Tips for Traveling by Car with an Infant
Smokey Nielsen, Early Childhood Educator

As with almost everything else connected with babies, the key to success is preparation. With a little planning your first road trip with baby can be a great bonding time for the whole family!

The best advice to follow is that as long as baby is sleeping – just keep driving and don’t stop unless you have to.

Never take the baby out of his car seat when the car is moving. It is illegal and very dangerous. If your baby is so upset that you feel he needs to come out of his seat, pull off  the road to a safe place first.

Some babies do not like to ride in the dark. If the baby is awake and you are driving in the dark, consider turning on the backseat map light if there is one, or have a small flashlight that can be on near them.

When baby is awake consider having one parent sit in the back seat as the baby can get lonely not being able to see you.

General Staples to Have in the Car:

• Wipes available to clean up sticky fingers.
• A few small bags for garbage that can be thrown away whenever you stop.
• A well stocked emergency kit.
• Diapers.
• A handy change of clothing to avoid having to get suitcases out.
• A mirror mounted on the back seat will let you see your infant while driving your car. Baby can also look at himself while riding in his rear-facing car seat and get a glimpse of you too. Back seat mirrors are available on Amazon.
• Babies don't like the sun in their face any more than we do. Use either a wide brimmed hat or block the sun with a car window shade.

Traveling with an infant you will need things for quiet times and awake times.

For quiet times:

• CD with lullabies,
• Blanket from the baby’s crib for comfort and warmth,
• A lovey (usually a special blanket or stuffed animal),
• A pacifier, if baby uses one.

Awake times:
 
Eating:

• Bibs
• Bottles with plastic inserts so you can reuse the bottle and just change the nipple. You might consider purchasing an AC adapter for the car so you can use a bottle warmer.
• Sippy cup with water if the baby is old enough to use one.

For Play time:

• Board books that are bright colored and have different textures that your baby can touch. You don’t have to read all the words in the book but your baby will enjoy hearing your voice as you point out objects in the book. Books with lift the flaps are also exciting for the baby.

• Keep some bubbles in a non-spill container, and blow for baby as they are very calming.

• A mirror that has lights, music and activities to keep your baby entertained.

• Play Peek-a-Boo. Hide behind a book or blanket and pop out while squealing “Peek-a-Boo” and watch your baby’s delight. Then cover baby’s eyes for a moment and let her pop out to see you!

• Sing simple songs where you and baby can do some arm and leg motions.

• Play a CD of children songs and sing along.

• Play “where is your nose?” An older baby can practice learning all the parts of their body.

• Puppets! Have a puppet “talk” to your baby. Let the puppet nibble her toes, and hand her things.

      
      
* Link toys to keep the baby busy in the car. They can easily attach to the car seat so they won’t keep getting lost.

Remember to stop often when your baby is awake and walk around talking to them about the new things you are seeing. If possible give them some time on a blanket so they can move around freely.

There is no getting around it–trips with baby do take longer. By planning and being prepared for more stops and longer stops, traveling with a baby can be a special bonding time and a calming joy for all!

Additional Resources:

www.essortment.com/family/parentingtipsa_sfmr.htm

www.momsminivan.com/babies.html

Smokey Nielsen
Early Childhood Teacher