you’re doing longer newborn travel by car, you should aim to take them out of the car seat every two hours or so (a very important tip for a road trip with a baby). 

If your perfectly planned road trip falls within the three- to six-month sweet spot, then two to four hours is fine . Be sure that when you’re stopping, you’re taking the baby out of their car seat and letting their bodies stretch in different positions for a bit. 

What Do I Do If My Baby Hates the Car Seat?

So, your baby cannot stand when you put them in a car seat — are your dreams of a family road trip over? Not necessarily. 

First, I would check with a doctor if anything makes the baby hate sitting in the car seat. If there are no medical concerns, then it may just be personal preference. You can slowly introduce long road trips with a baby and make the experience more pleasant. Both my kids hated drives at first, but they got used to it the more I traveled with them.

Don’t begin right off the bat with a 15-hour trip from LA to Lake Tahoe ; begin with an hour-long drive and gradually increase the time and distance . Doing this will allow you to test out a few soothing options and hopefully find one that works. Driving while the baby sleeps is also an option. 

What Should I Pack for a Baby on a Road Trip?

bento box kid road trip

You can read my full family road trip packing list for a more detailed list , but here are a few essential items to include that are important road trip with baby tips: 

  • Extra diapers — Pack a little more than you think you’ll need. It’s better to be overprepared with a little one than scramble to find a grocery store while on the road. 
  • Wipes and rash cream — These should be with your diapers, but again, pack a little more than you think you need in case of emergencies. 
  • Extra sets of clothing — This is standard when going anywhere with kids and babies. Make sure you have extra clothes for messes as well as enough clothing for all kinds of weather. 
  • Their favorite blanket — Keep babies comfy and soothed with whatever blankie they would use at home. This will help them sleep better in the car and may keep the tears away on the drive. 
  • A few fun toys — There isn’t much space in the car, so you want to make sure that the toys you bring along will entertain the baby for long periods. Choose colorful toys, squishy ones, and even ones that make a bit of noise — just remember, you don’t want to have a distracted driver. 
  • Bibs and utensils — Quick meals on the side of the road or at a gas station may be necessary. Pack in any mealtime essentials so you’re not left in the lurch if you need to make an emergency dinner stop. 
  • Sippy cups and bottles — Ensure you have enough of these with you so that even if you can’t wash them out for a few hours, there’s still a clean one to use until you reach your hotel. 
  • First aid kit — Always keep a car first aid kit on you. Include things like pain syrup for little ones, bandaids, and any medication your baby usually takes. Also, bring sanitizer, mosquito repellant, and a thermometer. 
  • Baby car rier — Pit stops and impromptu hikes will be much easier and more enjoyable if you can comfortably carry the baby around. 
  • Milk and snacks — While you can find food along your route, you definitely want to pack some easy-to-eat snacks and enough milk to avoid a hangry baby. 
  • Bin bags — You’re going to want to keep the car clutter-free and as clean as possible. This will eliminate frustration, help you quickly find what you need, and make the drive more enjoyable. Keep plastic bags to throw trash in and discard them as soon as possible once you’ve stopped. 

What Food to Carry for Babies While Traveling?

We’ve mentioned packing in food and snacks, but what else can you take that won’t make too much mess or require any prepping? Some great options to keep in the car for emergency snacking include:

  • Extra milk and/or water – I always warn parents against packing juices for road trips because they’re sticky and can get everywhere if spilled. Pack milk for the ride if your baby is too young for water. 
  • Sipping yogurt – Driving may take away the baby’s appetite. Sipping yogurt is easy to eat in the car, will fill them up a bit, and often tastes good enough to entice them to eat. 
  • Finger foo ds – Beef jerky, cheese puffs, finger sandwiches. These are all ideal for packing into a lunchbox in the car and handing over if your little one starts to complain about tummy grumbles. 
  • Pre-packaged & single-serve baby food pouches – What you don’t want to do is try and handle large amounts of anything to dish anything out in the car. It might be a little more work, but getting pre-packaged snacks before you set off makes eating and sharing easier on the drive. 
  • Pre-cut fruit – Cut up apple slices, pears, or oranges, as these will be a fun, sweet (but healthy) snack to keep the little mouths busy for a while. 

Read more in my post with 101 road trip snacks for kids .

How Do You Pack Baby Milk for Travel?

If the baby is still exclusively on milk or only just starting on solids, you’ll want to bring quite a bit of this with you on your road trip with an infant. Keeping it fresh is important; no one wants to drive for hours with a car smelling like spoiled milk. 

If you’re pumping breastmilk to take with you, keep it frozen before you leave . Then when you pack the car, put the milk into a well-insulated cooler box to stay cool and frozen during the drive. If you’re packing formula , pre-pack servings in either bottles or secure containers/bags is an easy way to do it. Then have a flask or bottled water to mix it up.

Sterilize your bottles before you pack them and again when you stop at your nightly accommodation. 

My Top Tips for Long-Distance Driving With a Baby

road trip with toddler snacks

If this is your very first road trip with a baby, just remember that it can only get easier from here. I’ve found that getting the kids used to traveling and being on the road from an early age means it becomes a splendid experience as they get older. 

Besides keeping the car organized (and booking any accommodations you’re going to need well in advance), here are some other things I’ve found helpful when taking a 0- to 12-month-old on a road trip. 

Check the Car Seat Before You Go

Most importantly, ensure that your car seat is safe , follows regulati ons , and is properly installed. 

A car window safety shade is another must-add for a baby’s comfort and safety. Having the sun pelting down on their faces is a sure way to end up with a miserable baby. 

Plan Your Route Carefully

Know where you’re going (as well as possible detours in case of roadworks, etc.) and how long you have between each possible stop. Know where you can stop to walk, where you can get gas, and where there are shops to top up on essentials . 

This will give you a bit more control over how long to keep baby busy, when nap time should be, and where you can get out and stretch your legs if needed. You can also plan any activities along the way. 

Make a Note of Doctors and Hospitals Along Your Route

While planning your trip, keep a log of hospitals, emergency doctors, and medical care units in each town and city you’ll be passing through . Hopefully, you won’t need to use this list when going on a long drive with a baby, but if you have a feverish kid or an unfortunate accident, it’s better to know where to go. 

And on that note, be sure to keep important medical records on you while driving . From vaccination cards to allergies, bring anything that may be important in the event of an emergency. 

Keep Essential Travel Items Packed in The Front of The Car

You don’t want to take up too much leg room, but you also don’t want to have to stop the car just to reach a pacifier. Before you pack the car, separate items for the drive from things you’ll only need when you stop or reach your destination . 

On the other hand, don’t put items that you won’t need while driving in the front of the car. Keep extra clothes, bulky toys, and similar non-essentials in the boot instead. 

Stick to Routine as Much as Possible

This may seem harder once you’re actually on the road, but if you can keep to regular nap times and feeding times , it will help your baby stay regulated and feel secure. Similarly, taking some of their personal items with you to put into hotel rooms can help them feel at home. 

Get your free road trip packing list here!

Have Someone in the Back Seat

If you can, have one adult in the back seat with the baby if there’s a need for snacks or a quick drink. If you’re stopping often enough for food and drink, having an adult sitting at the back might still be helpful to talk to and entertain the baby . 

Of course, if older siblings take up space in the back seat, try to get them to play nicely with and speak to the baby. 

Look After Yourself Too

Just as it’s important to remember everything needed for the baby, it’s equally important for parents to stay happy and comfortable on long drives . Not only is it good for the parent driving, but it’ll also help keep the car’s atmosphere pleasant and calm . 

Stop when you are feeling uncomfortable, too. Pack in a few of your own favorite snacks. If the baby is fast asleep, take the time to play some of the music you used to play on long drives. You can’t take adequate care of your baby unless you also care for yourself.

Again, these tips for a road trip with a baby are from my real-life experiences, so I hope you feel more confident to plan that drive you’ve been putting off!

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Marissa Pedersen

Marissa is a passionate road trip enthusiast who has traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada via car and continues to go on new trips every year to explore more of the country. Her love of road tripping has given her a unique perspective on the best routes, hidden gems, and must-see attractions along the way.

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Travel Advice

Road trip with a baby: 10 essential survival tips + packing list.

baby in car seat- road trip tips with a baby

How to plan successful long drives traveling with an infant

The prospect of a long road trip with a baby can fill even the most experienced traveling parents with anxiety. We know; we’ve been there!  There are just so many extra items that are needed for baby car travel and don’t forget those ill-timed diaper blowouts while you’re inconveniently between stops.

We’ve put our own traveling experiences to work for you by compiling ` 10 Tips for Road Tripping with a Baby to help make your journey as stress-free as possible. You’ll also find a helpful list of baby road-tripping gear at the end to make packing a breeze.

This post is part of our family road-tripping and best baby travel advice series

If your child is a little bit older, then pop on over and read all our best toddler road trip travel advice here.

road trip with newborn

10 Tips For Road-Tripping With A Baby

Before we dive into traveling tips for baby’s first road trip, we’d like to emphasize the importance of having a suitable rear-facing car seat for your baby .  Please check to make sure it has not expired, and if you are traveling to another country, it’s best to look up child safety laws for the area you’re driving to. 

1. Get as Much Practice as Possible

You may have heard horror stories of families embarking on a long drive with their baby only to turn around because their little one dissolved into hysterics. We have experienced a fair amount of crying while traveling ourselves, and the best solution we’ve found to this has simply been to get your baby used to being in their car seat. 

We know that getting out and about with your baby is easier said than done, especially if you have more than one child.  Even a few trips to pick up groceries or going to the park will help your little one realize that being in a car seat is not the end of the world. 

Once that is going well, perhaps plan a day trip to a park or location an hour or two away.  By increasing your baby’s time in their car seat incrementally, you’re decreasing the chances of constant crying when you’re committed to a longer trip.

Smiling baby in a car seat

2. Be Reasonable With Your Itinerary

If you thrive on making schedules and sticking to them, you’ll need to adjust your expectations when it comes to baby car travel. As tempting as it is to reach your destination as soon as possible, as new parents, you’ll need to keep your baby’s needs and your own sanity in mind when planning your first family road trip. 

Even the most well-traveled infant can only spend so many hours in a moving car (and you shouldn’t leave a baby in their infant car seat for more than a couple of hours at a time). When taking on long car journeys, build in plenty of pit stops for the whole family.

You also wanted to make sure that you are taking care of yourself and your partner.  Sleepless nights and babies often go hand-in-hand. If you’re already running on fumes, avoid trying to drive for more than five to six hours a day or through the night. Your family’s safety is the most important thing.

We’ve always found it helps to time the long stretches for what would be your baby’s normal nap time – but “normal” doesn’t always apply when traveling with a baby! If you have older children to consider too, you may have multiple napping schedules to consider, and there is no ‘best time.’

3. Bring Pumping Supplies or Extra Formula

Whether you’re a breastfeeding mum or you’re feeding your little one with baby formula , you’ll need to pack extra feeding supplies when on the road with an infant. Bringing along ready-to-feed formula can be a lifesaver during travel, as mixing formula on the go can prove to be a hassle, especially on extended journeys.

In the event that you either aren’t able to pull over and nurse your baby or that they are sleeping soundly in their car seat at feeding time, you’ll probably want to bring a travel breast pump along with you.

This can be one of the bulkiest items to pack, and you’ll need to remember to bring extra batteries or have a charging cord that plugs into your car’s adapter (naturally, this is if you’re the passenger, not the driver!).

I can’t say enough good things about the Spectra breast pump . The latest model even has a rechargeable battery. A car adapter is also available for additional purchase. The Spectra is powerful and easy to clean, both of which are pluses when traveling.

Additional recommended supplies for feeding on the move:

  • Nursing Cover
  • Milk Storage Bags
  • Insulated Bottle Cooler
  • Travel Bottle Warmer
  • Milk Bottles
  • Cleaning Kit

You can find our complete guide to breastfeeding on the go here, as well as our complete guide to bottle feeding on the go .

Spectra - S1 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump with Tote Bag, Breast Milk Bottles and Cooler for Baby Feeding

4. Car Seat Additions

In some ways, babies are both easier and more difficult to entertain than toddlers .  Your newborn won’t be screaming because you took their tablet away from them, but they may scream because of a dirty diaper, they’re hungry, or they’re tired of being in their car seat.  Yes, taking a baby on the road can be a different animal altogether.

Babies are sometimes easier in the sense that they can be distracted by much simpler items, such as favorite toys that rattle or make noise, or merely seeing their own reflection in a mirror. 

We suggest a toy strip that attaches to the handles of your baby’s car seat.  This ensures they will have a variety of engaging travel toys that can’t be thrown on the floor (A toy tether is also an excellent way to avoid this scenario!).

Some of our favorite baby road trip toys

HILENBO Car Seat Toys, Infant Baby Spiral Activity Hanging Toys for Car Seat Stroller Crib Bassinet Mobile with Music Box BB Squeaker Rattles-Gray Fox

We also recommend having a car seat mirror when you’re on a long trip with your baby so that you can keep tabs on how they’re doing.  It’s always helpful to know when your baby is napping, as this can help determine whether or not you can squeeze in another hour of driving.  A mirror can also alert you to those unfortunate milk spit-ups that will more than likely result in an extra pit stop.

Some babies will go through phases of simply not settling in the back seat. Particularly if they are the only one in the back, a quick way to a happy baby may be simply having another adult or family member sit with your infant to entertain them in their car seat.

5. Pack a Travel Bag

You’ll want to have some of the essentials within arm’s reach in your vehicle, which is why you’ll need an extra travel bag inside the car, aside from your suitcases in the trunk. 

Your regular diaper bag can be perfectly suitable for this, or you can simply pack an extra tote.

Here are some helpful items to stock your car baby bag with:

  • Travel changing pad
  • Extra diapers
  • Diaper Cream
  • Healthy Snacks
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Burp cloths
  • Plastic bags (for dirty diapers)
  • A change of clothes (for baby and for you!)
  • Ziploc bags or wash bags (for dirty clothes)
  • Extra pacifiers (if needed)
  • First Aid Kit

We’ve found that it’s always helpful to have a small selection of baby’s favorite toys for when we would have to stop and eat while traveling. 

These could be brought into the restaurant and swapped out, and sanitizing wipes certainly came in handy when those toys inevitably hit the floor. Bibs also became a necessity, as they helped protect our baby’s clothes from spit-ups in the car. 

  • You’ll find our complete baby travel checklist here .

6. Expect a Few Diaper Blowouts

Ah, diaper blowouts.  These are a fact of parenting life, and traveling with a newborn by car practically guarantees that a few will occur between Point A and Point B – we’ve learned the hard way! 

While there’s nothing you can do to prevent blowouts, you can minimize the cleanup, thereby reducing your own stress in these situations.

We absolutely recommend a car seat liner .  Many are universal, but you should also be able to find one that fits your specific car seat.  Car seat liners can be wiped clean and are machine washable, and they prevent anything from soaking into the actual car seat (you’ll use these right through the toilet training stage up to the pre-school years).

Baby car travel also dictates the necessity of packing backup clothing, and onesies are extremely convenient.  We advise packing 2-3 onesies in your travel bag to cover all of your bases – it’ll save you needing to dig them out of suitcases on the side of the road for those emergency diaper changes.

7. Prepare for Frequent Stops

Taking baby on the road goes hand-in-hand with stopping. Frequently.  It’s just a fact of life, and if you accept it at the onset of your road trip, this will probably reduce the chances you’ll be cranky about it later. 

Mum holding a baby on a car bonnet during a road trip

Babies simply require extra handling, whether it be an unanticipated nursing or feeding stop, milk-spit-up-fiasco, or the dreaded diaper blowout.  It’s best just to buck up, pull over, and take care of business.

It’s also a good idea to bring along your stroller .  This really is an essential road-tripping item, as you’ll need to stretch your legs as well as transport your baby to and from your hotel room or take in some trails during a rest stop. 

8. For Mom – Take Care of YOU

This article may be about road trips with a baby, but we’re going to take a moment and focus on you, Mom.  It can be tempting to put your needs last, as it so often seems to be a part of being a mother.  However, your own well-being is directly linked to the health and happiness of your little one, and it’s important to remember this.

For one, don’t be afraid to speak up if you’re exhausted.  Letting your partner or spouse take the wheel while you’re on the road is an excellent way to catch up on any sleep you may have missed the night before.  Even a half-hour of added sleep can do wonders, as we’re sure you know!

If you’re a nursing mom , you’ll also want to make sure that you’re staying hydrated.  You’ve already adopted the mindset that stops will be more frequent, so if that means a few extra trips to the bathroom, so be it.  Don’t sacrifice your own health because it may be temporarily inconvenient for others.

9. Pack A Few Travel Dining Essentials

Car travel with a baby means that you’ll be stopping along the way to eat, which means you’ll need to pack a few travel dining essentials.  If your baby can sit up with support, a travel high chair can make indoor dining much easier.  These fold up when not in use and can easily be stored in the trunk of your vehicle. 

As we’ve mentioned before, it’s best to pack several bibs in your travel bag for easy access while travelling.  We’re big fans of these silicone bibs , as they can be easily wiped clean for repeated use on your journey. Don’t forget surface wipes before sitting at a table and for wiping little hands that will want to touch EVERYTHING before serving up baby food!

Summer Infant Pop 'N Sit Portable Booster Chair, Floor Seat, Indoor/Outdoor Use, Compact Fold, Grey, 6 Mos - 3 Yrs

10. Prepare for Hotel Stays

Staying in a hotel with your baby usually means that you’ll get much less sleep than normal, but we have some tips to make these experiences less tiring for everyone involved.

  • Ask for a corner room.  These are often quieter and farther away from elevators.  Many hotels will work to accommodate families with infants, and you should not be afraid to speak up.  The worst they can tell you is that they don’t have any available. 
  • If financially possible, spring for a suite room.  These generally have a separate space (such as a common living room area) where you can place your baby’s travel cot. 
  • Bring a portable baby travel bassinet , not a bulky pack n’ play.  While useful, pack n’ plays can take up space in your vehicle that you’ll need for other items. Most hotels offer some sort of travel crib, but that doesn’t guarantee that the mattress will be lined or as thick as your baby is used to. A travel bassinet can be placed in the crib and provide all that your baby needs for a restful night’s sleep.

baby sleeping in a car seat - road trip tips for a baby

Baby Road Trip Essentials – Gear You’ll Need

We’ve mentioned several pieces of essential gear to prepare for a successful road trip with your infant or baby. To help you pack, here is a convenient list for your reference (you can also head straight to our Amazon store , where we set out all our favourite baby travel essential items)

  • Travel Breast Pump
  • Car Adapter
  • Toy Teether
  • Silicone Bibs
  • Car Seat Liner
  • Travel diaper change kit
  • Travel High Chair
  • Travel Bassinet

 What about when you arrive at your destination? Download our complete baby packing list when you sign up for our newsletter here – never forget an essential item again traveling with a baby!

Final thoughts on taking baby on the road

Remember, it’s all about setting realistic expectations. Give yourself plenty of time, pack well, rest frequently, and go easy on yourself if things don’t go exactly to plan! Traveling with a newborn may not be your best road trip, but it IS achievable with a little thought and planning. Safe Travels!

More Top Travel Tips With A Baby

Before you leave home with a baby in tow, firstly pop over to our Best Baby Travel Advice homepage. We cover a huge range of baby travel topics here including:

  • How to Handle Baby’s First Flight – from booking the tickets to getting on the plane and surviving mid-air meltdowns, here’s how baby air travel works.
  • Hiking with a Baby – babies can make great travel companions in the early days – here’s how to get yourself set up for a successful baby hike.
  • Essentials Camping with a Baby – undoubtedly, tots do come with a lot of stuff! Here are the essential baby items we always recommend you take on a baby camping trip & hitting the trails.
  • Bringing Baby to the Beach – Top tips for when you’re out in the sun and the surf to keep baby safe and make sure its a fun day for all of you.
  • Baby Travel Essentials – the most important things for baby we never leave home without.

You can find all of our family travel product reviews here

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tiny newborn baby in a car seat - text overlay road trip with a baby

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2 thoughts on “ Road Trip With A Baby: 10 Essential Survival Tips + Packing List! ”

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I’m also bring my electric breast pump just in case!

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great tip for newbie parents

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Road Trip with a Baby: A Survival Guide for Parents

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Nasreen Stump

Mom buckling a baby into a car seat

Any other over thinkers out there? Did you land here after Googling 10 different variations of “how to road trip with a baby” or “what baby road trip essentials do I need to pack?” That first trip (and second and third) can be hard. And just when you’ve gotten the hang of traveling with a newborn baby , they get older and change. Then there are new things to learn and tips and tricks for that next stage.

We’ve got you covered! These tips were collected over thousands of miles road tripping with four kids through all of the baby stages. You’ll learn what to pack (always a pee pad!), how to handle diaper changes, even how to juggle driving and breastfeeding.

Road Trip with a Baby: The Basics You Must Know

As a mom of four kids who regularly drives cross country solo with the kids to see the grandparents, I’ve been there. Sit back and relax. I’m going to walk you through some of the most important things to know before baby’s first road trip including:

  • How to easily change diapers on the road (even if your baby wears cloth diapers)
  • What to pack
  • How to optimize your diaper bag
  • The best time to drive
  • How to handle breastfeeding on a road trip

The most important thing you need to know for that first trip with baby? Everything may not go smoothly.

Read More: Complete packing list for traveling with a baby. What to bring and what to leave at home!

Parenting is a moving target. One day may go 1000% better than you planned and the next day starts low and plummets from there. Traveling with a newborn baby can be daunting.

The key for a successful road trip with baby? Patience and the knowledge that it might be hard.

The great part about roadtripping with baby? Unlike flying with a baby , the only people dealing with the crying, smells and chaos are the people who agreed to get into your car. Plus you’ve got more space to bring all of the baby road trip essentials that make life easier. So pack some Tylenol and read on.

Read More: Get all of our best SheBuysTravel tips for traveling with babies .

Safety First: Here’s How to Check Your Car Seat

It’s every new parent’s nervous thought: Did we install the car seat correctly? I mean they’ve invented baby sleeping devices that self-rock and still some car seats remain counter-intuitive in their installation.

One of our top travel tips? Take advantage of car seat safety techs. Check with your local fire department, ambulance service or hospital to see if there is a car seat installation expert on staff.

My husband is a paramedic and routinely gets folks at the station looking for help. While they are happy to assist, try to call ahead (not 911!) so they can plan for you. You can also search on the National Highway Traffic Safety website by zip code .

Knowing that your car seat is properly installed can help you feel more confident going into your road trip with baby.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Do you know there is one other step you can take to protect your child in case of an accident?  Label the car seat with important care and contact information in the event you cannot speak for yourself or your child.

Start small. Short drives to get baby used to the car will make traveling with a newborn baby easier. #roadtrip #travelwithbaby #familytravel

Road Trip Tips to Get Baby Ready for a Long Car Ride

Call me Captain Obvious, but I have to say it: One of the ways to get babies ready for a long road trip is to drive them around!

Start with short drives around town and work up to longer stretches. This can also be a great way to change up scenery and get out of the house. A new baby is an adjustment. Pretty scenery will do you both good.

It’s really important to get baby used to the feeling of a car seat before your road trip. If the first time your kiddo spends extended time in the seat is your 7-hour holiday road trip, things may not go smoothly for you. Give baby a chance to get used to the sensation of a five-point harness over a few short rides.

You don't need to bring every item along on your road trip with baby.

