Road trips are a fun experience for any family. They allow you to see new sights and grow closer as a family. But if your baby is only a few months old it would be a good thing to postpone it for a few months. For babies who are a year old or older though, then road trips should be fine. Just as long as you come prepared. Remember that babies, even the older ones are still very fragile. So you will need to make sure that you are equipped with the right equipment, Here are 7 things your baby will need on a road trip.
- Diaper bag
If you are going to go on a road trip with a baby, you should be as prepared as possible. Remember that babies are very high maintenance, and they will cry, throw up or poop without any hesitation. So if you are adamant about bringing your little one on a road trip then you should bring a reliable diaper bag and fill it up with a large number of diapers, wet wipes, and extra clothes. Road trips usually last for days, and there will be times where there are no convenience stores or gasoline stations around the area. So you should always pack up as if you are expecting an emergency.
- Car seat
The best way to keep your little one safe is to invest in a good-quality car seat. These seats are designed to keep your child safe in the car. There are many types of car seats and they have key features for various situations and age range. For infants, the best choice would most likely be the infant car seat, they are designed to accommodate the size and needs of an infant. If you want more versatility, you could try the 3 in 1 car seat. It has multiple functions and can adapt to children of various sizes and age ranges. Ensure you’re buying a quality seat by sticking to known retailers like BuggyBaby, the car seat is an essential piece of equipment for a baby and shouldn’t be a money saving purchase. Overall there are many types of car seats and if you are going to purchase a car seat you should know what you are looking for.
- Blanket
The blanket may seem like a common enough item but it is very multi-faceted and necessary for babies. Blankets can provide cover from the sun if the rays get too glaring. They are also great protection against the cold and wind during the road trip. Most blankets also provide a great cushion for sleeping babies and can be a source of comfort during long drives.
- Stroller
There will be times where your little one will get agitated during the trip. This is a normal occurrence. This just means that the baby is restless and wants to stretch his or her legs. This is where a stroller comes in handy. For trips such as these, it is best that you bring a lightweight stroller because it is easier to pack and carry around. Just make sure that your stroller has the key features for safety. These features include a tough and solid frame. It should also have a trustworthy brake that can be controlled manually. Overall strollers are a necessity during road trips.
- A Mini fridge or cooler full of baby food
As it was said earlier, the road trip could take some time. There will be times where convenience stores will be scarce. So you will need to survive on the supplies you brought with you. But seeing as the little one cannot eat solid food yet and their food needs to be preserved you should really bring a mini-fridge or at least a cooler with you. Of course, Mom could nurse the baby herself. But for older babies, it is best to bring a large supply of baby food. When it comes to going on a road trip with a baby, it always pays to be prepared.
- Pee pads and diaper cover
Although you bring diapers with you, there will be times where the pee or poop will seep through the diaper. So if you don’t want the car seat and the rest of the car to start smelling like pee or poop, you should take necessary precautions. One highly effective way is to use pee pads and diaper covers. Pee pads should be installed on top of the car seat. That way should the baby urinate or poop, it won’t stain or drench the car seat. The diaper cover will add a second layer of protection as well. This may seem like a great deal of work just to keep the car seat clean, but remember that you will be driving for hours on end. You won’t have the opportunity or the equipment to clean and dry the car seat. So taking the extra precaution will save your road trip from being ruined by bad smells.
- Baby toys
Babies can be tricky to entertain. They can’t talk or tell you what they need. This can prove difficult during the road trip. So it is imperative that you bring baby toys to keep the little one happy. This does not mean that you should bring the whole toy box with you. A small bag of toys will surely be enough to keep the baby entertained. Avoid bringing toys with too many components. Instead, it is better that you bring rubber toys or stuffed toys. Rubber toys are a great choice because they are soft and do not have hard edges. This makes them perfect for teething. Just make sure that they are not so small that they become choking hazards. Stuffed toys are also great for the baby because they are soft and can be very comforting for the baby to hold onto.
Conclusion
Taking a baby on a road trip can be a struggle at first. But with these essentials, you can be confident that your little one will be safe and happy throughout the trip.