Baby Road Trip Essentials: What to Pack for a Road Trip with an Infant

We know. The urge to pack each and every thing you might possibly need is strong. Very strong. But unless you’re going somewhere too remote for Walmart, you’ll be able to buy anything you forget. Besides, that gives you an excuse to swing into Target, use the changing table, grab a Starbucks and buy more diapers, right?

From the best strollers for travel to tips for potty training on the road, get all the info you need before taking a road trip with a baby or toddler!

Baby Road Trip Essentials: Feeding

  • Bottles or sippy cups (if needed)
  • Pumped milk or powdered formula (pack room temperature bottled water if you’re using formula)
  • Baby food (if your baby is at that point) Personally I love these spoons that screw onto the pouches if you’re still spoon feeding baby. No jars or bowls to worry about!
  • Bibs and burping cloths

Diapering and Bodily Fluids (Babies are Gross)

  • Diapers, baby wipes, diaper cream, a changing pad and bags for dirty diapers. I recommend one of the changing pad “kits” from Amazon that clips shut and holds everything. It is way easier to haul into a quick pit stop than a full diaper bag. I love this one because it can hang off the seat back and dispense wipes. Perfect for quick car changes.
  • Two changes of clothes for baby
  • A change of clothes for you
  • Pee pads for the car seat . It is a known fact that if you don’t have one in the seat, the diaper will leak.
  • Diaper cover. I know it’s overkill but we actually put one of these diaper covers over disposables on the road. We were traumatized by a poo incident while waiting to cross the border after a trip to Montreal.

Safety Items

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Sanitizing microwave bags. These were a huge favorite of mine for sanitizing bottles, pump parts, teething toys and more while on the road. Most hotel lobbies have a microwave even if there isn’t one in the room.
  • Stylish and protective baby sunglasses.
  • A sun shade. Also consider infant sunscreen when traveling with your newborn baby. Sunburns can and do happen through car windows.

Baby Road Trip Essentials to Make Your Life Easier

  • Baby carrier . I’m a huge babywearing advocate and a good baby carrier can make quick stops easy and hands free (especially if you need to pee too!).
  • Board books for an older baby who can hold them. I strongly recommend bath style books. They’re easy to wash off and sanitize.
  • Pacifier. If your kiddo uses one, bring extra. They tend to “jump” out of the car whenever you open the door.
  • Car seat cover & back of seat organizer . You know what’s awesome? When snacks spill in the car and grind into your seat. Not. I love putting a seat cover under the car seat. Get the kind with the pockets so you can stick in a few extra diapers and a bottle for easy access.
  • A copy of baby’s birth certificate or passport . No it’s not required if you’re on the highway instead of an international flight but trust me, better safe than sorry. It’s not a bad thing to have something with you that identifies the baby as yours.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Double check your routes to make sure there are no accidental border crossings on your route. Family travel is tricky enough without having a chat with border patrol. And yes, we have a real life story about this. Crested a hill in Vermont and oops, we were in Canada.

traveling with a newborn baby, doing an in car diaper change with our baby road trip essentials

How To Change a Diaper in the Car: Baby Road Trip Essentials That Help

Ahh, the fun of car diaper changes. If you’re roadtripping with a newborn and it’s your first baby, on the go diaper changes can be overwhelming. There are a few options for easy diaper changes on a road trip with baby:

  • Diaper changes at rest stops, gas stations, restaurants or even a Target or baby supply store you swing into quickly.
  • Use your own changing pad and do the diaper change in your car.

The pros of a store or rest stop: Chances are good you’ll find a proper changing table. The cons? You don’t control the cleanliness.

The pros of your car? You can take your time and control the cleanliness. The cons? One blowout or a rolling baby and you might end up with a new scent in your car.

I’m a car change fan. As a proud minivan driver, I have one of the center chairs flipped up providing for plenty of space.

Another great option is the front passenger seat, but be sure to cover it up first.

The most important car diaper change tip? Have all your supplies laid out before you attempt the change. This includes opening the top of the wipes. Keep one hand on baby at all times.

SheBuysTravel Tip : Bring empty grocery bags or a roll of small trash bags. When poop happens in the middle of nowhere, you want to be able to wrap that bad boy up and trap the odor. Riding with the windows down is not conducive to a happy baby. 

We recommend planning out a route that avoids major construction when taking a road trip with baby.

What Is the Best Time to Drive with a Baby?

Obviously the answer to the best time to drive with a baby is going to vary from infant to infant. However, keeping track of your child’s natural rhythms, nap times and preferred schedule will help you plan.

One mistake I see way too many baby parents make is trying to drive all night while baby sleeps. Even if your plan works and they do sleep, you end up exhausted and still have a baby to take care of. Plus you run the risk of hitting night construction and dealing with other drivers’ poor decisions and impairments.

Still planning to drive at night? Take a short test night drive with baby before the trip! I like to drive until 10pm or so. Two of my babies did not agree with this. My oldest daughter would sob uncontrollably if it was dark out and no one was holding her hands. Any night driving had to have a grown up in the back seat. My youngest son? He’s fine if he’s asleep. But if he wakes up and it’s dark out? He’ll cry until we stop. Figure out what your baby needs.

Other things to consider when mapping your trip? Traffic. The majority of babies I’ve come across do best in a moving car. Try to work around city rush hours and heavy traffic in highway construction zones so you aren’t trapped in a car at a standstill with a crying baby.

Tips For Breastfeeding on a Road Trip: Baby Road Trip Essentials

Breastfeeding on a road trip can seem like a gargantuan undertaking. It can be done!

The most important thing is a good support system. That includes you! If you self-doubt and question whether you can handle it, it will make things more difficult. You can do this if you put your mind to it. We believe in you!

How to Breastfeed on a Road Trip

  • Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. It is a natural reaction to try to drink less on a road trip because you’re unsure about “potty stops.” Breastfeeding? You NEED keep up your fluid intake.
  • Allow extra time. Traveling with a newborn baby and making feeding stops takes time. Stopping to use the restroom takes time. Plan for that time so you aren’t frustrated later.
  • If you pump, invest in a car charger for your breast pump. Traveling with another adult? You can pump while that person drives and feed baby bottles later if you wish.
  • Pack a small cooler . If you’re pumping, you’ll need somewhere to store pumped breast milk. If you’re nursing, it’s also a great place to store liquids and snacks for Mom.
  • Wear nursing tops or clothes that make it easy to pump or breastfeed. Bring a nursing cover if it makes you feel more comfortable. Know your rights about nursing in public. You can see laws bystate on this site .
  • Practice good nursing hygiene and habits. The last place you want to end up with an infection or breast issue is on a road trip. Pump or feed regularly to avoid mastitis. Don’t wait too long just to get miles in. Wash your hands routinely or use hand sanitizer.

SheBuysTravel Tip: We always recommend keeping a first aid kit in your car for the whole family on car trips. If you’re breastfeeding you may want to add in a lanolin-type product for any nipple-related ailments.

Traveling with a Newborn Baby: You’re Ready for Your Road Trip with Baby

Well, I hope my thousands of miles of baby roadtripping proves helpful. What other questions about traveling with a newborn baby do you have? We are always happy to answer!

5 responses

I’m really anxious about the feeding part that’s why we bought electric breast pump. Since I can’t breastfeed my baby while in the road.

We are taking an almost 4 hour road trip this next week & I’m highly anxious about the drive. We have done road trips in the past & my son who almost refuses to sleep in the car seat will just scream when he’s tired until he can’t take it any longer. In the past we have done day trips, he is sleep trained and self soothes here at home, so I am considering leaving around bedtime this go around. What makes me nervous is if we leave at bedtime & he still doesn’t want to sleep in the car. Should we leave during the day & possibly skip a few naps OR leave at night & possibly mess up nighttime sleep ? the struggle is real. Thanks

It’s a great source of knowledge; I think it will be helpful for lot of people who are looking for road trip with a baby a survival guide for parents . Thank you very much for sharing this article, this is really helpful for me, thanks again and looking for more in future!

This is probably the most detailed article written about road trips with kids that I have ever read. And, I have read a lot of such articles. By the way, origami can be a great toy to keep them busy when you don’t want them disturbing you. On top of that, frisbee is an also a great toy for the break time, and it doesn’t require much space as well.

Thank you so much! The frisbee and origami are great ideas as well.

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road trip with newborn

Road trip with a baby: The essential guide including Tips and Packing list

You are currently viewing Road trip with a baby: The essential guide including Tips and Packing list

  • Post author: Lovicarious
  • Post published: November 19, 2022
  • Post category: Traveling with Kids

The thought of traveling with a newborn can sound intimidating, especially when it involves spending long hours inside a small enclosed vehicle. How do I calm my baby during a road trip? What should I pack? From travel tips to packing essentials, this guide covers everything you need to know on how to road trip with a baby from newborn to 24 months.

My family grew up taking 12-hour road trips from Washington DC to Chicago every Christmas. That time spent in the car as a family created some of the best childhood memories for me. I enjoyed singing in the car with my sister, raiding the cooler for snacks, stopping at different travel stations, and sleeping in “quirky” hotels .    Road trips were an enjoyable experience for me, and I don’t doubt that there was a lot of planning that happened before we ever hit the road. Now as a parent, I want to continue the same tradition of spending quality time together as a family, traveling, exploring, and seeking out adventure. By the time our son was 10 months old, we had already driven well over 6,000 miles.

We have learned quite a bit when it comes to taking a road trip with a baby. We are here now to answer your questions in the hopes that you will be prepared to plan a successful road trip journey of your own.

*Disclaimer: Some of the links contained in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.*

What Should I pack for a road trip with my baby?

Your questions answered:.

Family Road Trip Tips and Packing List

How much time should I allocate for a road trip with my baby?

This really depends on a few factors including your child’s age, temperament, and ultimately how many times you need to stop. Babies move through stages quickly and with each stage comes a shift in their sleep/wake cycles, their attention spans, and their needs.

When our son was between 3-5 months old, his threshold was about 3 hours before he would need a break from the car seat. During that 3 hour-period he would nap and play with the soft toys dangling from his car seat. After that, he was bored, hungry, and ready for a diaper change. This cycle dictated our need to stop every 3 hours.

By 12 months, our son was only taking 2 naps a day so we needed to find a way to entertain him in his car seat for longer. In our case, the 3-hour threshold before boredom set in stayed about the same. (We were lucky.) Some 12-month babies might not be able to sit in a car for 3 hours straight, necessitating more frequent stops.

On average I would advise at least doubling the time it normally takes to arrive at your destination. If your baby is sleeping through the night and you are able to drive while they sleep then this would shorten that time frame. If you are driving through the day and are expecting more frequent stops, it might mean tripling your drive time. The key to remember is to let go of expectations, practice patience, and enjoy the ride. You’ll arrive at your destination eventually.

How do I change my baby’s diaper on a road trip?

Our son’s first out-of-home diaper change (excluding the hospital of course) was on a flat slab of rock. We took him hiking at one month old and changed his diaper on the mountain summit. That was the first of many mountain tops that would be graced with his bare little hiney. I tell that story to say that you can change your baby’s diaper pretty much anywhere as long as they have a clean surface to lay on.

Before ever leaving our home, we typically pack the trunk of our vehicle keeping in mind that we may need to perform a diaper change at some point along the journey. If it is not possible to leave one side of the trunk clear, we pack in a way that the items are easily moveable to quickly accommodate a changing mat or blanket. This flat space is usually the best location in a vehicle for changing a baby’s diaper while on a road trip.

Alternatively, a backseat or passenger seat also works. If you happen to be stopping at a restaurant or rest stop, most locations do have changing tables in their restrooms. The quality and cleanliness of public restrooms are not always reliable so I would strongly advise always using a portable changing mat if possible.

How do I prevent my baby from crying in the car?

It’s every new parent’s dream to discover the secret to preventing a baby from crying in the car, on an airplane, or any other enclosed space. If you can prevent your child from crying in the first place, an unlikely yet ideal situation, it will be a much easier car ride for everyone. Believe it or not, there are a few things you can do to help prevent or at least stave off the inevitable cry session for a bit longer.

Drive while the baby is sleeping .

The easiest way to plan a road trip with a baby is to drive at night while your baby is fast asleep. If that is not possible, try to drive during nap times. You can take advantage of wake hours for meals, exploration, and even spontaneous roadside attractions . While this may increase the duration of the car ride, you will be enriching your road trip with various activities and irreplaceable moments of family bonding. Furthermore, working with instead of against your baby’s regular sleep schedule, will result in an easier transition when you arrive at your final destination.

Take timely breaks .

Your baby is staring at the backseat of a car for hours so of course, they will get a little antsy. Take breaks every 2 to 3 hours for your child to eat and stretch those little limbs. Find a playground along your route or simply set a blanket down in a patch of grass. 

Sit in the backseat.

Toys are entertaining for a time, but nothing can replace the joy and contentment of seeing a familiar face. Babies are fascinated by faces at this age and derive great excitement from simple activities such as imitating facial expressions and playing peek-a-boo. Even if they are too young to interact in that way, your simple presence can often be enough to make a baby feel safe and secure.

Road Trip with a Baby

My baby won’t stop crying. What do I do?

If prevention is no longer an option and your baby is already crying in their car seat, what do I do next?

There are a number of reasons why babies cry, but they typically fall under one of three reasons. They are uncomfortable, they want your attention, or they simply do not like the physical restraint of being confined to a car seat.

With this in mind, if your newborn is crying in their car seat the first thing that you should do is check to see if there is an obvious cause. Do they have a wet diaper? Has it been a while since their last meal or break from the car? Is it too hot or cold in their car seat? Is the sun in their eyes? Are the seatbelt straps too tight? Are they sitting on a toy or sock? If none of these questions seem to resolve the problem, then you can try to pacify a crying infant with one of the following methods.

Give the baby a pacifier.

Pacifiers are called that for a reason. They provide temporary relief to babies who enjoy the sucking motion as it reminds them of being in the womb.  Some studies show that the act of sucking a pacifier can help to lower the heart rate, blood pressure, and stress levels. We highly recommend using a pacifier clip as they are prone to popping out, dropping behind car seats, and otherwise getting lost.

Use the “baby shusher”.

We swear by this miracle sound machine. The Baby Shusher uses a rhythmic “shhh” to imitate the same cadence and sound of a parent soothing their child. If you have ever read the Happiest Baby on the Block, the “shhh” sound we make actually mimics the environment inside of the womb where babies hear all kinds of wooshing and swooshing sounds. This Baby Shusher worked best for our infant over other white noise sound machines. It is always one of our top travel tips for road-tripping with a baby.

If this didn’t work to prevent your child from crying, it might not help so much to soothe them once they are already crying. However, if you are still in the front seat, then I would certainly recommend moving to the backseat where your baby can see your beautiful comforting face. Try playing some peek-a-boo, playing with their toes, or engaging them in a crinkly toy, book, or song. Sometimes just letting them hold on to your finger is enough to calm them.

Give them snacks.

If your baby is old enough and used to eating solids, then you may consider giving them some soft snacks or a bottle during the drive. Always follow a few precautions when feeding a baby in the car: an adult should be sitting next to the baby to supervise, and avoid hard solids that might lead to choking. Some car seat-safe foods for babies include snack pouches and dissolvable rice-husk teethers. We provide some recommendations in the road trip packing list below.

Baby in car seat next to dad

Babies grow fast. Their needs and preferences seem to change just as fast. Here are some baby road trip essentials to keep your little one up to 18 months happy, comfortable, and entertained. Toddlers will require a different list of road trip essentials that are geared more toward their level of maturity and development. This list of travel toys for toddlers highlights all of the best toys to keep a toddler entertained during travel.

Road Tripping with a Baby: Packing List

Entertainment.

  • Dangling car seat toys – For newborns and infants, dangling car seats are essential entertainment. They might not have developed their grip strength or coordination yet to be able to grab other toys and rattles. Similar to a crib mobile, safely attached dangling car seat toys can capture a baby’s attention, while also helping them to develop spacial awareness. We recommend Baby Links and the interactive Hug & Tug Caterpillar which is appropriate for both infants and older babies.
  • Teething toys and rattles . Teethers help to soothe babies’ gums when their teeth begin to come in. Like rattles, teethers provide a safe form of entertainment in the car while helping baby to improve their fine motor skills, group strength, and spatial awareness.
  • Books – Babies like to chew, rip, and crumple books. With this in mind, it is best to pick up a selection of books that will stand the test against curious babies. Soft crinkly books like Peek-a-Boo Forest by Lamaze and Taggies are durable, washable, and engaging with flaps and tabs. Cardboard books are not indestructible, but they will serve their purpose and last you through many road trips with a baby. Our son was always the most engaged in learning books like First Numbers and First Words by Priddy.
  • Favorite stuffed animal – Stuffed animals are great travel toys for children at any age. Children can begin forming a bond with their toys at a young age so it is important to bring their “best friend” along for the car ride and journey.
  • Random items around the car – If all else fails there are many things that you likely have in the car that would keep a baby entertained for example an empty water bottle or a box of tissues. Just make sure that anything you give to your baby is safe: no small detachable parts that can pose a choking or suffocation risk.

Food and Drink

  • Milk and Bottle . If you are nursing exclusively, that eliminates a large portion of your packing needs! If you are not nursing, make sure to pack formula or milk (babies 12 months and older), along with a bottle or two. If you prefer to pack one bottle only,  XYZ make kits for cleaning baby bottles on the go.
  • Snacks and pouches. A baby’s capacity to chew and digest certain foods evolves over time, so always reference the age recommendations on a food label. Up until 6 months, babies will pretty much be fine with just milk/formula. After you begin to introduce solids, prepacked baby food and snacks become an essential road trip item. Rice husks and yogurt melts are excellent road trip snacks. They dissolve quickly, don’t leave many crumbs, and our son loves them! For a more substantial meal, we find that pouches are more convenient than the more traditional glass jars. If baby is a bit older or if you are pulling over for a roadside picnic, other road trip foods for babies include yogurt, sliced soft fruit, and graham crackers. Our son is partial to breakfast bars, peanut butter Bamba puffs and Pirate’s Booty.
  • Snack cups . The more proactive you are in keeping the car seat free of crumbs, the easier it will be to clean and when it comes to babies every last bit helps. Using snack cups like the Munchkin Snack Catcher helps your little one to slow down the process of palming all their goldfish in one gulp. It also reduces the number of crumbs spilled into the car seat and the floorboard below.
  • Bib. If your baby is eating milk and purees exclusively, a cloth bib works just fine. If your baby has moved on to eating more crumbly solids like crackers and fruit slices, I would highly recommend using a silicone bib with a catcher. The Mushie silicone bib is easily washable which is ideal for travel, and the pocket catches most crumbs making clean up a much easier process.
  • Diapers.   Diapers are an obvious item for your baby road trip checklist. Consider overnight diapers if you plan to drive through the night while your baby sleeps. The added material and increased absorbency will help to reduce leaks and keep baby dry.
  • Wipes. Wipes are essential for diaper changes, but they can also be used to clean faces, little fingers, and sticky surfaces. Pro tip: Wipe dispenser is almost empty? Keep the dispenser and fill it with toilet paper or ribbon. Babies love pulling things out of boxes and containers. This do-it-yourself baby toy will entertain your child for hours.
  • Diaper rash cream. Did you know that diaper rash cream is used not only to treat, but also to prevent diaper rash? If your baby will be spending long stretches of time in a car seat, it is wise to apply diaper rash cream as a preventative measure against rash and discomfort.
  • Portable changing pad – Using a portable changing station provides a more comfortable changing for the baby. It also provides an extra layer of safety when doing a diaper change in a public restroom.
  • Extra changes of clothing. You don’t want to be left unprepared when the inevitable blowout or spit-up happens. We recommend packing at least 2 extra changes of clothing.
  • Swaddle/ burp cloth. Swaddles are a bit universal and reduce the need for packing additional items. Although you wouldn’t swaddle a baby before placing him in a car seat, they do serve as great burp cloths and blankets. After arriving at your destination, you can then of course use the swaddle as intended…to wrap your baby like an adorable burrito bundle.
  • Baby Tylenol. There are many baby medications on the market, but really the only medication we have ever needed was baby Tylenol. Teething can bring about bouts of pain and fever. Baby Tylenol is a fever reducer that can help assuage your child’s discomfort. Always contact your pediatrician before administering to your child.

Supplies for momma

  • Breast pump. Depending on a number of factors (your milk production level, how much baby is drinking, etc) you may need to pump while on the road. While the manual breast pump is tried and true, the Elvie is a newer brand that many swear by. They make a wearable rechargeable breast pump that can be inserted into a nursing bra. It is discreet and portable making it possible to pump almost anywhere including at restaurants, in the office, and during a long car ride. Speaking from experience, make sure you have access to a pump! You do not want to get stuck in a situation where your body is telling you to empty the milk, but your baby isn’t hungry and you do not have a pump around. Women who have to delay pumping or nursing risk painful breast engorgement which can lead to medical problems and a reduction in milk supply.
  • Nursing Cover . It is likely that you may end up nursing your child in a busy parking lot. While I have nursed my son in a parking lot without a cover, I did receive some unwanted prolonged glances from individuals passing by my window. If this is something that makes you feel uncomfortable, it may be wise to pack a nursing cover just in case. I recommend the Bebe au Lait nursing cover with it’s peek-a-boo hole. It allows me to keep an eye on my son, but also provides him with some nice airflow.
  • Water. It is important for mothers to stay hydrated when nursing.

Additional items that make for a more comfortable trip

  • Portable blanket. A soft clean surface is a great item to bring along when traveling with an infant. If you are stopping by a travel plaza, gas station, or rest area there is usually a nice grassy area somewhere nearby. This is a great opportunity to unbuckle your little one, and let them have some fresh air. Lay a soft blanket in the grass and allow your baby some time to roll around, stretch their legs, and enjoy the change of scenery. We recommend the Rumpl blanket that compresses into a convenient bag perfect for traveling and road trips.
  • Car seat fan. When a baby is in their rear-facing car seat they don’t always have the same pleasure of cool air circulating around their bodies. This combined with warm sunrays peeking through the window can make a car seat pretty toast. It is a good idea to bring along a portable fan that clips onto the car seat to ensure that your child is cool and comfortable.
  • Car seat liner. If you have a 10-hour drive ahead of you, you do not want to deal with a wet soiled car seat. A waterproof liner provides protection from wet bathing suits, diaper leaks, and other accidents.
  • Backseat organizer to keep essentials close at hand. As you can see, there are many things to bring on a road trip if you want to ensure a smooth journey. You can be saved from headaches and stress in the long run if you are able to keep toys and baby essentials organized. A backseat organizer is helpful for keeping anything you or your baby might need close at hand.

Now that you have your questions answered and your car packed, the last step is to check out our top list of road trip with baby tips .

Road Trip with a Baby packing List

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Road Trip with Baby: How to Survive Long Car Rides

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Our oldest child logged more miles in the car his first few months of life than I can even begin to count.  I’ll thank our family and friends all over the eastern part of the United States for that! A road trip with baby requires a lot flexibility, especially given that the car ride can change so much during each stage of your baby’s life. A road trip with a newborn is MUCH different than a road trip with an 8 month old baby, for example.

With some advanced planning and trial and error, road trips with babies do get easier! Below is a rundown of our best tips and products for surviving long car rides with baby.

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Road Trip Tips for Long Car Rides with a Baby

We learned a lot about drives with a baby after all the miles we logged in that first year. (And some things were definitely learned the hard way!) Below are a handful of our best tips for road trips with a baby after many long drives with two kids.

1. Accept that a road trip with a baby is going to take you longer

I typically estimate about a 30 minute stop for every 2.5 hours of driving.  There have been times, however, that I stopped every 2 hours (or even more.) Given the differences in mobility and sleep, a road trip with a 6 week old baby is going to be very different than a road trip with a 6 month old baby. When my son was in that 6-12 month stage, road trips were a little more difficult and often required more stops to allow him to stretch out.

Bottom line, give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination safely and comfortably!

2. Pack as much of the car as you can the night before your road trip with baby

Whether you’re leaving at 5am or 5pm, try to pack the car ahead of time to minimize stress the day you’re leaving for your trip. Ideally, I try to have everything in the car but the diaper bag and cooler well before our departure time. That usually means packing the car the night before for early departures.

The last thing you want to do is to have to jam a week’s worth of stuff into your car while trying to hold the baby or wrangle older siblings. (Especially since there will be times when just walking out the door is a feat in itself.)

Road Trip with Baby Toddling Traveler

3. Try to sync up long drives with your baby’s sleeping schedule

When my oldest was only a few months old, it worked best for us to leave early in the morning. He was taking several naps and would fall back asleep in the car, making road trips with a 1 month old baby and up to about 4 months pretty easy. As he got a little older and was more mobile, he was the most active early in the morning. That meant we had to adjust our approach and leave a little later to coordinate drives with his nap schedule. (Or just be super effective at keeping him entertained first thing in the morning!) This was also the case for our second child.

For really long drives, splitting the drive up also works well. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to stay overnight. Just stopping for an hour or two to stretch and get a change of scenery works well too. Especially when babies start to become mobile and need to get those wiggles out.

For those moms or dads to-be, I don’t want to give you a false impression that every single baby sleeps well in a car. We were lucky with our son in that he always slept in the car at some point during the drive, but you might need try out different approaches to get this right.

4. Pack extra snacks and meals for road trips

Once babies are starting to get into the solids phase, you’re likely going to be bringing a lot of their food from home. For snacks that travel well, we love teething wafers or puffs . We also loved snack catching cups as our son got older and started eating snacks more independently. They’re a lifesaver with preventing snacks from getting dumped all over the keep your car by your little ones!

While we like fruit and veggie pouches for easy on-the-go nutrition, I don’t recommend them for car rides. Speaking from experience, they can make a mess unless you have someone in the backseat to help.

Be sure to also have more food and milk/formula on hand than you think you need. You never know when you’ll get stuck in traffic or your drive will take longer than planned.

Long Car Ride with Baby Road Trip Tips Toddling Traveler

5. Bring different forms of entertainment for the car

Babies can easily get bored looking at the same thing for ours on end. (And so can adults, for that matter!) Regardless of their age, proactively keeping your baby entertained in the car definitely helps minimize the fussing.

Screen time is one form of entertainment many parents use in the car with babies or toddlers. We don’t typically use iPads or Kindles at home, so they’ve always been a special treat for long drives or flights. Our favorite device for kids is the Kindle Fire along with a Kindle Fire tablet case for kids . We also have this tablet holder for car that hooks onto the headrest and can be used for a rear or front facing car seat. If you’re planning to use screen time in the car with baby, I recommend using other forms of entertainment first and keep the tablet for playing learning shows like Miss Rachel when they get really restless.

A few of our favorite toys for a road trip with baby are below.

  • A sensory   toy that’s multifaceted like  this one .   It also has rings, a teether, a mirror, a rattle as well as multiple sounds and textures.  
  • The  Wubbanub Pacifier is great, even if your baby doesn’t take a pacifier. It was a lifesaver on our road trip home from Omaha with a newborn when we weren’t able to stop and feed our son right away.  
  • A stuffed animal or lovey is great to give them comfort and something to grasp.
  • When your baby starts teething, bring several teether options. Both for back up when they drop them and to switch it up with something new. Some of our favorite tethers are Nubby Chewy Rings , the Chicken Wing Appeteether and the Banana Toothbrush Teether .
  • If another adult is able to be in the backseat, you can bring books to read to them. Check out our page on travel books for children for more ideas.
  • As your baby gets closer to 1 year old, sticker books are a great toddler road trip activity with adult assistance.

Related Post: 10 Baby and Toddler Toys for Travel Under $10

6. Make sure you can access an open seat in the car

When driving for long periods of time, I’ve found that the car often becomes ground zero for anything you need to do to take care of the baby.   For this reason, it definitely helps if you leave the backseat next to your baby open.  (This gets a little tougher when you have other kids in the car, but it’s helpful for new parents trying to navigate everything.) Whether you need to go back and check on the baby or quickly change a dirty diaper, that extra space is key!

As a breastfeeding mom, I also felt more comfortable nursing from my car with it parked in the corner of the parking lot versus trying to manage it inside a rest stop.  This is totally a matter of personal preference, and I admire anyone who can breastfeed anywhere!

Long Car Ride with a Baby- Toddling Traveler

7. Know where the rest stops are for those frequent stops

If you have a navigation or app that shows where the rest stops are, use it! Knowing how many miles away the rest stops are is super helpful when trying to time out feedings and diaper changes in the car.  

Have to stop when there’s no rest stop near you? Many toll roads and major highways have emergency rest stops.  I found these to be especially helpful when I was driving by myself. There were quite a few times that my son became hysterical, and I had to stop either comfort him, feed him or change his diaper. (Hence, why the prior tip on leaving an open car seat comes in handy!)

If your child is just starting to become more mobile, try to use rest stops to help them stretch out and move around as well. Sitting in a car that long is hard enough for adults, much less babies who just want to move and don’t understand why they can’t.

8. Try to bring reinforcements when you’re tackling a long car ride with baby

I’ve probably done as many road trips with my son solo as I have with someone else in the car. For obvious reasons, it’s much easier to get through the long drive with a baby when you have someone to help you. You can actually check on the baby without hanging to pull over. And rest stops are easier to tackle since you can split up getting guess, using the restroom and taking care of the baby.

road trip with newborn

9. Ziplock bags are your friend

I never leave the house without Ziplock bags when traveling with a baby, whether I’m road tripping or not. You can use Ziplock bags for dirty clothes and diapers, snacks, other trash that you don’t want to stink up the car. We usually have some in the diaper bag, and they’re small enough that you can keep a few large Ziplock bags in the glove compartment or other car storage just in case.

10. Stay focused on the road when you have a baby on board

This one may seem obvious, but it’s easy to get distracted when driving with a baby. As a multi-tasker at heart, it’s tough for me not to feel like I’m super woman and can focus on the road while simultaneously singing to my son and picking up that sippy cup I swear he tried to throw at me.

I’m constantly having to remind myself of this and will often stop to pull over in a safe spot if I need to check on something for peace of mind. It’s much better and safer than trying to do it all from the driver’s seat.

Long Drives with a Baby Toddling Traveler

5 Must Have Products for a Car Ride with a Baby

In addition to the above-mentioned items, below are some things we swear by for your road trip with baby packing list. For any moms-to-be out there, I definitely recommend planning ahead and considering these items for your baby registry.  

1. Baby Mirror

A baby car mirror was critical for us for both safety and peace of mind for car rides of any length. We relied pretty heavily on these to see our son when he was rear facing. The mirror especially comes in handy if you’re doing a solo road trip with a baby. It makes it much easier to check if they’re sleeping, crying or throwing their toy for the millionth time when you don’t have a co-pilot to help.  

We have this backseat car mirror . I love that it’s big enough to see the baby’s entire body, and it’s easy to install and adjust when needed.

2. Car Sunshades 

Our son HATES the sun in his eyes, especially in the car. While our newer car came with sunshades, our prior car when we first had our son did not. These white-hot car safety shades are perfect. Not only do they have an indicator that shows if the car is too hot, but they also retract easily. Every car is different, so make sure you measure your car windows to ensure you’re getting adequate coverage for your window size. I’d recommend avoiding the stick-on car shades that fold up, since they easily fall off.

As your little one gets older, baby sunglasses are a great option if they’ll keep them on for the car. You can find the best baby sunglasses here .

3. Small Cooler

A cooler is critical for any road trip, but especially with a baby when you can’t easily get drinks and snacks for them at a rest stop.

We bought this freezable lunch bag cooler after it was recommended by a friend.  The bag itself freezes, and it can keep the contents cold without a separate freezer pack It also easily folds up when you’re not using it.  It’s the perfect size to keep a couple bottles and snacks cold for that long car ride. And it’s also great for milk on a plane ride with a baby or traveling without baby while breastfeeding .

Looking for a larger cooler for car rides? This soft-sided cooler is large enough for several drinks and food. Plus, it’s foldable and easy to pack away when not using it.

4. Hands-free diaper bag

This probably seems too obvious, but the hands-free part is key when making those pit stops while juggling a baby. I have this diaper bag that I wear like a cross body diaper bag. (Although sadly the champagne color I have is discontinued.) I also have this diaper bag backpack that we use periodically.

In addition to the multiple pockets, a changing pad that comes out separately and velcros shut is also a necessity. You will definitely want something that can easily be washed after multiple uses on those dirty roadside changing tables.

5. Light blanket

Whether in the car or just pushing the stroller, we almost always had a thin muslin blanket on our son’s lap. Not only does it help make sure baby is warm enough in the car, but it also gives them something to grab onto for comfort. We love muslin baby blankets because they serve a number of purposes and are light, breathable and easy to pack.  

Target also sells a similar, less expensive set of muslin baby blankets that we’ve used as well.

Do you have any additional tips for long car rides with a baby? Please share in the comments!

Related Posts:

  • 9 Baby Travel Essentials + Packing List
  • 6 Toddler Road Trip Tips
  • 12 Reasons to Travel with a Baby or Toddler

Click on the Image Below to Pin for Later .

Road Trip with a Baby Toddling Traveler

19 thoughts on “Road Trip with Baby: How to Survive Long Car Rides”

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I love you tips.Thanks for putting this together I will pin for later to have it handy then I travel next time.

You’re welcome! I’m so glad to hear it was helpful.

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Such brilliant tips, which take me back to many years ago – am sure these will be useful for so many parents. Also, the photos are adorable!

Thanks so much!

oh dear. we did not get a car until my son was about 15 months old so on the rare times he was in one as a baby, OMG he hated it! We did a road trip from Raleigh to the outer banks when he was 5months old and he screamed the whole time!!!!!! def takes longer, driver has to stay focused. plastic bags, extra clothes, prepare for it all!

That’s quite the drive! It’s definitely tougher when they get more mobile!!

I agree with you that it was easier when the baby was between 0-4 month old. The baby mirror and car sun shades also helped us a lot. Now our baby is 13 years old. 🙂

Time flies! We’re about to start doing this all over again so I’m hoping these baby road trip tips stick for baby #2!

You always have the best insight for traveling with our youngest travelers! Great tips as always…!

Thanks so much Jen!

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Road Trip with Baby: Essential Travel Packing List & Tips

Written by Becca

Updated on March 8th, 2024

A list of baby items laid out on a marble table.

How do you take a road trip with a baby for the first time? Check out my essential travel packing list for everything your infant needs during a trip.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Table of contents

  • Feeding & Nursing
  • Clothes & accessories
  • Grooming & medicine
  • Transport: strollering, driving, car seat and carrying
  • Learn more about road trips for babies!

Traveling with an infant is incredibly daunting when you first decide to take a short trip with your baby. How will you set up a safe place for sleeping? How will you pack enough to cover every possible situation? How many bottles is enough?

We took three trips between our baby being three and six months, and having a standard packing list gave us peace of mind. We borrowed suggestions from friends and family, and put together the best of all the recommendations.

In this packing list, you’re welcome to switch around the quantities of all items based on how long your trip is. Also, note that this list was for three road trips and not for flying. Nothing we brought was specific to TSA-approved sizes and our luggage wasn’t optimized for a flight.

Shop our must-have items

  • UPPAbaby Minu travel stroller Check Availability
  • Eufy Baby Monitor Check Availability
  • BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light Check Availability
  • Blackout Cover for Pack 'n Play Check Availability
  • Baby Tula Lite Baby Carrier (with fanny pack) Check Availability

Here’s the list of road trip items we took, many of which are the best baby products for travel .

The below list is based on a three-day two-night trip during which I’m nursing and giving a few bottles here and there. Of course, you have your own methods of feeding your infant during the trip , and no two parents nor babies are alike in this regard. For all the clothing recommendations (along with sleep sacks, bibs, etc.), I liberally pack an extra in case there are “accidents.”

Ready for our road trip baby packing list? Here it goes.

If you are flying with your infant, check out this list of crucial tips for taking a flight with your baby!

Feeding & Nursing

Whether you’re nursing or exclusively bottle feeding, there are some essentials to consider.

  • Bottles : We like Comotomo and Lansinoh .
  • Bottle brush & stand : This OXO stand has been great.
  • Pacifiers (2) : Check out Avent and the Avent + animal !
  • Burp cloths (3-4) : We like aden & anais .
  • Bibs (3-4) : aden & anais make great bibs as well.
  • Vitamin D drops : We have these .
  • + flanges (6)
  • + duckbill valves (6)
  • + tubing (2)
  • + backflow protectors (2)
  • 6 Spectra milk bottles and tops : Check them out .
  • Milk cooler with ice pack : We have this one , and it fits most standard 5oz bottles.
  • Frozen milk (1 bag) : We use the Lansinoh storage bags . I bring frozen milk on our way when we leave home, so that it survives the car ride in the cooler.

road trip with newborn

Our strategy for bottles is to have enough for feeding, storage and a few extra. When they are empty, we clean them right away and cycle through them like that. We also put Vitamin D drops in each bottle for feeding, so we’ll always have a few storage bottles ready to dish out.

A white container with a green toothbrush and a green brush.

Also the bottle supplies that I mention are optimized for 5oz bottles. You might need slightly different supplies for the bigger 8oz bottles.

Three baby bottles on a marble surface.

For babies eating solids

  • Jars or pouches of baby food (however many your child consumes)
  • High chair : Take a look at this clip-on high chair . A foldable travel high chair also works!
  • Booster seat : Try this one from OXO .
  • Spoons/utensils : We’ve had the best luck with these spoons .
  • Silicone bibs : Check these out and pick from lots of different colors.
  • More wipes !: We like these water wipes .

We make our own baby food, and our baby eats whatever we have in the house! For convenience, I can see how the pouches could be a quick and easy solution to have food on the go. You can put out only as much as you need and use your own spoon, then save the rest for minimal clean up.

road trip with newborn

Sometimes at home, we keep our daughter sitting up right and hold her to give her some food. So the clip-on high chairs and booster seats are only necessary when independent solid eating is more of a thing.

road trip with newborn

More diapers are better than fewer, especially if you’ll be in a remote location like we were when we went up to the northwestern Catskills to stay in a country house. There wasn’t a Walmart for MILES! Luckily, I learned from our trip the month before that I should pack diapers like they’re going out of style, and we survived plenty fine.

I had already corrected all my former mistakes when we went away to Litchfield County, CT , when our daughter was 7 months, and came home with a heap of diapers to spare.

One thing I like to have on hand is little plastic throw-away baggies for diapers when disposing of them in a hotel or Airbnb. I save the ones we use as produce bags at the supermarket and then load up my diaper bag with those. They are so handy. If you’re looking for something more compact for storing (or already have a dog) these dog #2 storage bags might also work.

  • Diapers : Find your brand and size on Amazon . For a three-day trip, I took 30 diapers.
  • Wipes : We use these water wipes .
  • Diaper balm : We like diaper balm with a lid , to prevent accidental spills.
  • Little garbage bags for diapers
  • Changing pad : This one is great for most babies.

For the diapers, it’s best if you leave them in the original packaging to help save on space. We found that bringing loose diapers takes up more room in our already cramped bags.

Our diaper bag has a changing pad that never leaves our bag. When we travel, we change our daughter with the pad on the floor. This is a good practice in case there’s an accident. We are not prepared to scrub any carpets while away!

It’s also likely that you may have these items in your diaper bag. It would be a good idea to make sure you have extra / a spare set for a makeshift changing station at your accommodation.

road trip with newborn

Clothes & accessories

When we went upstate to Livingston Manor for three days, I almost laughed: we came home with exactly one diaper left in the diaper bag and our daughter’s luggage combined. ONE!

This was because we went through quite a few changes of clothes, if you know what I mean. And if there are overnight accidents, you may have a soiled sleep sack or swaddle.

A white t - shirt and a white hoodie on a marble floor.

In addition to the extra outfits I leave in the diaper bag, I was happy with the number of backup clothes and pajamas I had packed, as we almost went through everything. In my guide to how to visit NYC with a baby , I discuss the importance of bringing clothing layers for changes in weather.

  • Zippy pajamas (3-4) : We’ve had good luck with Carters brand PJs .
  • Outdoor blankets (1) : For colder months, try this type of blanket .
  • Daytime outfits (with spares) : These Carter onsies and pants are great staples!
  • Booties or socks : You can never have too many socks .
  • Sun hat : Hats work great for keeping the sun out of your baby’s eyes.
  • Headbands or hair bow clips : So cute !

We’ve liked bringing plenty of headbands and hair bows for times when we’ve wanted our daughter to look cute in a photo.

A set of baby headbands on a marble table.

Grooming & medicine

For babies with hair, you might want to consider packing a comb or brush. For us, we do a quick hair combing at bedtime as part of the routine.

For all other medicine and health products, it’s up to you. We haven’t had to use any of the medicines while away from home, but you truly never know what can happen and what you’ll want to have in your back pocket if your child is soon to be teething, comes down with some congestion or is having bouts with gas pains.

  • Frida nail file & clipper : The Frida Baby Grooming Kit has everything you need.
  • Hair comb or brush : We like this comb because it has an extra fine side.
  • Medicine for unexpected scenarios : ( Acetominaphen , gas drops , Snotsucker )
  • Thermometer : We got this digital one .
  • Rattle toys, teether toys : Our baby LOVES these teethers .

A set of toothbrushes and brushes on a marble countertop.

A tip from my cousin, an expert mom of two, is to bring along “identifying docs” for your child, even when your baby doesn’t have an official ID or baby passport yet, like an immunization report or other medical record (even a physical photocopy of baby’s birth certificate would be a “better-safe-than-sorry” thing to have!).

Transport: strollering, driving, car seat and carrying

We have become UPPAbaby people and we are super happy with the choice to buy into the UPPAbaby ecosystem of strollers and car seats. We picked up the Minu stroller for traveling purposes and it has saved a ton of trunk space when compared to the larger and sturdier UPPAbaby Vista stroller we keep at home.

road trip with newborn

For unexpected weather or bugginess in summer locations, opt for bringing both the rain cover and the insect net covers for your car seat or rumble seat.

  • UPPAbaby Minu travel stroller : We’re happy with ours and it saves trunk space. Check it out or read our UPPAbaby Minu review here!
  • UPPAbaby Mesa car seat : Check prices on Amazon for this sturdy car seat.
  • UPPAbaby stroller parent console : Ours lives on our stroller, even when folded. Check it out .
  • UPPAbaby Mesa rain cover and bug screen cover : The rain shield and bug screen have been helpful!
  • UPPAbaby car window shields : Help keep the sun out of your baby’s eyes. Check it out .
  • Baby Safety Car Mirror : We have one of these in our car at home, and if you will be renting a car at your destination, be sure to bring along your own baby car mirror .
  • A baby carrier you love : If you have car space to spare, opt for a strong baby carrier like the Baby Tula Explore Carrier . If you’re short on space, go the route of an ultralightweight carrier like Baby Tula Carrier Lite ; for more ideas, see my list of the best baby carriers for travel .

The baby tula lite carrier fully closed with everything packed away.

While our daughter doesn’t exactly love the Pack ‘n Play, it’s a fact of life when you leave home for travel. The first trip we took with her when she was 13 weeks was when we used the bassinet from our UPPAbaby Vista stroller ! That way, she wasn’t sleeping in a foreign environment.

With the Pack ‘n Play, we make sure the mattress cover is clean before we leave home, and we bring a backup sheet in case it gets soiled. Another hack has been the blackout cover, which simulates darkness for the baby if you’re in a place with lots of windows or no dark curtains. It also gives the baby their own sense of space if you’re all in one hotel room, like we say in our guide to staying in a hotel with your baby .

  • BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light : This travel crib is so easy to set up and take apart, and it’s tons lighter than a Graco Pack ‘n Play. Check it out or read our review .
  • Pack ‘n Play sheet with spare sheet : This one should work great!
  • Pack ‘n Play blackout cover : We have this one .
  • SlumberPod : This is a blackout tent to use during travel! It goes over an entire travel crib and parents swear by it.
  • Baby monitor : We’ve been happy with our monitor . You don’t need Wi-Fi, so it’s easy to set up anywhere.
  • Audio baby monitor : If you want as a backup, or alternative to video, you can check out the audio-only options.
  • HALO & Nested Bean sleep sacks (2) : We love our HALO , and we’ve been using the Nested Bean as a backup.
  • Hatch Rest+ sound machine : We like the Rest+ because it has an easy charging base.
  • Amazon Basics portable suction cup blackout curtains : These curtains help to darken a room so your little one sleeps longer!

We feel a little silly bringing the Hatch because it’s such a big sound machine. The backup battery has actually been a huge help because we once lost power and we’re glad we still had some white noise going. Something like this might be a better option.

Plus, we use a portable travel sound machine (you can also get it on Amazon ) on our stroller or with our a travel-friendly baby carrier while taking walks, to help create some familiar and consistent white noise It works out great, whether on the road or at home.

road trip with newborn

Learn more about road trips for babies!

From our experience, here are some of the things that we’ve learned that have been helpful in making everyone happy during the adventure.

And as a heads up, you can check our the rest of our articles on traveling with a baby to learn everything you can, as well as our list of the best essential road trip accessories for everyone in the car.

What to expect on your first trip with a baby

I actually kind of expected the worst, in traveling with a baby. How would naps work? Would we have to stop for feeding? How would our child sleep at night, the first time away from home?

This all felt kind of crazy, but we knew we had to take the plunge if we ever wanted to introduce our daughter into our world of travel.

Our first trip with her was at 13 weeks. I was largely doing okay, three-ish months postpartum, and we were finally comfortable with the world of being parents. Also, I don’t want to sugarcoat this at all: our baby was far from sleeping through the night, and as my best friend put it, “If you’re going to be sleep deprived and doing night feeds, why not at least be away from home on a vacation?”

While New Hampshire at the end of winter is far from tropical and didn’t involve any skiing or snowy sports for us, it’s where my extended family gets together every year in mid-March. I didn’t want to be left out, so we took our tiny newborn along (easier said than done).

Here’s a few tips for what to expect and how things really went, that time, and the two times we went up to the Catskills when our child was 5 months and then 6 months. While both trips were very different from each other, we decided to risk it (again!) by going up to Litchfield County, CT , when she was 7 months old as well!

Naps and sleeping tips for road trips

On the way up to New Hampshire and down from New Hampshire, our baby took some of her best naps of the month in the car. Her naps were a total grab bag and we never know what to expect, especially if we were going to be in the car for more than two hours. We were graced with some two-hour naps during the five-hour drive, and when we stopped for bathrooms, I fed her in the rest area or in the front seat of the car.

When we went to Nova Scotia, we planned a day trip excursions from Halifax and timed our planning with the baby’s three-nap schedule.

Keeping your baby entertained during the car ride

When she wasn’t napping, one of us sat in the back and tried to entertain her with toys and a book. It’s hard to say if it worked. During our road trips with her two and three months later, we both sat up front and if she needed consoling, I’d reach my arm back to hold a pacifier in her mouth. We had her teether beads and a fruit teether attached by a pacifier clip in her car seat.

I recommend having some toys or teethers, depending on your baby’s age, attached to the car seat straps so they don’t get lost or dropped during the ride.

Feeding during car rides

Most babies eat every 1.5-2 hours in the first few months of life, and ours certainly did. Even at five and six months, she likes to eat every two hours if she can. Some babies are on an every-three-hours feeding schedule by this point, but that’s not something that worked for us. Much of this experience inspired me to write about how to feed a baby during travels .

If a baby is hungry during a car ride, you’ll know. It’ll be chaos. If our child cried, we turned up the music, held a pacifier in her mouth and sang her favorite lullaby on repeat. Being a parent is far from glamorous!

During some stops, we gave her a full feed, depending on when she had last eaten. I did this in rest area cafeteria booths, the front seat of our car in a Trader Joe’s parking lot In Connecticut and in a Panera off the highway, most recently. I think a good tip is to get comfortable feeding your baby at the right time, and the place is less important.

The importance of the diaper bag

Just like when you go out for the day, having a robust diaper bag is crucial during a road trip. And I mean “two spare outfits” level of robust. We have been using Nike’s diaper backpack and it’s good for travel. Check out more photos at my Nike Diaper Bag review .

On our most recent trip with our baby when she was six months, there was a diaper blowout just as we hit our first stop, and I wound up doing an entire outfit and diaper change on a picnic table in a covered pavilion as it began to rain. Good thing we had weather-appropriate attire in a packing cube in the diaper bag, along with enough wipes and diapers and of course, hand sanitizer.

Other things I keep in the diaper bag are my new nursing cover, a small Hakka pump, a disassembled Medela hand pump, spare Medela milk vials, a changing pad and a spare light blanket for miscellaneous use. I suggest keeping your diaper bag contents constant so that if something is missing, you can figure it out.

I use the same diaper bag contents on a regular trip to the supermarket, as well as a trip up to the countryside.

As a secondary diaper bag for when I’m just getting out of the car at a rest area, or going somewhere with only the carrier and not a full stroller setup, I’m into the Kibou fanny pack diaper bag .

It’s also crucial for a diaper change on a plane , for the next time you fly.

For a limited time: Join the list for 15% off your first order + get free shipping on orders $75+!

Shop the deal

This cute belt bag is the most minimalist (and chic) diaper bag. I review the Kibou to talk about all the features.

road trip with newborn

It has a fold-out changing pad, and in the main compartment I can fit diapers, diaper cream, a pacifier, my phone and a slim wallet. Plus, it has a waterproof zippered wipes pocket on the inner side, which is so handy and cool.

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How to Road Trip With a Newborn Baby: 10 Tips to Help You Survive Baby’s First Road Trip

Okay, so you’re planning to take your newborn baby on a road trip! This can be overwhelming the first time, but with these 10 tips you’ll be an expert in no time. Once you get the hang of it, it can actually be easier to road trip with a baby compared to a toddler because they sleep so much. In my opinion, the first year or two of life is a great time to road trip with your baby!

Disclaimer : This blog contains affiliate links which means I get a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you decide to make a purchase. Thanks for supporting me and helping me to continue to make free content on this platform!

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1. Plan to Leave Right After Feeding and Diaper Change

Of course, this can be difficult to coordinate if you are already trying to time the start of your road trip with your toddler’s nap like we currently are. However, this is your best chance to get some miles on before having to make a stop. The best possible scenario is to get them a full belly so they can have a solid 2-3 hours of sleep (ideally while your other kids are still chillin’) before you have to make your first stop.

2. Set up a Mirror on the Back Seat

This is a very helpful step so you can check on them without making a stop. I was always slightly paranoid about having those tiny little babies in their car seats for a longer period of time so being able to see them breathing can make a huge difference for your peace of mind. It also helps you to be able to see if they lost their binky or kicked off their blanket. We still used a mirror until our toddler turned to facing forward so we could keep tabs on him while we drive. Link to the mirror we use here !

road trip with newborn

3. Plan Ahead for Frequent Stops

You can always just stop at random gas stations or travel stops, but this is an awesome opportunity to stop some cool places that you would normally drive right by! I like to plan stops at several points along our route so that when it does come time to stop you’ll be able to stop somewhere kind of fun. Sometimes you never know how far you’ll be able to make it, so I would recommend planning out stops at least every hour. Of course, it may still happen that you have to pull over on the side of the road on occasion.

4. Check the Car Seat Expiration and Make Sure it is Secure Before Leaving

Checking the car seat’s expiration date and security is important to make sure your baby is safe. Most car seats have a 6 year expiration date, so if you just bought a car seat for your baby it shouldn’t be a problem. If you’re not sure you can check on the bottom of the car seat to see the expiration date. If you have multiple adults in the car, have two different people check the car seat straps before taking off. Or if it’s just you, double check that the straps are tightened appropriately and the seat is clipped into the base. This website has good tips for making sure your car seat is secure.

5. Put a Sun Protection Cover Over the Window

One thing that woke our kid up more than anything was the sun shining in his eyes and on his face. There are great window covers that you can use to block the sun, or you can cover the car seat with a light cover on one side of the car seat, as long as it doesn’t fall or get too hot in the seat. The sun cover on the window will also help prevent a sunburn. Our first kid has very fair skin, and he actually got his arm sunburned through the window during our Hawaii road trip. Link to the window covers here !

6. Expect Your Trip to Take Longer

Make sure you plan accordingly, and add at least an hour to your expected drive time when taking a road trip with a newborn baby. There will for sure be added stopping time to feed, change diapers, and stretch legs. So if you are meeting other groups at your destination, try to overestimate the amount of time it is going to take you to get from point A to point B. It never hurts to add in some flexibility to your itinerary, especially on day 1.

7. Make a Playlist to Relax Baby

It may help if you have a fussy baby, to have a lullaby playlist to soothe him or her back to sleep. It also helped us at time to sing some songs, and help the baby be comforted by your voice. Singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is not my ideal road trip activity, but it beats listening to a screaming or crying baby!

8. Have Someone Sit in the Backseat

Having an adult sit in the backseat for at least part of the trip can be helpful, especially if the baby is only a few weeks old. There is nothing worse than having the baby lose their binky and start crying as you’re driving down the freeway and can’t reach them to get it back in their mouth. It also may help ease your anxiety if you’re worried about your newborn in the car seat!

9. Set Your Expectations Appropriately

As with anything related to traveling with kids, don’t expect everything to go smoothly every time. It’s likely that you’ll have some mishaps and have to listen to some crying along the drive. So as long as you set your expectations appropriately and don’t expect everything to go perfectly, you’ll be fine! For us, the first day and night whenever we are traveling is usually the hardest. After that, the trip usually goes a lot smoother. Before long, you’ll be an expert at taking a road trip with a newborn baby. And wherever you decide to go it will be so worth it.

family in front of teton mountain range

10. Don’t Overdo it!

While you might be eager to get out and explore with your little one like I was (I didn’t travel much while pregnant because I felt sick!), it’s important to start slow. We have found that the max amount of time we can road trip with a newborn baby in a day without going a little crazy is 3-4 hours. Of course you can do more than that, but it does become quite a bit of time for the little one in their car seat. We usually run into more crying once we get past that 3-4 hour mark, especially because we also have a toddler. But every baby is different, so do what works well for you and your family. Or split up the trip and stay overnight halfway if you are doing a longer trip.

Okay, you’re ready to hit the road! Now that you’re an expert at taking your baby on a road trip, check out our travel guides to get your started on planning your trips.

  • Grand Teton National Park with Kids: The Best Guide
  • The 7 Best Things to do in Many Glacier with Kids
  • 13 Amazing Things to do in Kauai with Kids
  • Full Cannon Beach Guide: The Perfect Vacation with Kids

If you like travel checklists (they can be incredibly helpful when traveling with kids), use our packing lists and checklists to make sure you don’t forget anything important.

  • 31 Things you Need to Get Done Before Leaving for Vacation: The Ultimate Checklist!
  • Hiking With a Baby: Everything you Need to Pack for a Successful Day
  • Tent Camping with Toddlers or Babies: The Complete Packing Checklist
  • The 10+ Best Parenting Audiobooks for a Road Trip

Happy travels!

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11 Smart Tips For A Road Trip With A Baby

Tips and Hacks for a Road Trip with a Baby or Toddler

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Tips and Hacks for a Road Trip with a Baby or Toddler

Planning to take a road trip with your baby or toddler in tow? You can do it! Learn all the best tips and hacks  for surviving a long drive with your young child from our parenting experts.

Over the river and through the woods, to Grandma’s house we go!

Only problem is: Grandma’s house is an 8-hour car ride away, and you’ve got a baby or toddler, plus maybe a few big kids, to cart along with you. But don’t let that stop you from embarking on that road trip – with some smart planning and preparation, you can make it to your destination relatively unscathed.

We’ve teamed up with our friends at Stonyfield, to bring you the absolute best tips and advice to make it through a marathon car journey with your baby. So buckle up and read on to learn how to make some road trip memories that will last a lifetime.

PIN for when you’re planning your next road trip:

road trip with newborn

1.  CHECK YOUR EXPECTATIONS AT THE DOOR

First things first, it’s critical to not set your expectations too high. Remember that babies and toddlers don’t have the patience that you do (or that you might hope!). With this in mind, don’t expect to drive straight to your destination without stopping…multiple times.

Depending on the age of your child, you may have to stop every hour or two to feed, change, or give them a break from their car seat. If you go into the trip with this in mind, you’ll have a much better, less-stress experience.

2.  PLAN WISELY

Keeping #1 in mind, plan your trip so you avoid driving too far in a single day. Map out your journey with the help of an online tool so you can get a sense of how long the trip will take. An app like  Waze  will even take into consideration what day and time you’ll be leaving and factor in the consistent travel patterns like rush hour.

road trip with newborn

Plan a few potential pit stops along your route so if baby is getting fussy, you’ll already have done your research. Depending on your child’s age and stage, you may want to find a park or playground for them to explore, or somewhere to go for a short walk to stretch your own legs. Pack some bubbles and a ball for some fun, interactive play during your stop.

Inevitably you’ll need to find a clean bathroom at some point, so we suggest downloading the  SitOrSquat app  before you leave so you can view public restrooms based on your current location. It also includes an interactive map with how long it will take to reach each stall, can filter those with baby changing tables and even gives a cleanliness rating. Major high five to that!

3.  TIME IT RIGHT

The most successful road trips are timed right.

If your baby sleeps well in the car, plan your trip to coincide with a time where you know your baby will sleep – either over naptime, or at bedtime. This way you’ll be able to get in a good chunk of quiet, peaceful driving that can recharge everyone’s batteries.

If your baby isn’t a great car sleeper, plan to leave shortly after they wake up in the morning, or right after a nap. Then at least you’ll start the journey with a well-rested, happy baby.

Either way, make sure that baby has a full tummy and a clean diaper before you leave!

4.  PACK/ORGANIZE YOUR CAR LIKE A PRO

We suggest packing your car the day/night before you leave, and while you pack, really think about what you’ll need to keep at arm’s reach vs. what you can stow away.

Keep your suitcases and large baby items like a travel crib at the back of your trunk, as you likely won’t need to access these until you reach your destination. Pack a separate “necessity bag” with all of the essentials you’ll want en route like toys, pacifiers, burp clothes, and bottles.

We like to pack a separate “Changing Station” that includes a changing pad, plenty of diapers, wipes, diaper cream, small trash baggies and an extra set of clothes for any spit-ups, spills or worse! Stick everything into a plastic zipper bag, or buy one of  these handy dandy organizers . You could even just grab the pre-stocked caddy you use in your home.

road trip with newborn

If you can, leave a free space in the back of your car for a make-shift Changing Table (especially if you have an SUV where the trunk is flat and the perfect height for diaper changing). This makes it super easy for quick changes during pit stops, and you don’t have to worry about finding a clean gas station bathroom.

Create an easy place to throw your trash – we love  this amazing car trash bin , but a trash bag around the front seat headrest can work just as well.

These back-of-the-seat organizers  are also great for keeping toys, books and other necessities close at hand.

 5.  BE STRATEGIC WITH NURSING/BOTTLE FEEDS

Your baby will need to eat during your travels, and whether nursing or formula feeding, make sure you have all of your supplies close at hand. If nursing, a comfy pillow for feeds in the car while filling up with gas can make a huge difference. For bottle fed babes, pack a thermos 1/3 full with hot water so you’ll have room to place your bottle inside to warm it up. Do this just before you arrive at your next pit stop, so the bottle will be ready and your baby won’t have to wait.

We know several mamas who nurse but also bring a pump and bottle so that they can pump while their partner drives, and feed with a bottle from the backseat if need be.

6.  BRING A FULLY STOCKED COOLER WITH SNACKS OR MEALS

For babies who are eating solids, make sure to bring a cooler stocked with healthy, nutritious options for pit-stops or eating on-the-go.

road trip with newborn

To save room in the cooler, we love to use  Stonyfield Organic Whole Milk Yogurt Pouches  as ice packs. Simply stash a few in your freezer 24 hours+ before you depart, and then line your cooler with the pouches. Not only will they keep your food and drinks icy cold, but once they thaw, they can turn into a great snack for the whole family. We especially love that they contain real fruits and veggies and have 35% less sugar than the leading kids’ yogurt.

We also like to travel with our favorite  Stonyfield YoBaby yogurt  so we have plenty of them for meal time and snack time once we arrive at our destination. If your baby is at least six months old, YoBaby is a great choice as it’s made with only Certified Organic ingredients and supports digestive health with its blend of live and active cultures and the probiotic BB-12. We love that the  YoBaby Veggie  and  YoBaby Plain  have no added sweeteners, and they’re thicker than other baby yogurts which makes it much easier for them to eat. That being said, remember to bring pack some napkins/wipes, spoons and a bib.

And although it’s important that you pack foods that baby will enjoy, don’t forget about yourself! Even if you plan to stop along the way for your meals, if your baby is content or asleep, you may want to keep driving. So throw a few healthy snacks in the cooler for yourself as well.

7.  RECREATE THEIR SLEEPING ENVIRONMENT

As we mentioned earlier, having your baby sleep for a portion of your trip is essential for everyone’s happiness. So do whatever it takes to recreate their ideal sleeping environment: bring any comfort items like a blanket, lovey or pacifier and if they’re used to white noise, download an app to play on your phone/iPad or use a  portable white noise machine .  These window shades  can also help protect your baby from the sun and create a darker, nap-inducing environment.

8.  KEEP BABY ENTERTAINED

After baby has awoken from their nap, they’ll be ready to play, so be sure to bring a vast selection of age-appropriate toys for them to explore. We find that new toys often hold their attention for the longest spans. Pick up a few new ones at your local discount store, or plan a toy-swap with a friend. You could even stash away a selection of toys a week or two before your trip so they will be forgotten and feel new.

Or try your hand at these DIY ideas to keep baby engaged:

Make your own “baby garland” by taping a piece of string across the back of the seat where they sit, and attach photos of other babies or family members to it. Babies are fascinating by studying people’s faces, so this can keep them surprisingly occupied.

Alternatively, fill an empty tissue box with long scraps of fabric or smaller mouthing-friendly toys – baby will love reaching in and pulling out each new surprise.

9.  WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, JUMP IN THE BACKSEAT

If you are traveling with another adult, it helps if one of you can ride in the backseat next to your baby for at least a portion of the trip. Think of it as free time to bond with your baby – read them books (interactive ones with lift-the-flaps or things to touch/feel are extra engaging), sing nursery rhymes and play peekaboo. Switch off with your travel partner every half hour so baby gets a new face and fresh entertainment!

10.  MAKE A PLAYLIST

Listening to music both you and your kids will enjoy can make your road trip so much more fun for everyone. If you’re able to sync your phone or device to your car’s speakers, make a playlist of your family’s favorite songs. If it’s just you and your baby, listening to podcasts or books on tape can make the time go quickly, and the sound of voices often helps a baby relax.

You can even try listening to music in another language – exposing your kids to new sounds and cultures.

11.  BE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING

Although we hope with fingers tightly crossed that your road trip will be a smooth one, with no unforeseen circumstances, we always suggest to be prepared for the worse!

We’ve learned the hard way, that it’s always helpful to have a bucket (or small garbage pail) and towel within an arm’s reach. You may learn that your baby (or even yourself) gets car sick, or comes down with a sudden stomach bug.

Having a First Aid kit with band-aids, bug spray, sunblock, prescriptions, and over-the-counter drugs like Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen, could stop your trip from taking a disastrous turn.

And make sure that your vehicle has emergency supplies like jumper cables, flares, a spare tire and jack, and if applicable to your location, a small snow shovel and brush.

Believe it or not, traveling with a baby can actually be a pleasant experience. After all, they aren’t old enough to ask “are we there yet?” over and over again!

Plan carefully and use our tips and you’ll be at Grandma’s house in no time. Safe travels!

Thank you to our sponsor, Stonyfield, for making delicious yogurts that are better for our children, families, and our planet. We’re grateful for their dedication to this mission.

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Our Sweet Adventures

Tips for Road Tripping with a Baby ( 0 – 12 Months) – A Complete Guide for First-Time Parents

Tips for Road Tripping with a Baby ( 0 – 12 Months) – A Complete Guide for First-Time Parents

Who says you cannot travel with a baby? Yes, it is different, but it is totally doable! One of the best ways to start traveling as a new family is by going on a road trip with a baby.

After one year of road trips with our son, we have learned a lot. From short 2-hour road trips to a 2-week long road trip – we have experienced the best and the worst parts of road tripping with a baby. 

Through personal tried and true experience, I have created this guide of “How to Road Trip with a Baby” to help new parents navigate their way as easily as possible. My guide includes product recommendations, expectations at different months of age, and 12 essential tips for road tripping with a baby.  

Full disclaimer: I am not a children’s practitioner, nurse, or expert. This guide and tips are purely from personal experience and fellow traveling parents. If you have any medical or health concerns, please seek advice from your pediatrician. 

Furthermore, This post may contain affiliate links. When you click on the link you will have the option to purchase a product at no extra cost to you, but I would receive a small commission. I want to thank everyone for following and supporting us on all of “Our Sweet Adventures.” 

Table of Contents

12 Essential Tips for Road Tripping with a Baby

A couple holding their baby at Palo Duro Canyon. A great pit stop when road tripping with a baby.

First and foremost, EVERY BABY IS DIFFERENT!

Yes, I believe my guide can help first-time parents navigate their way to a successful road trip with a baby. However, what has worked for other parents and us, may not always work for you. Some tips may work, some may not – you will not know until you hit the road and go through trial and error.

We have found these 12 essential tips to be the most helpful during our road trips with a baby. Whether you are taking a road trip with a newborn, a 12-month-old, or any age in between – these tips can be helpful for any stage.

The Trifecta Checklist

Of all the tips for road tripping with a baby, this one is KEY! We call it the “trifecta checklist.” So what does that mean? Sleep, diaper, food.

If our son was crying, the first thing that helped us was to check for a diaper, see if he was hungry, and find out the last time he slept.

Nine times out of ten (especially before our son was 6-months-old), he would cry for one of those three reasons. He would immediately stop crying once we figured out if he needed a diaper change, a bottle, or sleep.

Moreover, the “trifecta checklist” is a great tip for traveling with a baby , period.

Plan For Several Stops

This brings me to my next tip – you will need to plan for several stops when road tripping with a baby. This is important and inevitable. Depending on your baby and their stage in life, you may need to plan a stop every 1 -3 hours.

Why? Because you need to give your baby breaks. The best way to take breaks is by incorporating fun activities, tours, or stops at cute little towns. As a family who loves to hike, we plan our stops around hiking places.

You also want to be prepared to carve out a couple of hours on your road trip for diaper changes, breastfeeding, and walks. Honestly, these stops are so healthy because a nice break is beneficial for both the parents and child when the baby gets fussy.

Plan for Itinerary Changes

With that said, you can also expect to change your itinerary. Going on a road trip with a baby is not always easy. You may get behind schedule. That is OKAY!

I recommend setting a goal for Plan A, knowing you most likely will end up with Plan B. This could mean taking an activity (or two) out of the day, going to a drive-thru instead of dining inside, taking the highway instead of a more scenic route, etc.

If planning road trips is daunting for you. Do not worry! There are awesome apps for road tripping planning that can help you.

Find Patience!

I am probably one of the most impatient people in the universe, but I had to find the patience to succeed when road tripping with a baby.

As you may have already gathered from my previous tips, a typical 2-hour road trip may take up to 4 hours. So take deep breaths, and remember it’s about the journey and the memories you create with your family. It is not a race to the finish line or, in this case, the destination.

Once you can find patience, your road trip with a baby will be so much more enjoyable.

Plan Driving Around Naps

If possible, plan the driving around your baby’s sleep schedule. We always try our best to drive 30 minutes before our son’s scheduled nap.

If you do not already keep track of your baby’s sleep schedule, now would be the time to start. Our favorite baby app is Huckleberry because it keeps track of sleep, feedings, medicine, and more.

Road tripping with a baby in his car seat looking up at the patterns on his blanket.

Another tip for road tripping with a baby and their naps – pack a swaddle blanket with patterns and keep it in the car. We use swaddle blankets for three things. Of course, we use it to wrap our son, but we also use it for two road trip tips.

We place the swaddle blanket over the car seat to help provide more shade and a quiet space for our son to sleep while on the road. We also use it to keep our son calm and engaged by looking at the patterns. He would always stare and try to touch the patterns on the swaddle blanket.

Be Prepared to Pack MORE Than Ever!

My goodness, I think we had a full-sized suitcase packed to the top just for our son. From the 2 – 3 clothes per day to diapers, baby wipes, towels, and everything else – our son had more stuff than the two of us combined.

Not to mention, the car seat, the stroller, the pack-n-play… everything will quickly add up. So if you are renting a vehicle for the road trip, I suggest an SUV.

Pack the Car with Easy Access 

What is a road trip without snacks, right? I think this tip works for any road trip – make the snack bag easily accessible. More importantly, when road tripping with a baby, you want to make sure all the essentials are also easily accessible.

Whether that means a cooler with baby bottles, a bag of toys, or a diaper bag, you want to make sure you can easily reach these items.

Pack Extra Batteries

Today, so many of the best ways to keep a baby happy and calm require batteries. Therefore, you do not want to forget to pack extra batteries.

Before your road trip, check all electronics that require batteries and either replace them with new batteries or pack extra batteries for them.

Stretch and Massage Baby

Just like adults, a baby’s body and muscles will get stiff and sore after sitting in a car seat for long periods of time. So it is recommended to massage and stretch your baby when you take breaks or at night in your accommodations.

The benefits of massaging and stretching your baby are significant. It can help calm a fussy baby, ease tummy troubles, boost muscle development, and most importantly, soothe babies to sleep.

Baby Wipes are like Gold 

One of the most important things I have learned as a parent is that baby wipes are gold! We use baby wipes for EVERYTHING!

We use baby wipes to change diapers, clean spills in the car, wipe dirty hands, clean hard surfaces or utensils, and more. With that said, at least two stacks of baby wipes are essential when road tripping with a baby.

New Toys or Rotate Toys

Something we learned from the Montesorri Method is rotating toys. We do this at home and find it useful for road tripping with a baby.

Before a road trip, we will remove a few of our son’s favorite toys. Then when we are on the road trip, we reintroduce the toys (one at a time) so that the toys are “new,” exciting, and engaging. Of course, you can also buy new toys for a road trip.

It is essential to give the baby only one toy to focus on at a time. This way, when they get bored with one toy, there is a new one to play with because, let’s be honest, babies LOVE NEW things!

Music Matters!

Okay, this tip is from personal experience. I am not sure of any scientific research to prove this works, but it does for us – and I hope it does for you too.

During my pregnancy, I listened to this one trance album that I found calming and peaceful while I worked. Adam read that the music I listened to during pregnancy is what the baby would find relaxing after birth. It turns out it worked at least 80% of the time for us.

On our road trips, we would listen to this one trance album on repeat until our son was fast asleep. I swear it made our son calm and fall asleep almost every time.

Now, fast forward to when our son was 9 – 12 months old – things changed. Children’s music that we listened to at home helped our son stay calm during road trips. It was not music to our ears like our favorite trance album, but it kept our son happy, relaxed, and quiet – and that IS music to our ears.

So , music that is familiar with the baby at home will most certainly help put the baby at ease during road trips. You can also use a portable sound machine or play white noise from the car speakers.

How to Feed a Baby on a Road Trip

Whether you breastfeed your baby, bottle feed your baby, or are in the stage of providing snacks/solid foods – here are a few simple tips for feeding a baby on a road trip.

Breastfeeding a Baby on a Road Trip

First and foremost, do not breastfeed your baby in a moving car. This is very dangerous in the event of a car accident. Therefore, allow extra time to stop the vehicle and breastfeed your baby. If possible, utilize this time for restroom breaks, to get gas, food, etc.

If you pump, pack a breast pump car charger , breastmilk storage bags , spare parts, and a cooler to store pumped breastmilk. Moreover, continue to practice good nursing hygiene and habits as if you were at home.

Bottle Feeding a Baby on a Road Trip

Whether it’s breastmilk or formula, you want to pack a cooler to bottle feed your baby on the road.

Make sure you pack enough bottled water and formula powder (if you use formula). To help with space, I recommend pouring a small amount of water into the baby bottles and adding the formula when needed.

Furthermore, a formula dispenser can come in handy in the car. Then store a large container of formula in a suitcase.

Feeding Snacks to a Baby on a Road Trip

Once your baby can eat solid foods and/or pureed food, it can make feeding on the road a lot easier. I recommend packing snacks/food that your baby is familiar with, will enjoy, and is easy to eat on the go.

A few snacks that are easy to eat on the road are the squeezable veggie and fruit pouches , yogurt pouches , and Cheerios.

How to Change a Baby on a Road Trip

Honestly, sometimes there is no easy or right way to change a baby on the road. Through trial and error, find what works best for you!

For us, we have stopped at gas stations, rest stops, and have even needed to pull over on the side of the road to change our son. If a changing table in a bathroom is not available, we utilize our car. Moreover, a travel changing mat has been the key to our success because we can use it on any hard surface.

What to Pack for a Road Trip with a Baby

Believe me when I say you will probably pack your entire nursery when you road trip with a baby. Babies need soooo much! So do not feel like you packed “too much” because you will probably use everything.

Here are a few essential items to pack when road tripping with a baby.

  • A car seat, obviously
  • Pack n Play for sleeping
  • Stroller (if you find you will need/use it)
  • Plenty of diapers (if you run out, you can always buy more at a store)
  • Plenty of baby wipes (again, if you run out, you can always buy more at a store)
  • Portable changing mat
  • First aid kit
  • Baby Tyenol and Benadryl (approved by your pediatrician)
  • 3 sets of clothes per day
  • Swaddle blankets and/or sleep sacks
  • Batteries for any toys
  • Portable white noise machine
  • Baby bottles
  • Travel sterlizing bags for bottles
  • Bottle soap and brushes
  • Travel high chair

How Long Can You Go on a Road Trip with a Baby?

There is no exact number of hours that you can road trip with a baby, but it is highly recommended to give your baby plenty of breaks. Just like adults, our bodies can only take sitting in a car for so long. So imagine how a baby feels.

From personal experience, when our son was 2 – 4 months old, we could only go on 3-hour road trips. From 5 to 12 months old, we have only been able to drive up 8 hours a day. When we would drive 8 hours, the day would get divided into several stops at different cities. So really, it was two, 4-hour drives in one day and even then we had to break that up at times.

To figure out what is best for you and your family, I would practice around your city first, especially if you have been nesting for the first few weeks/months. Start with a short 30 minute to one-hour drive.

Then gradually work towards a 2 – 3 hour day trip. Eventually, you will learn your baby’s road trip habits to plan for a weekend getaway with a 4-5 hour road trip.

Road Trip with a Baby ( 1 – 4 Months)

Road tripping with a baby at 3 months old. Baby boy is strapped inside his car seat with a black and white toy hanging.

The first few months of going on a road trip with a baby are the easiest and the toughest because everyone is still learning their roles. On one hand, a baby sleeps the most at this stage, so driving through naps is easier. On the other hand, this might be the most challenging stage because, as first-time parents, we are all just trying to survive, right?

Moreover, I recommend waiting at least two weeks before going on a road trip with a baby because the first few weeks as a parent are the hardest!

Additionally, I went with my pediatrician’s recommendation and waited for our son to receive his vaccines at 2 months before we traveled outside of our city. I would always consult with your pediatrician and do what is best for you and your family.

After we figured out the amount of time we could drive without stopping, this was the easiest and best time to road trip with a baby. Our son would sleep for the majority of the time. We would engage him with black and white toys and books when he wasn’t sleeping.

Here are a few products that I highly recommend for road tripping with a baby between 1 – 4 months old.

Road Trip with a Baby ( 5 – 8 Months)

Road tripping with a baby at 5 months old - baby boy is in pajamas in his car seat.

At this stage in life, if your baby is becoming mobile, independent, and napping less – road tripping with a baby might become a little more complicated. Mainly because you may need to help entertain your baby.

In our experience, once our son became mobile and napped less, we had to entertain him more on road trips. It would require one person to always sit in the backseat to play with him. It also meant stopping more frequently to keep him active and happy.

Furthermore, rotating toys will become essential during this stage because of the developmental leaps. A baby will want to be constantly engaged and challenged. At 5 months, a baby should also start seeing colors well.

Therefore, I recommend these colorful toys for road tripping with a baby between 5 – 8 months old.

Road Trip with a Baby ( 9 – 12 Months)

Road tripping with a baby at 9 months old - baby boy looking and reaching out at camera while seated in a car seat.

Road tripping with a baby at 9 – 12 months old may or may not be the most challenging time. It could be the hardest if your baby is mobile, enjoys being active, and just doesn’t like car rides – period. If you’ve been road tripping with your baby for several months, it might just go as smoothly as one could hope.

For us, it was hard, but not that bad. Our son had grown used to traveling and taking road trips. So he would be okay for 3 – 4 hours at a time. Granted, we made an epic 2-week road trip through West Texas and New Mexico. Therefore, we had plenty of overnight stays in fun towns such as Fort Davis and San Angelo with fun activities to keep everyone entertained.

The best way to road trip with a baby between 9 – 12 months old is to keep the baby active and entertained by exciting roadside attractions and pit stop destinations. Let your baby be mobile, and your road trip just might be the most enjoyable family vacation you could ever imagine!

We mostly entertained our son with activities at different destinations along our journey, but here are a few products that I also recommend for road tripping with a baby between 9 – 12 months old.

And that’s a wrap! I hope you have found my guide on road tripping with a baby helpful and insightful. Like all parents, I wish I had all the answers, but my knowledge and experience are all I have. I hope it is enough to help you and your family have successful road trips for many years to come!

road trip with newborn

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Friday 15th of December 2023

Mind blowing article! I have a 1+ years old baby boy.So this blog will be very helpful for us and every guide is very important for newly parents. Thanks for sharing.

oursweetadventures

Tuesday 26th of December 2023

Aww thank you so much for your kind words. I'm glad to hear you found my guide helpful! :)

Katherine Hurt

Sunday 19th of March 2023

Since my baby is 8 months old and we live in San Diego, I appreciate all of your advice. We are preparing to drive to San Francisco so that our baby can meet the family. Many people advised us to travel after the baby has gone to sleep. Then I came across your essay, which has been a huge assistance to us with all of our issues. Many thanks

Aww thank you. I’m glad my post has been helpful to you. I know some say to drive at night when the baby is sleeping, but that never appealed to us. And every baby is different! If you can, I would try a day trip to get some experience. We now have twin babies and the same has applied with them. We drive an hourish before nap and they are out for at least 2 hrs. And have learned that they really can’t do more than 5 hours without getting out of the car for a break. If you have questions, feel free to ask.

Tuesday 7th of June 2022

Thank you for all the tips; my baby is 9 months we live in San Diego and are planning to drive to San Francisco so our baby can meet the family. A lot of people told us drive at night when the baby is sleeping. Then I found your article and help us a lot with all our concerns. Thank you

Wednesday 8th of June 2022

Hi Emma, thank you for your comment. That makes me so happy to hear you found my guide helpful. I hope my tips help you for your family road trip!

15 Insanely Easy Tips for Road Tripping with a Baby

Thinking about road tripping with a baby? No worries! Let the good times roll with these simple tips and hacks for making the most of your time on the road, honed from thousands of miles spent with our own two boys.

Before our son, Noe, was born, Lori and I made a pact not to let a baby change the basic essence of the unconventional life that we had built together and enjoyed over many years.

At the same time, we had enough friends and family with kids around us to know that our lives would change in many unavoidable ways and there would be limitations on the amount of spontaneity and flexibility we would have.

But change is truly the only constant in life, and living a nomadic lifestyle for our entire adult lives has instilled a love and appreciation of change, bordering on a sort of fanaticism. Regardless, change—by its very nature—is never comfortable, or rarely easy.

Prior to our adventures road tripping with a baby, we road tripped as a couple often. In the two years we’ve had Noe, we’ve road tripped often. The frequency hasn’t changed one bit. But the way we road trip has changed forever.

It’s an understatement to say we’ve made mistakes since the first time we started road tripping with a baby (and traveling with a baby in general)—we’ve made lots. And we’ll continue to make lots. But we always try and learn something from them.

Here’s what we’ve learned (so far) from our countless adventures road tripping with a baby and young toddler.

These tips are for road tripping with a baby (i.e. infants and very young toddlers, birth to walking). Once the babe goes mobile (12-18 mos.) it’s a whole other ballgame. Look out for a Toddler post in the future!

Top Tips for Road Tripping with a Baby

baby with toys when road tripping with a baby

1 | Be Prepared!

Yes, our number one tip for road tripping with a baby is BE PREPARED!

Sounds simple, but it’s easy to drop the ball when you’re mental road trip prep list has suddenly tripled. Gas? Check. Phone charger? Check. Diapers? Check. Snacks? Uh oh…

Pack travel essentials for the day (or days) ahead, but always have emergency snacks, toys, etc. stowed in a convenient place, just in case.

Being prepared also means having your route planned out ahead of time. I love winging it on the road as much as anyone, letting the wind carry my soul like a bird on the wing…

But not with a baby. You couldn’t pay me enough.

Take the number of snacks you think you’ll need for the entire family and double it. No, triple it.

Same with diapers. Think that baby’s going to play for hours with that cool new toy that s/he’s been playing with…for hours at home? Think again. Bring extras.

Babies are like ninjas, masters at defying all expectations and always keeping the adversary guessing.

When road tripping with a baby… Always. Be. Prepared.

sleeping infant

2 | Make Road Time Coincide with Nap Time (and Night Time)

This is the single most important tip in this post. If you take anything away from here, take this.

So, why is it my number two? ‘CAUSE I JUST THOUGHT OF IT. You think this is a high school term paper or something? Damn.

When executed properly, it’s almost like you’re road-trippin’ pre-kid…for a while, at least.

The true masters of the craft can make it happen with two or more kids. We’re not quite there yet, but I’ve heard tales of parents possessing the gift and making their car their dojo.

Depending on his age (and how far over to the Dark Side he had ventured), Noe napped anywhere from 45 minutes to three hours on a trip.

When he was still taking a morning and afternoon nap, we’d even get two 1-2-hour naps out of him in a day.

And traveling at night? As long as he was fed and it was past his usual bed time, we generally wouldn’t hear a single peep. Priceless.

bad traffic in city for road tripping with a baby

3 | Avoid Heavy Traffic & City Driving

Based on our experience, stopping and going can be a parent’s worst enemy when road tripping with a baby.

This may seem obvious if the baby’s trying to get some shut eye, but even during waking hours, it just seems to mess with a baby’s mental state. 

I’m sure there are studies out there that explain this phenomenon (or maybe not…), but I sure can’t.

If you find yourself suffering from this, either because your baby (like ours) prefers inertia, or your city’s traffic is akin to a medieval torture device the size of Rhode Island, adding an extra hour to the drive to take secondary roads and avoid traffic was much preferable for us.

If you know you are going to run into traffic, try and make it coincide with awake time—avoid nap time and breastfeeding time at all costs.

child listening to music

4 | Music Can Be Magic

Our kid loves music in the car (who doesn’t on a road trip?).

It generally doesn’t matter what type of music (though he definitely has his preferences), but a little music goes a long way when road tripping with a baby.

When Noe was younger, a noise machine app on our phone helped to drown out our conversation up front and send baby off to dreamland quicker.

We like the RelaxMelodies app in the car, though we use a portable sound machine at night time , which we love.

jeep in woods

5 | Bumpy is Better on a Baby Road Trip

We were surprised to discover the difference between long stretches on U.S. Interstate Highways and less-maintained secondary roads.

The feeling of movement, bounce, and rough roads always made Noe happier. Silky smooth and straight-as-an-arrow freeways were often a recipe for disaster.

Older babies dig the scenery of secondary roads too!

animal resting in the grass

6 | Made in the Shade

It gets hot here in Laos, particularly riding in a car. And when we’re back in the States, our visit seems to coincide with the hottest time of year there, too.

Adults don’t like to have the sun on them for hours on a long trip, and neither do babies. We’re able to mitigate this to an extent by placing the rear-facing carseat in the middle of the back seat, but even that’s sometimes not enough.

One or two safety shades like these  work wonders, are way more convenient (and safer) than stuffing a towel in the window, and you don’t have to worry about them becoming a flying projectile like the older retractable car shades.

strawberries on counter with child

7 | Anticipate Feeding Times

It can be absolutely hellish trying to drive with a screaming baby in the back. Nine times out of ten for us, the crying and screaming would be related to hunger.

Nothing’s worse than being stuck in traffic, or on a rural road in the middle of nowhere with no good place to pull off to do a feeding. Also, when Noe was young, breastfeeding could take up to an hour.

I’m all for taking breaks on a road trip to eat, enjoy the scenery, or stretch the legs, but the last thing I want to do is hang out at a rest area or on the side of a rural highway for an hour when we could be getting miles behind us.

We found that, for us, the solution was surprisingly simple. When baby was still breastfeeding, we would do our best to align his feeding time with our feeding time. Once he was on the bottle and/or eating solids, it was even easier, as one of us could sit in the back seat and feed him while we’re rolling down the road.

Just a warning with bottles—setting a timer 20 minutes before baby’s usual feeding time allowed us to make sure the bottle was out of the cooler and warm enough for baby to take when he did get hungry.

baby in diaper

8 | One-Diaper Per Road-Hour Rule

We first discovered this while traveling on flight after flight with Noe, but it’s equally applicable to the road, particularly in warmer climates.

Baby’s out of his/her element, maybe eating different foods than usual, on a different schedule, or simply adjusting to the new environment. For our kid, that often meant more frequent full diapers.

In reality, he’s rarely gone through one per hour, but there have been times when he has, and on those trips, it paid to be prepared.

As an added bonus, an extra diaper makes for a great diaper cover to contain a blowout until you reach the next pitstop.

Nothing will ruin your first experience road tripping with a baby faster than coming up short in the diaper department!

worried little girl

9 | A Carseat Protector (aka “Piddle Pad”) is a Parent’s Best Friend

Speaking of blowouts…

Having a dependable piddle pad (…yep…that’s what they’re really called…) is a must for any length of trip in a car.

We love our carseat , but it’s a royal pain in the butt to wash. A good carseat cover will catch and contain all but the very worst that your baby’s backside can hurl at you, and it’s much easier to clean (or throw in a plastic bag on a long travel day) than most carseats.

life preserver and ocean

10 | Gallon Zip Lock Bags To the Rescue

Many of us feel car sick from time to time, but babies seem to get sick with surprising frequency. Fortunately, this hasn’t been a big problem with Noe, but we have many friends who have had issues (some, every time they go on a long trip).

The worst is getting caught unprepared on this one. And let’s face it, when baby’s really young (and facing backwards), it can be impossible to know stuff’s headed north until it’s too late.

If you do make it in time, gallon zip lock bags work a million times better than a grocery store bag. Best of all, you can zip it up until the next pitstop.

stop sign

11 | Take Lots of [Short] Breaks!

Want the absolute best advice for road tripping with a baby? Don’t forget to stop!

Even as an infant, our son seemed to get cabin fever even after just an hour of being in the car.

Pre-baby, Lori and I didn’t make it a point to stop much on road trips, particularly when doing a lot of Interstate highway driving. Since baby, however, we’ve grown to appreciate the value of taking short breaks every hour or so.

It generally only took 5-10 minutes of being out of the car to buy us another hour.

Besides, if you’re the driver, the experts say you should be taking driving breaks about every two hours anyway, for health and safety reasons, so it’s not that much of a stretch to double that.

sign that says all you need is less

12 | Less is More when Road Tripping with a Baby

It wasn’t uncommon to pull 8-10 hour days on road trips before having a baby. Nowadays, with the wee one, we try not to do more than 4-6 hours on the road per day, if we can help it.

Breaks every hour or so only get you so far, and their effectiveness seems to wane as the day goes on.

If we’re traveling more than a few hundred miles away from home, and it’s not absolutely necessary to reach our destination in one day, breaking up the trip over multiple days makes for an infinitely happier car.

13 | Center is Stellar

Studies, including this one published in Pediatrics , show for children newborn to 3 years old, sitting in the center rear seat is 43% safer than sitting on either side of the back seat.

We of all people know it’s not always feasible to put baby in the middle (heck, here in Laos, we’re lucky to even have a carseat, and can’t always use it when we want to).

Now, with Lori noticeably pregnant, it’s not realistic for her to have to climb in to get our two-year-old in and out of a center-positioned seat. For this reason, our kid’s seat is currently behind the passenger seat.

And with two kids in carseats? In most cases, I guess both kids are just going to have to be 43% less safe than their center-seated only-child counterparts (and y’all know those kids are going to lord it over their friends for the rest of their lives).

So, besides safety, why is center preferable?

Well, it’s preferable for us for a couple reasons, but mainly so that the passenger (to an extent) can tend to various needs of the screaming hellion without throwing out their back (and without putting baby on the road-side in case of getting baby in and out on a busy road).

As I mentioned earlier, it also keeps the sun off baby during the heat of the day.

road trip with baby car wash

14 | Keep Your Car Clean!

We generally prefer a clean car for our own sanity. But there are other reasons why keeping a clean car makes road trips more manageable.

For one, it limits the number of random (baby-unfriendly) objects laying around that baby could grab, like a shank, can of mace, or anything from a Taco Bell menu, to name a few.

Baby’s can have a surprisingly long functional reach, and it’s constantly getting longer and more functional by the day!

Two, keeping the car clean and clutter free cuts down on the number of potentially life-threatening flying projectiles (particularly if your car has a rear deck (aka rear dash, aka parcel shelf).

It’s extra important not to store anything potentially hazardous up there if you’re using a rear-facing child seat.

Mark my word, nothing will ruin your time road tripping with a baby quicker than a trip to the emergency room from hitting the brakes for the neighbor’s crazy dog.

road trip with baby toys

15 | Our Favorite Toys For Road tripping with a Baby

So far, we’ve had a lot of fun talking about everything from nap time to music, to cleaning up after unspeakable things being done to your once pristine rear upholstery.

In the end, we all know that a great road trip with a baby comes down to one thing:

…and toys.

Now, a toy for this age group doesn’t have to be remotely fancy. And, you really, really don’t need a tablet or other electronic gadget.

Young infants will stare at and physically inspect just about anything for a good amount of time, so long as they aren’t hungry, poopy, or tired, and…the thing they’re playing with is A-W-E-S-O-M-E. And, of course, A-W-E-S-O-M-E is 100% in the eye of the beholder (i.e. your baby).

For a long time, Noe thought that way about his crunchy Firefly . The thing was amazing. Then, it was his crinkly books . Then, his crinkly paper. As he got older, his tastes evolved to include an appreciation of art (i.e. stickers, paper, and crayons), and even home decor (i.e. his blanky).

And when all of the above fails? That can only mean one thing… Show Me the Monkey ! The secret weapon of many a road trip with our baby.

Have you gone road tripping with a baby?

What was your experience? What did we miss? Let us know in the comments below.

road trip with baby tips

2 thoughts on “15 Insanely Easy Tips for Road Tripping with a Baby”

Love these very realistic tips for travelling with a baby! Long road trips are one of my favourite times with my son, especially when he was a baby, as he would fall asleep for hours 🙂

Awesome, Esther! Yeah, we miss those days too. At least our youngest still does ?

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clock This article was published more than  2 years ago

A guide to road tripping with a baby, in 9 highway-tested steps

The back seat is your new best friend.

road trip with newborn

The “poop-tastrophe” at the Canadian border — as one of her children coined it — still haunts Nasreen Stump. And then there was the carsickness episode in a rental car in Seattle.

“We’ve put a lot of miles in with a lot of kids, and had a lot of unfortunate experiences along the way,” said Stump, a mother of four in Texas who writes for the family travel site TravelingMom.com .

In the greater journey of parenting, road trips have it all: discovery, boredom, tears, joy, gear galore and so many bodily fluids. As the holidays approach — and as road trips have become a covid-era alternative for families who want to avoid flying — we asked experts like Stump what strategies they deployed for limiting chaos while traveling with babies and toddlers.

As a relatively new mom, I could have used the advice at this time last year. Since then — through seven round-trip drives between D.C., Florida and Pennsylvania, mostly to stay with family who helped care for our baby — I’ve learned some of my own tricks.

The following nine tips are lessons only a parent with some miles under their belt could deliver.

Should you travel with kids during the pandemic? Consider these 6 trip scenarios.

Get your car checked before you leave

Need an oil change, tire replacement or air-conditioner check? Get that done before heading out. When there’s a fussy baby on your lap and all your bags are strapped to the roof, an auto repair shop is the last place you want to end up.

It’s also a good idea, Stump writes , to find a technician who can make sure your baby’s car seat is properly installed before taking off. She recommends checking with fire departments, ambulance services or hospitals to see if a technician can take a look.

Digitize your packing list

Handwritten packing lists are fine. But if you want to get fancy about it, create a spreadsheet so every computer-using person in the family can contribute and easily update your must-have list. Bonus: it’s easy to copy the basics and customize for future trips.

In making the list, think about everything your baby needs, eats, drinks, uses and wears over the course of a day. Figure out how long you can go without doing laundry or a grocery store run, and pack what you’ll need for that time (plus a little extra). Keep the crucial stuff accessible in the car to avoid frantically unpacking a suitcase for extra clothes or diapers.

You may think you can buy just about anything on the road. But Colleen Lanin, a mother of two and founder of TravelMamas.com , says a middle-of-the-night emergency could test your resourcefulness. If the kid spikes a fever at 3 a.m., you don’t want to search for a 24-hour pharmacy.

“Have that stash of your medicines ready,” she said.

And don’t forget a bag with extra personal protective equipment and hand sanitizer.

Can you still cancel a flight at the last minute? Your holiday travel questions, answered.

Throw the ETA out the window

Google Maps says you’ll arrive in six hours? What a fun fantasy! Your GPS is not the boss of the baby.

American Academy of Pediatrics spokeswoman Dina DiMaggio, a doctor at Pediatric Associates of NYC and at NYU Langone Health, recommends stopping every two to three hours for feeding, diaper changing and taking a break from the car seat.

Dirty diapers or meltdowns might require more frequent stops, so patience is key.

Lanin suggests mapping out pit stops in advance, and being realistic about how much time they’ll add to your trip.

“Babies and toddlers are not great at being stuck in the same place for hours and hours on end,” she said.

Timing the drive to avoid traffic is also a good idea, Stump said. Ever sat in a traffic jam with a screaming baby? It’s not great!

How to travel with your pet this holiday season

Join baby in the back seat

DiMaggio, a co-author of ​" The Pediatrician’s Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers ,” does not recommend allowing babies to sleep in a car seat for too long, especially if no one is watching them. She said one parent should ride in the back, putting them in position to anticipate diaper stops, help naps along, and offer snacks or drinks — not to mention provide entertainment and a steady stream of distractions.

Stump recommends bath toys and books for road trips because they can be inexpensive and “really easy to sanitize.”

Make your car a rest stop

Maybe some parents with an unvaccinated, too-young-to-mask baby feel comfortable strolling into a rest stop, sitting in the food court and using a diaper changing station in the restroom. My family is not.

Many of our nursing sessions and diaper changes took place in the back seat of the car. We took advantage of drive-through or curbside pickup for meals, or food delivery services at Airbnb stays. Mobile ordering at Starbucks let us order breakfast and packaged lunches in advance and then run in to pick it up quickly without having to wait in line.

Keep the baby’s schedule consistent

If the kid naps every three hours, try to maintain that timeline in the car. If white noise is helpful, bring a portable machine or use an app. Do they have a favorite bedtime song or book or cuddly toy? Keep those handy.

Driving at night while the baby is sleeping might work for some parents — and we’ve done it many times — but we found we prefer to quit traveling closer to the baby’s dinnertime so everyone can eat, wind down and rest. For us, this means breaking up a long trip into a few days.

How my wife and I have traveled with our kid, from 12 weeks old to toddler

Know your lodging needs

Maybe you can get by with a standard hotel room. Bless you. Once our baby started an established bedtime routine, we needed something with more space — and, frankly, walls. In our case, extended-stay brands checked many boxes: they’re pet-friendly, offer separated spaces and include a fridge. When we can afford it, we look for vacation rentals so we can avoid crowds and easily load and unload the car.

Stump is a fan of Hilton’s Home2 Suites because they offer a curtain to separate the bed from the couch, and the rentals have “really long counters” that are particularly useful. She warns that parents with babies should not assume every hotel will have some kind of portable crib.

“They should call ahead multiple times or travel with something for the baby to sleep in, just in case,” she said.

Prepare for a mess (or two)

Both Stump and Lanin offered the same one-word advice: “buckets.”

“Have you seen how babies and toddlers throw up?” Lanin said. “They don’t aim.”

A good receptacle is important for kids who get queasy from carsickness or the stomach flu. Stump likes a collapsible beach bucket because it folds up flat for easy storage.

After Stump’s “poop-tastrophe,” when her family was returning from Montreal , she added layers of protection to the car. That includes waterproof covers that are meant for babies to wear over cloth diapers and replacement covers for an infant seat.

“Never again on a road trip without backups on those things,” she said.

Always, always check the fridge

My toughest lesson came on an otherwise stress-free morning. I congratulated myself on being ready to check out of the hotel early — with two dogs and a 7-month-old — on the final leg of a trip home to D.C. from Florida.

Two hours later, I was weeping as we drove north on Interstate 95, realizing in horror that I forgot to open the refrigerator for the one thing I couldn’t easily replace: 36 ounces of breast milk that I’d spent hours pumping over the past few days.

When I frantically called the hotel, I was told the room had been cleaned and any perishable items tossed. I vowed then and there to never leave a room without triple checking the fridge. Due to parental brain fog, I promptly forgot this vow on a trip a couple months later. But — in an endorsement for the shared packing list — my husband remembered before we left the parking lot.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

road trip with newborn

road trip with newborn

Tips & Tools

Is it safe for my baby to travel in a car seat for hours at a time.

road trip with newborn

Dina DiMaggio, MD, FAAP

road trip with newborn

If you need to travel with young infant, a road trip may seem like a good option. After all, packed planes can expose babies to more germs.

If you're considering a longer car ride with your baby, here are some tips to help keep them safe and comfortable.

Check the car safety seat

If you plan to hit the road, it is important to make sure that your infant's car seat is properly installed. Be sure to read the instructions that came with the seat. The car seat needs to be rear-facing and installed at the correct angle.

Following the manufacturer's instructions for installation angle helps prevent your baby's head from slumping down in the seat. You want to avoid a chin-to-chest position that blocks their airway. Also, be sure the five-point harness system is correctly adjusted and pulled snug to your baby at all times while riding in the car.

While on the move, babies can sleep in a properly installed car seat in the car. Car seats are designed not only to protect a baby in a crash, but are also tested to keep babies in safe sleep positions if they doze off.

Still, car seats are not ideal for very extended periods when the baby is not being closely watched while sleeping. And they should not be considered a safe place to sleep for the baby outside of the car.

Ride in the backseat with your baby

It is always best to have an adult or responsible older child in the backseat with your baby to easily take care of their needs during the trip. This can help your baby stay on a schedule as much as possible. It allows you to feed them at their usual times (if bottle feeding), play with them, keep an eye out for issues such as car sickness and know when to stop for a diaper change. Being right by their side to sing, read or even massage them, will help avoid tears and make for a smoother journey.

Take regular breaks

It is important for you and your baby to get out of the car every few hours and take a stretch to avoid restlessness. Try to take a break every 2 to 3 hours for a day trip and every 4 to 6 hours at night to change diapers or soiled clothes, or to feed your baby. Never attempt to breastfeed in a moving car.

Before hitting the road, be prepared and know where gas stations and rest stops are on the way. In case you decide you need a longer break, it's a good idea to know where baby friendly hotels are located. If you aren't sure there will be a safe sleep space at your destination, bring a bassinet or portable play yard with you, since it's not safe for your baby to sleep in the car seat once you arrive.

Have essentials close by

Pack a diaper bag or cooler for the back seat to have handy essentials at your fingertips. This may include:

extra diapers, wipes, diaper cream, changing pad, clothes, garbage bags to dispose of diapers, and hand sanitizer

formula or breast milk kept on ice or in a cooling bag, and bibs

pacifiers, a favorite soothing toy, books, and a device to play music for entertainment

a thermometer

Have snacks and water readily available for yourself, too! If you need to stop for a coffee to go, remember not to leave your baby unattended in the car even briefly. Children can suffer heat stroke very quickly in hot cars.

Consider traveling when it best fits your infant's schedule

If you are traveling for a few hours, consider an early morning trip when your baby may still be sleeping, or during longer nap times. For longer trips, consider driving at night when your baby is normally asleep for the night.

Plan on things not going according to plan

Traveling with an infant can be stressful. It's important to take little bumps in stride and not get too stressed out when things don't go exactly according to plan. Focus on the positives: traveling in a car allows you to take as many stops as needed and to follow your own schedule.

Talk with your pediatrician if you have any questions about traveling with your infant.

More Information

  • Ask the Pediatrician: When can children get the COVID-19 vaccine?
  • Car Seats: Information for Families
  • Preventing Child Deaths in Hot Cars
  • Road Trip Play Ideas for Backseat Fun

​Dina DiMaggio, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician at Pediatric Associates of NYC and at NYU Langone Health. She is the co-author of ​ The Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers , a comprehensive manual written by a team of medical, nutrition, and culinary experts. She also serves as an AAP spokesperson. Follow her on Instagram @Pediatriciansguide .​

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

  • Travel Guide
  • Family Travel

How To Road Trip With A Newborn

Published: December 2, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Elaine Lunn

  • Plan Your Trip
  • Travel Tips

how-to-road-trip-with-a-newborn

Introduction

Embarking on a road trip with a newborn can be an exciting and memorable adventure for the whole family. It allows you to create lasting memories while exploring new destinations, experiencing different cultures, and bonding with your little one. However, traveling with a newborn also requires careful planning and consideration to ensure their safety, comfort, and happiness throughout the journey.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of planning and executing a successful road trip with your newborn. From essential items to safety tips, timing and scheduling to feeding and changing on the road, entertainment and comfort, managing sleep, and dealing with emergencies, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and make your family road trip with your newborn a stress-free and enjoyable experience.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to plan your road trip ahead of time. Research and choose family-friendly destinations that offer amenities suitable for newborns, such as baby-friendly accommodations, accessible medical facilities, and diaper-changing facilities. Consider the duration of the trip and the distances you will be traveling each day, factoring in rest stops and breaks to ensure your newborn’s comfort.

Next, make a comprehensive checklist of essential items you’ll need for your newborn during the road trip. This includes diapers, wipes, baby food, formula, bottles, pacifiers, extra clothes, blankets, and any necessary medication. Having everything organized and easily accessible will make your journey smoother and more stress-free.

As safety is the top priority when traveling with a newborn, ensure your baby is properly secured in a rear-facing car seat that meets safety standards. Familiarize yourself with the installation and usage of the car seat, and make sure it is properly installed before hitting the road. Additionally, keep a fully stocked first aid kit on hand, including items such as band-aids, saline solution for cleaning, and baby-safe sunscreen.

Timing and scheduling are crucial elements when road tripping with a newborn. Plan your travel times around your baby’s feeding and sleeping schedule, aiming for minimal disruptions. Consider taking breaks every few hours to allow your little one to stretch, feed, and have some playtime. Avoid traveling during peak traffic times to minimize stress and maximize your baby’s comfort.

In the next sections, we will delve deeper into specific aspects of road tripping with a newborn, such as feeding and changing on the road, managing sleep, and dealing with emergencies. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared and equipped to handle any situation that arises during your family road trip, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Planning Your Road Trip

Planning is key when embarking on a road trip with a newborn. By taking the time to plan ahead, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for the entire family. Here are some essential steps to consider before hitting the road:

1. Destination selection: Choose family-friendly destinations that have amenities suitable for newborns. Look for accommodations with baby-friendly facilities, such as cribs and high chairs, as well as nearby medical facilities.

2. Research routes: Map out your journey and research the best routes to take. Consider traffic patterns and any potential road closures or construction that may impact your travel time.

3. Travel time: Determine the duration of your road trip and how much time you want to spend on the road each day. Keep in mind that traveling with a newborn may require more frequent breaks, so allow for extra time in your itinerary.

4. Pack smart: Create a checklist of essential items for your newborn, including diapers, wipes, extra clothes, bottles, formula, and any necessary medications. Don’t forget to pack entertainment and comfort items, such as toys and blankets, to keep your baby happy during the journey.

5. Plan rest stops: Plan regular rest stops along your route to allow your newborn to stretch, feed, and have some playtime. Look for rest areas or parks where you can safely stop and take a break.

6. Weather considerations: Check the weather forecast for your intended travel dates. Pack accordingly, ensuring you have appropriate clothing and blankets to keep your baby comfortable in different weather conditions.

7. Entertainment and activities: Research and plan for age-appropriate entertainment and activities for your newborn. This could include sensory toys, music, or interactive books to keep them engaged and entertained during the journey.

8. Safety checks: Before you embark on your road trip, conduct a thorough safety check of your vehicle. Ensure that all car seats are properly installed and that your tires are in good condition. Have a roadside emergency kit handy, including a spare tire, jumper cables, and basic tools.

By taking the time to plan out your road trip, you can set yourself up for a successful and stress-free journey. Remember to be flexible and adjust your plans as needed to accommodate your newborn’s needs. With careful planning, you can create lasting memories and enjoy quality time with your family on your road trip with a newborn.

Essential Items for Road Tripping with a Newborn

When embarking on a road trip with a newborn, packing the right essentials is essential to ensure their safety, comfort, and well-being throughout the journey. Here are some must-have items to include in your packing list:

1. Diapers and wipes: Stock up on an ample supply of diapers and wipes to last the duration of your trip. Pack them in a convenient and easily accessible diaper bag for quick and easy diaper changes.

2. Baby food and formula: If your newborn is already on solids or formula, pack enough baby food and formula to last the duration of the road trip. Consider portable and easy-to-serve options, such as squeeze pouches or single-use formula packets.

3. Bottles and feeding accessories: Pack enough bottles, nipples, and feeding accessories for each feeding session. Opt for travel-friendly bottle warmers and sterilizers to make feeding on the go hassle-free.

4. Extra clothes and blankets: Accidents and spills are bound to happen, so be sure to pack plenty of extra clothes and blankets for your newborn. This will ensure they stay clean, dry, and comfortable throughout the journey.

5. Pacifiers and teething toys: Pacifiers and teething toys can be a lifesaver during long car rides. Pack a few extra pacifiers and a variety of teething toys to keep your baby content and happy.

6. Baby carrier or sling: A baby carrier or sling is a convenient way to keep your newborn close and secure while on the road. It allows you to have hands-free mobility and provides your baby with a comforting and soothing experience.

7. Sunshade and window shades: Protect your newborn from harmful UV rays by installing sunshades on the windows of your vehicle. This will help to keep them cool and shielded from the sun during the journey.

8. Baby-safe sunscreen: If you plan on spending time outdoors during your road trip, don’t forget to pack baby-safe sunscreen. Opt for a mineral-based sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your newborn’s delicate skin.

9. First aid kit: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential when traveling with a newborn. Include items such as band-aids, saline solution for cleaning, and baby-safe pain relievers in case of any minor injuries or discomfort.

10. Entertainment and comfort items: Pack a selection of toys, books, and soft blankets to keep your newborn entertained and comfortable during the journey. Choose items that are age-appropriate and engaging to stimulate their senses.

Remember to pack these essential items in a well-organized manner, making them easily accessible during the road trip. This will help to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for both you and your newborn. With the right essentials at hand, you can enjoy the journey and create beautiful memories together as a family.

Safety Tips for Traveling with a Newborn

Traveling with a newborn requires extra precautions to ensure their safety and well-being on the road. Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind when embarking on a road trip with your little one:

1. Use a properly installed car seat: It is crucial to use a rear-facing car seat that is appropriate for your newborn’s age and weight. Make sure the car seat is installed correctly and securely before starting your journey. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and seek professional help if needed.

2. Buckle up and use restraints: Always buckle up yourself and your newborn before starting the car. Ensure that the car seat straps are properly adjusted and secure, providing a snug fit around your baby. Avoid loose or twisted straps that may compromise the safety of your newborn.

3. Avoid distractions while driving: Keep your focus on the road and avoid any distractions, such as using your phone or reaching into the backseat to tend to your newborn. If necessary, pull over safely to address your baby’s needs or have another adult in the car to assist.

4. Monitor the temperature: Ensure that the temperature inside the vehicle is comfortable for your newborn. Use car shades or sunshades to block out direct sunlight and regulate the temperature in the backseat. Avoid extreme temperatures by using proper climate control or heating/cooling systems in the vehicle.

5. Take regular breaks: Plan for regular breaks during your road trip to allow your newborn to stretch, feed, and have some playtime. Use designated rest areas or safe locations to stop and attend to your baby’s needs. This will help prevent discomfort and restlessness during the journey.

6. Be prepared for emergencies: Carry a well-stocked first aid kit that includes essential items like band-aids, saline solution, and baby-safe pain relievers. Familiarize yourself with basic first aid procedures to handle minor injuries or illnesses that may occur during the road trip.

7. Secure items in the car: Prevent potential hazards by securing loose items in the car. Items such as toys, bags, and other belongings can become projectiles in the event of a sudden stop or collision. Use storage compartments, seatback organizers, or cargo nets to keep items securely in place.

8. Be cautious of the surroundings: When stopping at rest areas or unfamiliar locations, be vigilant of your surroundings. Choose well-lit and populated areas for restroom breaks or stretching. Always lock your vehicle when stepping away, and never leave your newborn unattended inside the car.

9. Stay up to date on safety recalls: Regularly check for any safety recalls on your baby’s car seat or other essential items. Register your products with the manufacturer to receive notifications in case of any safety concerns or recalls.

10. Trust your instincts: As a parent, trust your instincts and prioritize your newborn’s safety. If you feel unsafe or unsure about any aspect of the road trip, make adjustments or seek guidance from professionals or fellow parents who have experience in traveling with newborns.

By following these safety tips, you can ensure a secure and peaceful road trip with your newborn. Remember, safety should always be the top priority, allowing you to enjoy the journey and create beautiful memories together as a family.

Timing and Scheduling for a Road Trip with a Newborn

When planning a road trip with a newborn, timing and scheduling are crucial factors to consider. Keeping your baby’s routine in mind and allowing for adequate rest and breaks will contribute to a smoother and more enjoyable journey for the whole family. Here are some tips for effectively timing and scheduling your road trip:

1. Plan around sleep and feeding schedules: Consider your newborn’s sleep and feeding patterns when scheduling your road trip. Try to time your departure so that it aligns with your baby’s naptime or bedtime. This will allow them to sleep through a significant portion of the journey, minimizing restlessness and maximizing your driving time.

2. Allow ample time for breaks: Road trips with a newborn require frequent breaks for feeding, diaper changes, and stretching. Factor in extra time when planning your itinerary to accommodate these breaks. Aim to stop every two to three hours, or as needed, to attend to your baby’s needs and give them a chance to move around and get some fresh air.

3. Avoid rush hour and heavy traffic: To reduce stress and ensure a smoother journey, try to avoid traveling during peak traffic hours. Rush hour can lead to longer travel times and higher levels of frustration for both you and your baby. Plan your travel times to coincide with quieter periods on the road to minimize delays.

4. Break up long drives: If you have a long distance to cover, consider breaking up your journey into smaller, manageable segments. This will allow you to take breaks at regular intervals and provide opportunities for your baby to rest and recharge between stretches of driving.

5. Plan sightseeing activities during awake time: When scheduling sightseeing or activities along your road trip route, try to plan them during your baby’s awake and alert periods. This will allow them to engage with their surroundings and enjoy the experience. Remember to consider the duration of these activities and give yourself enough time for breaks and rest afterwards.

6. Be flexible with your schedule: It’s important to remember that traveling with a newborn may require adjustments to your original schedule. Babies can be unpredictable, and their needs may vary from day to day. Be flexible and willing to adapt your plans as necessary to accommodate your baby’s comfort and well-being.

7. Optimize nighttime driving: Driving during the nighttime when your baby is typically asleep can be advantageous. It allows for uninterrupted driving and provides a quieter and more peaceful environment for your little one. However, ensure that you are well-rested and alert to maintain driving safety.

8. Time your breaks for meals: If your baby has started solid foods, time your breaks to coincide with their meal times. This way, you can feed your baby and also have a chance to grab a quick meal for yourself. Look for rest areas or family-friendly restaurants along your route that offer suitable facilities for feeding and changing.

By carefully timing and scheduling your road trip with a newborn, you can create a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for both you and your baby. Remember to allow for flexibility and be prepared to adjust your plans as needed to accommodate your baby’s needs. With a well-planned itinerary, you can make the most of your journey and create lasting memories with your little one.

Feeding and Changing on the Road

Feeding and changing your newborn while on a road trip requires careful planning and preparation to ensure their comfort and hygiene. Here are some tips to help you navigate feeding and changing on the road:

1. Pack essentials in a well-organized diaper bag: Prepare a well-stocked diaper bag with all the necessary supplies for feeding and changing your baby. Include diapers, wipes, changing pads, burp cloths, extra clothes, plastic bags for disposal, and any specific feeding items such as bottles, formula, or breast milk storage containers.

2. Plan frequent stops for feeding and changing: Road trips often require more frequent feeding and changing breaks for your newborn. Plan your itinerary with regular rest stops or designated areas where you can safely attend to your baby’s needs. This will help to ensure their comfort and cleanliness throughout the journey.

3. Utilize clean and convenient facilities: Look for well-maintained rest areas, family-friendly restaurants, or establishments with baby-changing facilities along your route. These places usually provide clean and safe areas for changing diapers and nursing your baby.

4. Opt for portable and disposable feeding options: If you are bottle-feeding your baby, consider using pre-mixed formula or individual formula packets for convenience. This eliminates the need for measuring and mixing on the go. If breastfeeding, invest in a comfortable and discreet nursing cover to provide privacy while nursing in public.

5. Use travel-friendly diaper changing solutions: For changing diapers on the road, consider using disposable changing pads or portable changing stations. These compact items provide a clean and comfortable surface to change your baby’s diaper, even in areas without dedicated changing tables.

6. Practice proper hygiene: Remember to maintain good hygiene practices when feeding and changing your newborn. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling any feeding equipment or changing diapers. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not readily available.

7. Dispose of waste properly: It is essential to dispose of dirty diapers and used wipes properly. Carry sealable plastic bags or diaper disposal bags to contain any odors and prevent leakage. Dispose of them in designated trash containers or wait until you reach your destination to discard them.

8. Be prepared for spills and accidents: Spills and accidents are common when traveling with a baby. Pack extra clothes and burp cloths to quickly address any messes. Keep stain remover wipes or spray on hand to treat stains promptly to prevent them from setting.

9. Stay hydrated and nourished: It’s important to prioritize your own needs as well. Stay hydrated and nourished by packing snacks and drinks for yourself during the journey. Take breaks to eat and hydrate while attending to your baby.

10. Comfort and soothe your baby: Road trips can be overwhelming for infants, so comfort and soothe your baby during feeding and changing. Use a calm and reassuring voice, play soft music, or offer a comforting toy or blanket to help them relax.

By following these tips, you can navigate feeding and changing your newborn while on a road trip more effectively. With a well-packed diaper bag and proper planning, you can ensure your baby’s comfort and cleanliness throughout the journey, allowing for a more enjoyable travel experience for the entire family.

Entertainment and Comfort for Your Newborn

Keeping your newborn entertained and comfortable during a road trip is essential to ensure a pleasant journey for both you and your little one. Here are some tips to provide entertainment and comfort for your newborn while on the road:

1. Pack a variety of toys: Bring along a selection of age-appropriate toys to engage and entertain your baby. Consider toys with different textures, colors, and sounds to stimulate their senses. Attachable toys and rattles that can be affixed to the car seat or stroller are also great options for on-the-go entertainment.

2. Play music or nursery rhymes: Play soft and soothing music or nursery rhymes in the car to create a calming and familiar environment for your baby. There are plenty of baby-friendly albums and playlists available for streaming or you can bring along their favorite lullabies on a portable music player.

3. Use car seat toys and mirrors: Invest in car seat toys that easily attach to the car seat handle or within your baby’s reach. These dangling toys can provide visual stimulation and entertainment during the drive. Additionally, consider a rear-facing mirror attachment so you can glance back and interact with your baby while driving.

4. Provide comfort items: Bring along your baby’s favorite comfort items, such as a soft blanket, lovey, or pacifier. Having familiar items from home can provide a sense of security and comfort, helping to soothe your newborn during the journey. Make sure to have extras on hand in case they get dirty or misplaced.

5. Plan sensory breaks: Allow for sensory breaks during longer stretches of driving. Find a safe and quiet area to pull over and give your baby a chance to stretch, feel different textures like grass or sand, or experience a change of scenery. These breaks can help refresh and engage your baby’s senses.

6. Engage in interactive play: Take the opportunity to interact with your baby during the road trip. Sing songs, play peek-a-boo, or engage in simple games like pat-a-cake or finger puppets. These interactive activities can both entertain and bond with your baby, making the journey more enjoyable for both of you.

7. Consider audio books or podcasts: For slightly older infants, playing audio books or podcasts can be a great source of entertainment. Choose age-appropriate options with engaging stories or songs. Keep the volume low and adjust it to a comfortable level for your baby.

8. Allow for nap and quiet time: Make sure to provide opportunities for your baby to sleep and rest during the road trip. Keep the environment calm and soothing, dimming the car lights if necessary. If your baby has a particular sleep routine, try to maintain it as much as possible to ensure they get the rest they need.

9. Take breaks for cuddles and bonding: Use the breaks in your road trip itinerary to bond with your baby. Take them out of the car seat, hold them close, and enjoy cuddle time together. These moments of connection can provide comfort and reassurance to your newborn.

10. Be flexible and responsive: Every baby is unique and may have different preferences for entertainment and comfort. Be flexible and responsive to their needs, adjusting your approach as necessary. Pay attention to their cues and signals to determine if they need a change of activity or environment.

By providing entertainment and comfort for your newborn during a road trip, you can create a positive and enjoyable travel experience for your baby. Be prepared with a variety of stimulating toys, familiar comfort items, and interactive activities to keep them engaged and content throughout the journey.

Managing Sleep on a Road Trip

Managing your newborn’s sleep schedule on a road trip can be challenging, but with some thoughtful planning, you can help ensure they get the rest they need. Here are some tips for managing sleep on a road trip:

1. Maintain a familiar sleep environment: If possible, bring along your baby’s crib or bassinet to provide a familiar sleep environment during overnight stays. This can help promote better sleep as your baby will feel more comfortable and secure in their own space.

2. Plan your travel times strategically: Consider your baby’s sleep patterns when planning your travel times. Aim to drive during their usual nap times or bedtime so they can sleep through a significant portion of the journey. This can help reduce restlessness and ensure a smoother road trip experience.

3. Create a cozy sleep environment in the car: Make your baby’s car seat as comfortable as possible for sleep. Use soft, breathable fabrics and ensure a proper fit for optimal comfort. Consider using sunshades or window covers to block out bright sunlight and minimize visual distractions while they sleep.

4. Schedule regular sleep breaks: Plan to take breaks every few hours to allow your baby to stretch, have some quiet time, and possibly nap. Find a safe and quiet area to pull over, such as a rest stop or a peaceful park. Use this time to soothe your baby, provide a calming atmosphere, and offer opportunities for them to sleep.

5. Stick to your baby’s sleep routine as much as possible: Maintain elements of your baby’s sleep routine, even on the road. If you usually sing lullabies or read a bedtime story, continue these activities while on the trip. Familiar routines can help signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep, even in a new environment.

6. Be mindful of noise and lighting: Minimize noise and bright lights during your baby’s sleep time. Use a white noise machine or soft music to drown out external sounds. Install sunshades or use window covers to create a darker and more conducive sleep environment inside the car.

7. Utilize motion to aid sleep: Babies often find motion soothing and sleep-inducing. Take advantage of this by going for a drive during sleep time. The gentle movement of the car can help lull your baby to sleep. Just ensure you practice safe driving habits and keep a watchful eye on the road.

8. Be prepared for on-the-go naps: Some babies may find it difficult to sleep in the car seat, and that’s okay. Be prepared for on-the-go naps by bringing a lightweight and portable stroller or baby carrier. This way, you can take a break from driving and allow your baby to sleep in a more comfortable position.

9. Adjust sleep expectations: It’s important to be realistic and understand that your baby’s sleep may not be as restful or as long during a road trip compared to their regular routine. Be prepared for shorter, fragmented naps and adjust your expectations accordingly. Focus on providing a calm and soothing environment to help promote quality sleep for your baby.

10. Be flexible and responsive: Each baby is different, so be prepared to adapt to your baby’s needs and cues. If they are showing signs of fatigue or fussiness, adjust your plans to prioritize their sleep. Remember that sleep is essential for their well-being and overall mood during the trip.

By incorporating these strategies into your road trip plans, you can help manage your newborn’s sleep and ensure they get the rest they need. A well-rested baby will be happier and more content, making the road trip a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Dealing with Emergencies or Unexpected Situations

When embarking on a road trip with a newborn, it’s important to be prepared for emergencies or unexpected situations that may arise. Having a plan in place and knowing how to react can help you stay calm and handle these situations effectively. Here are some tips for dealing with emergencies or unexpected situations:

1. Carry a well-stocked first aid kit: Always have a fully equipped first aid kit readily available in your car. Include essentials such as band-aids, antiseptic wipes, thermometer, baby-safe pain relievers, and any necessary prescribed medications. Familiarize yourself with basic first aid procedures and know how to handle common issues such as minor cuts, bumps, or fevers.

2. Know the location of medical facilities: Prior to your trip, research and identify medical facilities along your route. Be aware of the nearest hospitals, urgent care centers, and pediatric clinics. Save their contact information and directions in your mobile device or write them down in case of emergencies.

3. Keep important contacts readily available: Have a list of emergency contact numbers readily accessible in your car. Include phone numbers for your pediatrician, local emergency services, roadside assistance, and trusted family or friends who can provide support or guidance in case of emergencies.

4. Plan your route with alternate options: As part of your planning process, consider alternative routes or detours in case of unexpected road closures or heavy traffic. Use navigation apps or devices that can provide real-time updates on traffic conditions and suggest alternative routes to reach your destination safely and efficiently.

5. Stay informed about weather conditions: Monitor weather forecasts along your route to stay updated on any potential severe weather events. Be prepared and have a plan in place for adverse weather conditions such as heavy rains, storms, or extreme temperatures. Consider adjusting your travel plans if necessary to prioritize safety.

6. Have a roadside assistance plan: Invest in a reliable roadside assistance service or ensure that your car insurance includes roadside assistance coverage. This will provide you with peace of mind knowing that help is just a phone call away in case of car troubles, flat tires, or other unexpected vehicle issues.

7. Carry essential supplies: Pack extra essentials such as water, non-perishable snacks, and blankets in case you experience extended travel delays or unexpected breakdowns. Having these supplies on hand can provide comfort and sustenance until help arrives or until you can safely resume your journey.

8. Stay calm and assess the situation: In the event of an emergency or unexpected situation, it’s essential to stay calm and assess the situation objectively. Panicking can hinder your ability to think clearly and make rational decisions. Take a deep breath, evaluate the circumstances, and prioritize the safety and well-being of your newborn.

9. Seek assistance if needed: Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you feel overwhelmed or uncertain. Contact emergency services, consult your pediatrician, or reach out to local authorities for guidance and assistance. It’s always better to seek professional support rather than attempting to handle a challenging situation alone.

10. Learn from the experience: In the unfortunate event of an emergency or unexpected situation, take the time to reflect and learn from the experience. Identify any areas where you can improve your preparedness or response and use that knowledge to better equip yourself for future road trips.

Remember, emergencies can happen unexpectedly. By being prepared, staying calm, and taking prompt action, you can effectively handle emergencies or unexpected situations while keeping your newborn’s safety and well-being as the top priority.

Embarking on a road trip with a newborn requires careful planning, preparation, and flexibility. By following the tips and guidelines provided in this article, you can ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable journey for your little one and the entire family.

From planning your road trip and packing essential items to prioritizing safety, timing and scheduling, feeding and changing on the road, entertainment and comfort, managing sleep, and handling emergencies, each aspect plays a crucial role in making your road trip a success.

Remember to plan family-friendly destinations, research routes, and pack well-organized diaper bags with all the necessary items for your newborn’s comfort and care. Prioritize safety by using properly installed car seats, avoiding distractions while driving, and being mindful of your surroundings. Time your travel breaks and breaks for feeding and changing in accordance with your baby’s sleep and feeding schedules.

Entertain and comfort your baby during the journey by packing a variety of toys, playing soothing music, and providing familiar comfort items. Manage sleep by maintaining a familiar sleep environment, scheduling regular sleep breaks, and adapting to your baby’s sleep routine. Be prepared for emergencies or unexpected situations by carrying a well-stocked first aid kit, knowing the location of medical facilities, and staying informed about weather conditions.

Ultimately, flexibility is key when traveling with a newborn. Be prepared to adjust your plans, embrace spontaneity, and prioritize your baby’s needs. By doing so, you will create unforgettable memories and cherished moments on your family road trip.

As you embark on your adventure, remember that the journey itself is part of the experience. Embrace the joy of discovery, the thrill of the open road, and the precious moments spent bonding with your newborn. With proper planning, a positive mindset, and a focus on safety, your road trip with a newborn can be a truly memorable and rewarding experience for the whole family.

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Resources for parents to get through the challenges.

How Soon Can a Newborn Travel Long Distance by Car?

road trip with newborn

A recent study that revealed babies have a lower oxygen rate combined with an increased heart rate when in a car for more than half an hour has raised quite a few eyebrows, and plenty of questions.

It’s left most parents wondering if their child can die during long road trips, and when can they travel with their new baby. In short, is it safe to travel with your newborn baby?

The study conducted can be concerning, but there is not enough evidence to support that babies are in danger when in their car seats for long periods of time. 

In this article

How Big Is The Risk?

Head support, the car seat, the risk is small, additional head support, take frequent breaks, make sure someone can see them, mark rest spots on the gps, stop even at night, bring extra supplies (just in case), newborns in car seats: is it safe.

While the previous study mentioned was not large enough to produce conclusive evidence that newborns in car seats can experience a complete lack of oxygen when left in a car seat for an extended period of time, it is a bit concerning.

The main concern that this study brings to light is that newborns have a decreased level of oxygen. This is believed to be due to the angle that their neck is at.

Also because they do not have the muscles in their neck to properly support their head, leading to a decrease in oxygen because of the obstruction. If your little one falls asleep in their car seat, there is a greater chance of suffocation. 

While there is obviously a risk, it often comes down to how big the risk is. This depends on the car seat, the age of the newborn, how strong their neck muscles are, and several other factors. 

When babies are born, they have very little if any control over their head movement. They also are not able to support their own head. This drastically increases the risk of newborn babies in car seats suffocating.

baby in an infant car seat

As children get older and develop more muscles in their neck, this risk begins to significantly decline.

While the risk might be minimal for older babies in car seats, most pediatricians do not recommend taking children under one year old on extended car rides if it can be avoided. 

Babies that are able to support their own heads have a significantly lower risk of suffocation than newborns in car seats that cannot. However, this doesn’t always coordinate perfectly with age.

For example, my grandson began to really be able to control his head around five or six months because he was a preemie and was a bit on the smaller side.

My son, on the other hand, could turn his head and hold it up for brief periods when he was only a few days old. He could control his head movement sooner than most other babies could.

So, take a look at your own child to determine how much of a risk is there. 

If the car seat is positioned in an upright position, your newborn is at an increased danger of positional asphyxiation. However, revolutionary car seats are being designed that can lay flat like a cot instead of sitting upright.

This one is one of the more popular versions. They can be a bit pricey, but if you’re one to take plenty of road trips and want to take your newborn along, it can be well worth the additional cost. 

  • The Infant Seat That Can Be Used as a Car Bed & Carrier!
  • 3 Point Harness with Push Button Buckle.
  • Installs Side Facing with LATCH Belt.
  • Designed for use by children 5-20 lbs whose height is 19-26 inches.
  • 28.75 x 15.5 x 8.25.

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

When you opt for a lie-flat car seat for newborns, you instantly eliminate the risk of your little one suffocating due to their position. In this situation, you can take your little one on long-distance trips as soon as you’re ready to. 

For those that are stuck with a long-distance trip without a lie-flat car seat, the risk is small. According to this study, only 3% of infants died this way in ten years.

It’s still a large enough risk that I wouldn’t be comfortable taking my newborn in a car seat for long periods without taking precautions, though. 

Newborns In Car Seats: Always Take Precautions

Sometimes, it can be unrealistic to not travel with a newborn baby for long periods of time, and the lie-flat car seat hasn’t been delivered yet.

mother and baby in a car

If that’s the case, it doesn’t mean that you’re stuck at home or will have to delay a move. Instead, you can take these precautions for the one-time trip. 

Although car seats do not come with additional head support, and most pediatricians do not recommend them, it would be wise to use them on long car trips.

These provide additional support for your little one’s neck, preventing their head from falling to the side. 

  • UNIQUE CUT-OUT DESIGN: The Boppy Head and Neck Support has a unique, patented cut-out. Designed to relieve pressure while keeping your babys head safely cradled. The product is endorsed by a Pediatrician.
  • SUPPORT THROUGH TODDLERHOOD: The removable neck ring provides support through toddlerhood. Recommended age 0+ months.
  • REVERSIBLE DESIGN: Comes with comfortable cotton on one side and cooling mesh on the other.
  • MULTI-FUNCTION: Works with a 3- and 5-point harness system and is simple to install in any stroller, bouncer, or swing. The head support should only be used in the recline position for infants.
  • EASY CARE, MACHINE WASHABLE: The head support is machine washable for easy care because little messes happen.

Some pediatricians recommend not leaving a newborn in a sitting up position for longer than 30 minutes. Others state that two hours is acceptable when in a reclined car seat.

Opt for taking a break every hour or two to take your little one out of the car seat. If possible, lay them flat. 

This shouldn’t be a problem for those traveling with a newborn, though. Most newborns need to be fed every two hours and sometimes changed in between.

When you pull over to change your baby, take them out of their car seat and lay them flat on the seat in the car. To feed them, do not cradle them in your arm as you normally would.

Instead, lay them on the seat in the car or in your lap. Then, gently lift their head up to prevent choking. (Feeding a newborn baby in a lie-flat position can increase the risk of choking.) This will give them the break that they need from being scrunched up in a car seat. 

When traveling long distances with a newborn in a car seat, make sure that someone can see them. If more than one person is going on the road trip, make sure that an adult sits next to them.

parents and baby in a car

If not, pick up a mirror and velcro or tape it in place so that you can glance back to see your newborn. 

This will give you both peace of mind and can alert you if there is a problem. Someone sitting next to the baby can notice if the baby stops breathing, or begins to turn purple.

A mirror in the perfect position can let you see if your little one’s head falls over as well. 

  • Extra-large convex mirror for a wide-angle view of your baby
  • Clear-Sight Mirror for superior reflection and a distortion-free image
  • Soft-Touch Frame is lightweight and energy-absorbing
  • Multiple attachment options fit most vehicles. Child can see driver and their own reflection
  • Crash-tested, shatter-resistant mirror for added safety

Travelling Long Distance With A Newborn

If you’re ready to take the leap and drive across the country with your newborn baby, it’s important that you’re prepared. Driving with a newborn baby is not the same as driving with an older child.

This article is packed with information, from a pack list to diaper changing tips for the car and more. In addition to that list, there are several other things to keep in mind when it comes to traveling with a newborn baby. 

The further you get away from larger cities, the further rest stops seem to get from each other. You might see one every sixty miles instead of every twenty miles.

This can be stressful when you don’t see a rest stop but it’s time to stop for a two-hour break. Instead, strategically plan your road trip by marking rest stops along the way.

map and keys

If you get there before two hours, that’s fine. You can stretch your legs while you give your little one a chance to lay flat on their back before feeding time. 

Most people will enjoy their baby sleeping through the night on a long road trip, but this isn’t safe for newborns. In fact, pediatricians recommend never letting a baby sleep through the night in their car seat due to the position that they are in.

This makes it essential to stop every hour or two so that your little one can have some time laying flat on their back. They’ll need that break after being scrunched up in a car seat. 

Even if your little one is not sick when you leave, that doesn’t mean that you won’t need a few things while on the road. It’s a good idea to put together a baby first aid kit full of the necessities just in case you need them.

Bring along baby Tylenol, diaper rash cream, fingernail clippers, a thermometer, and other things that might come in handy while you’re on the road. It’s always better to have them and not need them instead of needing them and not having them. 

Traveling with a newborn in an upright car seat for long trips is discouraged, but sometimes it is unavoidable. If you find yourself in this situation, pick up a lie-flat car seat before the big trip.

When that isn’t an option, take extra precautions to help keep your little one safe. 

Happy Toddler Potty Training

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Taking A Road Trip With Baby: Checklist + Packing List

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Taking A Road Trip With Baby

Based on my travel experience with a 4-month-old baby (over 26h drive).

Whether the pandemic ruined your plans of family travels by plane or a car would have been your transportation of choice anyway, taking a road trip with your baby for the first time might make you feel a little anxious or hesitant if you should do it at all. As a first-time mama, I found that it raises many questions, the same way anything does, that you do with your baby for the first time. Reading about someone else’s experience can give you great insight. Moreover, you can hopefully get some of your questions answered and feel more confident and prepared for your own journey.

ROAD TRIPPING WITH A BABY

F ir st things first. you might be wondering when you can take your newborn baby for a first car ride in general.

Well, as soon as YOU are ready. However, it is best to wait until your baby’s immune system is better developed.

Before you embark on a long journey it’s best to first take short trips with your baby, just to see how they feel and behave. Do they fall asleep easily while driving or are they more cranky? Do they overheat easily in their car seat? Those and many more are questions you want to have answers to before taking a long road trip.

But like I’ve said, you, mama, gotta be ready first. Postpartum is no joke. Even if you feel better after a few weeks or months, you still need to take extra care of yourself and that might not be possible if you’re stuck in the car for too long.

Depending on your and baby’s health as well as baby’s age, I suggest you consult your traveling plans with your gynecologist, pediatrician, or midwife to make sure you’re both set to go. Hearing from my health care providers that they think we’re both ready to travel as well as getting to know their stories of how they traveled with their babies early on, really put me at ease.

So now that you’ve decided you’re ready for your first road trip with your baby , how can you best prepare for it? What should you pack? What are some top tips to successfully travel by car with a baby? Well, let’s dive right into all those aspects now.

Top 7 Tips For A Successful Road Trip With Baby How to prepare your mind and what to do before embarking on the journey

Let’s start with preparing the mind, adjusting your expectations and your attitude. My top tips to successfully travel by car with a baby are all about what you can do beforehand to feel as calm and as confident as possible. This can mean a variety of things, you can inter alia:

1. Talk to your healthcare providers

family travels

Like I’ve said before, this can definitely boost your confidence and put you at ease. Moreover, you’ll find out if there’s anything extra healthwise you or your baby should do before or while traveling. In my case, we were traveling in hot weather and I was breastfeeding so it was good to know that I will feed my baby more often, but that I don’t need to (or even shouldn’t) give my baby any extra water. That’s something my lactation consultant explained to me.

It’s little things like that, which are good to know ahead of time and worth talking about to a professional instead of googling answers in panic during your trip, when in doubt.

2. Make a solid packing list

This will of course depend on where you’re going, what’s the weather like, what you plan on doing on the way, and so on. For my recommendations and travel essentials check the next section of this post.

GET YOUR FREE PRINTABLE PACKING LIST!

Click the link below to open your free PDF in a new tab!

Road Trip With Baby Packing List

3. C ollect all the needed documents

(seems like a no-brainer, however, i know first-hand how it is to have so much on your mind while being exhausted that you forget or simply overlook some basic things).

Depending on where you’ll be traveling to, make sure you have all the needed documents plus double-check if they’re still valid. Have a copy of your baby’s birth certificate with you or request a kid’s ID, a passport, etc. if needed. And don’t forget the car documents.

4. Get your car checked and make sure baby’s car seat is properly installed

taking a road trip

5. Have realistic (or no) expectations as far as the duration of your trip – plan a lot of stops

road trip

You know that you don’t know how everything will go. How your baby will feel, how often you’ll have to change the diaper, feed your baby plus it’s not optimal for your child to be in the car seat for long stretches of time.

So make sure to take your baby out quite often, get some fresh air and hold them as well as let them lay down or even take some naps in between on a flat, firm surface. This can be in your car (we traveled with a van, so that was super convenient), or if you really have a long way to go make sure you book some hotels on the way so that your baby (and you) can get some proper sleep.

To find out more about car seat safety and about letting your baby travel in a car seat for long periods of time check out this page .

6. Take short trips with baby first, before embarking on a longer journey

I’ve mentioned this before, but it really is super important and can help you be so much better prepared.

For us, we’ve noticed that our son gets really warm, really fast in the car seat and as a result, sweats a lot. Which, by the way, after talking to some friends about it, seems to be a very common struggle. But knowing this helped us to be better prepared. We lined the seat with a cotton (burp) cloth to help absorb the moisture and kept changing it for a fresh, dry one at every stop to make sure our baby is more comfortable.

The same goes for clothing. We knew we had to dress him in light clothing and we had plenty of clothes ready to change him into as well, in order to keep him dry and happy.

Moreover, knowing he gets warm so easily we made sure to have a digital thermometer at hand to ensure his temperature is okay. Trust me, this saved mama from a lot of unnecessary stress and overthinking.

7. In these times – check current Covid-related regulations of places you’re traveling through and to

This might also mean you have to get vaccinated, if you haven’t already, or take a PCR/antigen test, as well as fill out online forms.

To check current regulations I recommend visiting the following websites:

x Trip , which covers Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, Africa, and South America.

The website lets you put in the countries you are traveling “from” and “to”, stating what the rules are to enter a particular country as well as to return to the country you’ve originally traveled from. What is more, you can choose to track policy changes for a particular search.

There is also a map showing you right away which countries have no restrictions, where entering and traveling is partially prohibited and where entry is prohibited.

Moreover, there is an app version of the website, which might be very convenient while already on the road.

x For Europe specifically I recommend the website or app Re-open EU

You can choose if you want to check a specific country’s regulations only or search travel rules “from” – “to” specific European countries.

What I like about this app is that when you look up a particular country it gives you a great overview of everything you might want to know, so you can get all the information that is specific to your trip.

You can find out inter alia what are the rules: x to enter a particular country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country x to enter with the EU Digital COVID certificate x to enter without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements x to enter from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country

You will also get answers to the following questions: x may I transit this country? (by air/by land)` x may I fly to this country?

Moreover, what are the countries measures as far as: the usage of facemasks, physical distancing, indoor, and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events, safety measures for public transportation as well as what about places of worship, non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops, tourist accommodations, catering establishments, cinemas, museums and indoor attractions, personal care services, outdoor areas, and beaches. Furthermore, what are the quarantine-related regulations? On top of that, there is information about the current health situation of the country you’re interested in traveling to.

Travel Essentials For A Road Trip With Baby

– packing list –.

Your detailed packing list will of course depend on where you are going, what the weather will be like, how long you will be driving for, and so on and so forth. Therefore, I must say I’m really not a fan of those packing lists that some people share which are telling you specifically how many, for instance, items of clothing you should pack for your baby and what those should be. This will differ from baby to baby, from trip to trip. However, there are certain things that might be considered travel essentials and certain things parents recommend, which can be super helpful to be reminded of. Here’s what I’d recommend besides the obvious like clothes, blankets, or water:

x well-stocked diaper bag x back seat car organizer/storage with essentials such as extra burp cloths, socks, wet wipes, and so on x changing pad that you can use in the car x digital thermometer x baby’s medicine just in case (paracetamol in case of a fever; make sure to store it properly!) x baby’s vitamins if they’re supposed to take any

x physiological saline solution and sterile gauze in case you’ll have to clean baby’s eyes or nose x mama’s vitamins x documents: ID’s, passports, drivers license, car papers, Covid vaccination certificate/ PCR test results, a copy of baby’s birth certificate x burp cloths to put in baby’s car seat in order to absorb sweat (I’ve seen special anti-sweat car seat covers, however only for bigger kids) x change of clothes at hand x mosquito net x sleeping bag x wet wipes as well as hand sanitizer for you x nursing-friendly clothes, a change of clothes and bras for you plus bra pads x trash bags for diapers x a separate bag for dirty/wet baby clothes, burp cloths, etc. x breast pump and nipple cream (even if you don’t usually have to use it, better safe than sorry) x first aid kit x stroller (you might want to check out the best stroller accessories that will make your life easier ) x sling/wrap x bouncer/rocker x car sunshades x small ventilator if you don’t want to use the AC with baby in the car

I want to note that we traveled with our baby when he was 4 months old, meaning he didn’t eat solids yet and I was exclusively breastfeeding, so there will be other things you’ll need depending on what and how you’re feeding your baby. 

I hope you found this post insightful and feel better prepared as well as more confident about taking your first road trip with your baby. 

Safe Travels! 

This post was all about taking a road trip with baby and traveling with baby for the first time. 

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Take The Truck

44 Ways To Survive a Road Trip With Your Baby or Toddler

Family road trip with baby or toddler tips

If you’re kinda dreading an upcoming family road trip with your baby or toddler, we hear ya. Before taking road trips with our kiddo became the norm, it sounded like a torturous ordeal. But, like anything else, road trips with babies and toddlers get easier the more you take them - and we’ve taken A LOT.

This is a compilation of all of the best road trip tips and tricks we’ve learned to help you survive your next road trip with your toddler or baby.

*(This post contains affiliate links. This means we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See our full disclosure .)

Timing a Road Trip With Toddlers or a Baby

Knowing whether you’re doing day time driving, night time driving, or some combination before packing up to go can be helpful (although, once on the road, your plans may change and that’s ok!) because you’ll have a better idea on the amount of travel toys needed, how much and what types of food to pack, or if you need overnight bags packed separately.

sunset on highway during family road trip with toddler

Some families are against night driving for safety reasons, and for some families it works great. This is where you have to know yourselves.

If you do plan to drive at night, we recommend that instead of setting big goals on how far you’ll get, just pay attention to your body and pull over when needed. And know that if you do pull an all-nighter - the driver will be worthless for much of the next day while your baby or toddler is ready to go as normal, so don’t forget to take that into consideration.

An alternative to night driving is to start driving very early in the morning, transferring sleepy little ones into the car to (hopefully!) fall back asleep.

Packing Tips for a Family Road Trip with a Baby or Toddler

If you will have to stop for the night before arriving at your destination, pack an overnight bag separate from all of your other bulky luggage. What works best for you will depend on your family size and the type of overnight accommodation you’ll have.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

All toiletries together. We recently started using these overnight toiletry bags * for our family, and they come in several colors so it’s easy to tell whose is whose.

One small overnight bag per person (pajamas, next day’s clothes)

Or one larger duffel with everyone’s things included, but separated into large Ziplocs, mesh bags, or grocery bags.

For larger families, a bag per type of item (all swimsuits together since you’d likely use a hotel pool at the same time; all jammies together if you plan to conk out about the same time; all bulky hiking shoes together if you’re stopping along the way at a trail; one dirty clothes bag to share, etc).

Special Gear For a Road Trip With a Baby or Toddler

clean up travel kit for potty or car sick baby or toddler

There are a few things we never start a road trip without!

Travel Toys - we’ve got an entire post about low-cost road trip travel toys for babies , as well as one about low-cost travel toys for toddlers

Basic first aid kit. For off-the-beaten-path camping and extended road trips * we use this one.

A plan for easily getting your baby or toddler back into the car seat after a stop, like a new snack, an exciting travel toy, or a movie.

Clean up kit- plastic tote with a snapping lid full of Clorox wipes, baby wipes, paper towels, toilet paper, a change of clothes per kid (especially bottoms if newly potty trained), bottle of water for clean-up purposes, empty Walmart sacks, extra car sick bags, hand sanitizer.

Car Organization for a Road Trip With A Toddler or Baby

Knowing where most things are in your car and having the most important things within reach will help you keep your sanity while on the road with a baby or toddler!

Remember to clean out your vehicle of all unnecessary things before loading up!  

Travel toys within an adult’s reach (but out of any younger child’s sight - in order to extend focus and play time with whatever they’re currently occupied by)

Food and cooler/cooler bag

Car sick bags within reach. These bags * have been easy for our daughter to use.

Keep a seat open next to the car seat/s when possible for some face-to-face play time with whoever isn’t driving

Have a designated spot for a potty chair or diaper changing space

Remove your kids’ shoes and winter or summer gear (sun hat, jacket, etc) and put them in a designated spot so you won’t have to search out where they’ve been tossed at each stop.

Keep wipes handy for faces and fingers

Food Tips For a Road Trip With Toddlers or Babies

We like to pack all of our snacks to avoid pricey and junkie gas station food, as well as the food for many of the meals we’ll need for the trip to avoid the allure of multiple fast-food stops.

Make a list of the foods you packed so you remember your options.

For night driving, pack healthy snacks for the adults that can be picked away at for extended periods of time. Think carrot sticks over that entire family sized bag of peanut m&m’s you know you’ll power through at 2am. Plan for success!

For night driving or early morning driving, remove snacks from loud crinkly packaging before packing up. I like these reusable bags *. You don’t want to wake your toddler and start getting demands for food at 4am.

Filling a thermos of coffee can be a time and money saver.

Have a bowl and necessary utensils for each person in order to portion out snacks.

This bib is fantastic * - it keeps the car seat clean, and our daughter likes getting to eat her dropped “bonus bites”.

If we stop for a meal, we eat while our daughter plays. After expending some energy and getting nice and hungry, she’s typically happy to climb back in that car seat in order to eat her lunch as we drive farther down the road.

Activities using food for toddlers! Examples could be: cheerio necklaces, or trail mix poured into a divided container (like ice cube tray or bead box) to be sorted while getting snacked on. Pass that time!

Don’t pack sugary snacks. The poor kid is stuck in a car seat. Adding a bunch of sugar to that will create a whiny toddler who is really difficult to be around!

If you’re breastfeeding, consider how and when you’ll be taking care of baby before leaving so you and your spouse or travel partner are on the same page.

If you’ll have access to a kitchen during your road trip or vacation, check out this post about ways to save money and time on meals .

How to Help Your Baby or Toddler Sleep on a Road Trip

Getting your baby or toddler comfortable enough to take a nice long nap on a road trip is a serious sanity keeper. Here are some tips for making this happen:

Always make sure everyone has empty bladders, full stomachs, and that you have a full tank of gas before settling in for nap.

If leaving early in the morning before the sun is up, turn off your vehicle’s dome light so it doesn’t shine as you transfer your sleepy little one to the car seat.

Depending on the age, weight, and height of your toddler, you may have her forward facing in a convertible car seat but still be able to safely turn her rear facing and slightly reclined for sleep. Check your car seat owner’s manual. Rear facing can be more comfortable and can help the toddler disengage from any activity up front, resulting in more sleep!

Be sure the required blankets or stuffed animals are not packed in luggage!

Loose and comfy clothes!

Block the sun! Magic shades *, baby blanket rolled up in the window (less than an inch outside otherwise it’ll flap like crazy), extra piece of reflectix - block that sun!

We usually try to line up nap to land after a longer stop full of activity.

Running through a version of the regular bedtime routine even while in the vehicle (books, songs, etc) can help trigger your little one to settle down.

Tips for taking Road Trips With Toddlers New to Potty Training

Taking road trips with toddlers who are recently potty trained isn’t easy.

Some families are comfortable putting their toddler back in diapers or pull-ups and then just working for a few days afterwards to get them back on track.

If this isn’t for you, here’s what we’d recommend:

Line the car seat with a potty pad in case an accident does happen. And pack extra.

Have plenty of extra undies and pants, and do not pack them in the suitcase buried in the back.

Limit fluid intake. Yeah, keep them hydrated, but limit it.

Have a potty station in the vehicle. Those newly trained toddlers don’t always give much warning. Quickly pulling over anywhere to use the always available, convenient, and as-clean-as-you-keep-it potty chair is much easier than always finding a gas station to trudge into.

For number 1, you can have a wide mouthed container with a secure lid in your vehicle for times you can’t dump the potty elsewhere.

If your kid has to go number 2 and you can’t get to an actual toilet, line the potty chair with a small trash bag, securing it in place by wrapping it around the removable bowl. Much easier to clean up!

Have Realistic Expectations

Having realistic expectations of yourself, your spouse, your kids, and the amount of time everything takes can make for a much more relaxed and enjoyable road trip with your baby or toddler.

Even with all your preparedness for your road trip with a baby or toddler, there will probably still be some inconsolable crying. Persevere, it’ll be okay!

Plan extra time and stops with the babies and toddlers along. You will not arrive at the time your GPS predicts!

Check in with your spouse to be sure your expectations are similar as far as who’s responsible for what between driving, entertaining kids, etc.

A lot of people say that it’s better to wait for road trips and other experiences until kids are old enough to remember things, but we disagree.

Even though they won’t likely remember anything from their earliest experiences, those experiences are what shape and grow and mold them! Their rapidly expanding little minds take it all in and they can get a lot from any adventure, at any age.

Toddler enjoying family road trip

Road trips with toddlers and babies can be REALLY fun! Just take a deep breath, use these tips, and go for it!

As always, thanks for reading! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for updates and to follow along with us!

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Pin these road trip tips for later!

This post is full of ideas, tips, and travel hacks for your next road trip with a baby or toddler. Read these 44 road trip tips on how to survive your next long family car ride.

We’d appreciate a share!

Planning A Road Trip With Your New Baby? This Guide Will Help Get You Where You’re Going

Spoiler alert: It’s going to take a lot of patience and pit stops.

Taking a road trip with a baby can feel daunting, but it's doable if you're prepared.

Remember when road trips were fun ? When it wasn't a big deal to take the extra time off work and drive to your destination, pulling off the road and exploring along the way , instead of flying directly there? Once you have a kid, road trips get a bit more complicated. But if the mere idea of flying with a baby strikes fear in your heart ( same ), taking a road trip with baby is your best travel option . Besides, you don't want to deal with the air pressure-induced ear aches once you reach your vacation. And even in an over-packed car, you still have more room and comfier seats than you have when you fly.

While family road trips look different from wild-and-free-gal-pal road trips, they can still be a blast. They just require a bit more prep and planning. Yes, you'll probably make a lot more stops and smell a lot more funky smells. You'll also probably need to replace those true-crime podcasts with kid-friendly audiobooks or, ugh, CoComelon. It doesn't have to be awful, though.

But buckle up; you're in for a ride. The following information will help make the journey a little easier to navigate.

When should you leave, and how often should you stop?

Deciding when to leave for a road trip is always your most significant consideration. Many people cite it as even more important than what you pack. It all boils down to two crucial factors:

  • Will your baby sleep in the car?
  • Can you safely manage on little-to-no sleep?

Many parents opt to leave for their road trip right before bedtime and drive through the night. If you have someone who will trade off driving and let you sleep for a couple of hours, this is an excellent option. However, if you're on your own, it's strongly recommended you forgo driving all night. When you reach your destination, you'll be bone tired, which is the last thing you need when traveling alone with a baby.

The best time to leave? Just before the buttcrack of dawn.

If your babe normally wakes for the day around 6 or 7 in the morning, try to head out around 4 or 5. Leaving in the dark will make it easier to transition your little bug from home to car without causing them to wake completely. That, in turn, gives you a few hours on the road with (hopefully) a sleeping or groggy baby.

What about stops? That depends on your baby's needs and your access to warm bottles or breastmilk . If your baby isn't mobile yet, you can probably get away with longer driving stretches. If you have a partner or sibling that can sit in the back and help amuse your baby, you can stretch it out a little longer. However, a good rule of thumb is the two-hour rule. Babies need to be moved and readjusted every two hours, especially if there's no one next to them to keep an eye on their posture in their car seat.

How do you handle feedings and diaper changes on the road?

You know the expression "work smarter, not harder"? A great living example is aligning your two-hour breaks with feeding time . That's especially important if you're breastfeeding. Every two hours, you can get out, sit in the sun, and feed your baby. If it's winter, you can find a safe place to park and feed them in the warm car, letting them snuggle with you in the front seat for a bit. Or even consider hopping off an exit with a Target or Walmart and taking advantage of the dressing rooms.

Remember that not every stop — whether for feeding or diaper changes — needs to be a process and require a lengthy "layover," if you will. Just make sure you're pulling over somewhere safe and not just on the side of the road. Letting your precious babe sit in a wet diaper for a little longer (within reason, obviously) is still wildly safer than doing anything while on the median of the highway.

Another note about diapers: If you're leaving early in the morning and are worried that changing a wet diaper before the transfer to the car might wake up your baby, just skip it. If your little one doesn't typically have their diaper changed until hours later anyway, there's no need to change that routine now.

What necessities should you keep on hand in the car?

This is where the real fun begins. First and foremost, you need to make sure you’re traveling with a safe, properly fitted and installed car seat for your baby. If you have any doubts, find a child passenger safety (CPS) technician in your community who can check yours for you.

As for the other items that make a road trip with baby safe and manageable, you should pack:

  • Feeding supplies (examples: breast pump, bottles, nursing cover, milk storage bags, insulated cooler for milk, bottle cleaning kit, burp cloths, bibs, sippy cups if needed, pumped milk or powdered formula, baby food if appropriate)
  • Engaging car seat toys (note: just make sure they’re securely fastened to the handle of baby’s car seat or somewhere they can’t pose a risk)
  • Changing — and cleaning — supplies (examples: changing pad, extra diapers, wipes, diaper cream, hand sanitizer, car seat liner, several changes of clothes, disposal bags for dirty dipes and wipes)
  • Sleep needs (examples: travel bassinet, baby monitor)
  • Safety items (examples: car seat mirror, first aid kit with infant fever/pain reducer and forehead thermometer, sun shade)
  • Soothers (examples: pacifiers, loveys, baby’s favorite blanket, white noise machine, teethers)
  • Portable transportation (examples: lightweight stroller, baby carrier, travel high chair)
  • Cooler (Pack the cooler with all your kids' favorite snacks, including fruits and veggies. It's also a great way to keep crackers, granola bars, and cheeses fresh.)
  • First aid kit (Having a few Band-Aids and antibacterial in the car is never a bad idea. Add in some cough syrup and children's Tylenol for good measure too, just in case someone falls under the weather.)

Traveling with a baby is an adventure in itself, so here are a few tips to keep to ensure you and the fam have a rocking road trip. Get in some practice by taking baby on mini trips to places a little further out than usual. This will help you get a feel for what they usually need after a few hours in the car, so be prepared to make multiple stops.

And don't be afraid to hop in the backseat with baby if they seem a little fussy. This is a great bonding activity and an excellent way to keep them entertained. The goal is to keep baby comfortable, and the only thing better than their lovey is, well, you. So read their favorite book to them, sing a lullaby or play a few rounds of peekaboo. And be sure to switch off with your partner to keep baby super entertained.

How soon can a baby go on a road trip?

Although there’s no hard-and-fast rule about when your baby will be ready for a road trip, doctors do have a general rule of thumb. Since an infant’s immune system doesn’t mature until around 2 to 3 months old, many doctors recommend holding off on any sort of long-distance travel until after that point.

Your best bet for “success” when traveling with a baby is being flexible. There will be bumps in the road. Things may, quite literally, go to sh*t sometimes. But if you have an adaptable mindset, it’ll be a lot less stressful for you and baby.

This article was originally published on May 27, 2022

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    Enjoying our trip with our newborn. 3. Take Regular Pit-Stops. Taking regular breaks during a road trip with a newborn baby is necessary for a couple of reasons. It gives the baby a change of scene, a chance to feed, and have a cuddle. Hopefully, they may be a little less grumpy for you after a break from the car.

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    A road trip with a newborn can be a beautiful experience for parents and baby, provided you take some steps to ensure you're well prepared for the journey. Whether you're planning a road trip with a 2-month old, or your baby is a little older, following the advice above can help make the experience more fun for everybody. ...

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    4. Getting Baby Sleeping in the Car. Every baby is unique and hopefully you'll have a good idea of what conditions make your baby sleep in the car. This is stating the obvious, but for a baby on a road trip, sleeping in the car is a great way to easily pass the time. Our daughter asleep in the car.

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    Road trip with newborn calls for lots of pictures! You will be lost without your camera. Ensure that you capture all those magical moments of your newborn first road trip. And who knows, once you have exhausted everything to entertain your baby, they might find it attractive to look at your pictures and themselves!

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    For example, put together Baby Road Trip BINGO cards where spaces are filled in with any and all potential disasters—think "blow out in the car seat" or tiny victories like "finished a whole podcast." That way, even bad situations turn into wins. 03 of 10. Drive at Night .

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    Before Your Trip Baby Road Trip Tips. It all starts well before you even leave. Here is where to start when it comes to a successful road trip with a newborn: 1. Use the Car Seat A LOT. First things first when it comes to a long road trip…get your baby used to the car seat. In the weeks leading up to your trip, get in the car every single day.

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    11 Tips for Your Road Trip with a Newborn. 1. Talk to Your Pediatrician. For us, taking a road trip with our newborn felt like a safer option than flying somewhere. Our pediatrician agreed that traveling by car would likely expose our newborn to a lot fewer germs/illnesses than if we traveled by plane.

  8. The Essential Packing List for a Road Trip With a Baby

    Laundry detergent — we did a bit of hand-washing. Baby Shampoo + Soap and brush. Thermometer and infant medications. Rash Cream and body ointment. Diapers, wipes, and changing pad. Baby brush and nail clippers if a longer trip. Nasal aspirator and saline drops. Burp cloths — these muslin ones are our favorite.

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    Pack milk for the ride if your baby is too young for water. Sipping yogurt - Driving may take away the baby's appetite. Sipping yogurt is easy to eat in the car, will fill them up a bit, and often tastes good enough to entice them to eat. Finger foo ds - Beef jerky, cheese puffs, finger sandwiches.

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    We advise packing 2-3 onesies in your travel bag to cover all of your bases - it'll save you needing to dig them out of suitcases on the side of the road for those emergency diaper changes. 7. Prepare for Frequent Stops. Taking baby on the road goes hand-in-hand with stopping. Frequently.

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    Baby Road Trip Essentials: Feeding. Bottles or sippy cups (if needed) Pumped milk or powdered formula (pack room temperature bottled water if you're using formula) Baby food (if your baby is at that point) Personally I love these spoons that screw onto the pouches if you're still spoon feeding baby.

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    1. Build a Baby-Friendly Road Trip Itinerary. Set reasonable expectations for your first baby road trip (Photo: @elinadjan via Twenty20) Even if your baby sleeps well in the car, you're probably not going to be able to pull off an all-night drive halfway across the country when you have a baby in the backseat. (Sorry!).

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    Up until 6 months, babies will pretty much be fine with just milk/formula. After you begin to introduce solids, prepacked baby food and snacks become an essential road trip item. Rice husks and yogurt melts are excellent road trip snacks. They dissolve quickly, don't leave many crumbs, and our son loves them!

  14. Road Trip with Baby: How to Survive Long Car Rides

    Below are a handful of our best tips for road trips with a baby after many long drives with two kids. 1. Accept that a road trip with a baby is going to take you longer. I typically estimate about a 30 minute stop for every 2.5 hours of driving. There have been times, however, that I stopped every 2 hours (or even more.)

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    Vitamin D drops: We have these. Spectra pump: It's been a must-have. Check it out. + flanges (6) + duckbill valves (6) + tubing (2) + backflow protectors (2) 6 Spectra milk bottles and tops: Check them out. Milk cooler with ice pack: We have this one, and it fits most standard 5oz bottles.

  16. How to Road Trip With a Newborn Baby: 10 Tips to Help You Survive Baby

    We have found that the max amount of time we can road trip with a newborn baby in a day without going a little crazy is 3-4 hours. Of course you can do more than that, but it does become quite a bit of time for the little one in their car seat. We usually run into more crying once we get past that 3-4 hour mark, especially because we also have ...

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    5. BE STRATEGIC WITH NURSING/BOTTLE FEEDS. Your baby will need to eat during your travels, and whether nursing or formula feeding, make sure you have all of your supplies close at hand. If nursing, a comfy pillow for feeds in the car while filling up with gas can make a huge difference.

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    Eventually, you will learn your baby's road trip habits to plan for a weekend getaway with a 4-5 hour road trip. Road Trip with a Baby ( 1 - 4 Months) The first few months of going on a road trip with a baby are the easiest and the toughest because everyone is still learning their roles. On one hand, a baby sleeps the most at this stage, so ...

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    3 | Avoid Heavy Traffic & City Driving. Based on our experience, stopping and going can be a parent's worst enemy when road tripping with a baby. This may seem obvious if the baby's trying to get some shut eye, but even during waking hours, it just seems to mess with a baby's mental state.

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    Try to take a break every 2 to 3 hours for a day trip and every 4 to 6 hours at night to change diapers or soiled clothes, or to feed your baby. Never attempt to breastfeed in a moving car. Before hitting the road, be prepared and know where gas stations and rest stops are on the way.

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    6. Engage in interactive play: Take the opportunity to interact with your baby during the road trip. Sing songs, play peek-a-boo, or engage in simple games like pat-a-cake or finger puppets. These interactive activities can both entertain and bond with your baby, making the journey more enjoyable for both of you. 7.

  23. How Soon Can a Newborn Travel Long Distance by Car?

    Take Frequent Breaks. Some pediatricians recommend not leaving a newborn in a sitting up position for longer than 30 minutes. Others state that two hours is acceptable when in a reclined car seat. Opt for taking a break every hour or two to take your little one out of the car seat. If possible, lay them flat.

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    Have a copy of your baby's birth certificate with you or request a kid's ID, a passport, etc. if needed. And don't forget the car documents. 4. Get your car checked and make sure baby's car seat is properly installed. 5. Have realistic (or no) expectations as far as the duration of your trip - plan a lot of stops.

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    Clean up kit- plastic tote with a snapping lid full of Clorox wipes, baby wipes, paper towels, toilet paper, a change of clothes per kid (especially bottoms if newly potty trained), bottle of water for clean-up purposes, empty Walmart sacks, extra car sick bags, hand sanitizer. Car Organization for a Road Trip With A Toddler or Baby.

  26. First Road Trip With Baby? Everything To Know Before You Go

    Since an infant's immune system doesn't mature until around 2 to 3 months old, many doctors recommend holding off on any sort of long-distance travel until after that point. Your best bet for "success" when traveling with a baby is being flexible. There will be bumps in the road. Things may, quite literally, go to sh*t sometimes.