Packing For A Road Trip With Infants & Toddlers

Packing For A Road Trip With Infants

When taking an infant along on a road trip, there are many things to consider. Prepared parents will have a smoother trip, and a much happier baby.

First off, try to plan the trip during baby’s normal nap time. If you’re lucky, your little bundle will peacefully sleep the trip away and arrive at Grandma’s well rested and ready to play.

The most important thing you will have with you when you travel with your infant is your diaper bag. Before your trip, stock the diaper bag with diapers, wipes, several changes of baby clothes, baby’s favorite blanket, snacks for both you and baby, and several of your baby’s favorite toys.

Don’t forget to pack bottled water, formula and bottles, if your baby uses them. For extended travel, the plastic, disposable bottle inserts are probably best. You can throw them away and don’t have to worry about washing or sterilizing bottles.

For the breastfeeding baby, you’ll need a medium sized blanket for nursing rest stops, extra breast pads for mom, and your portable breast pump, if you use one. If baby uses a pacifier, be sure to bring an extra or two  

Think ahead to your destination. If there is a significant temperature difference, be sure to include clothes appropriate to the area.

A baby sling or other wearable baby carrier is essential when traveling.  Baby may feel insecure or afraid in unfamiliar surroundings. Wearing your baby will allow you to carry and still have your hands free for other things. A baby sling can also double as a nursing blanket or comfortable place for baby to nap.

Be sure never to wear your baby while driving in the car. Every baby should be strapped safely into an approved car seat while traveling.

If you baby is taking solids, be sure to pack some of their favorite easy to eat snacks. Crackers, dry cereal, and soft fruits work best.

With a little planning, you and baby can arrive at your destination with a minimum of stress.

Packing For a Road Trip With Toddlers

Going on a road trip with toddlers can be stressful, but if you think ahead and anticipate what you will need you and your child can have more fun and arrive at your destination calm and relaxed. If you don’t have what you need, it will make the trip a lot harder on both of you.

Keep things you will need while driving in a centralized location. Usually, bringing your diaper bag and placing it in the passenger’s seat or on the floor between the front seats is a good idea.

Pack the diaper bag with all the necessities: diapers for the trip, wipes, your child’s favorite blanket, toddler safe snacks, water, non-spill cup and toys.  In the trunk, be sure to pack several full changes of clothes for your child and a change of shirt for yourself.

Be choosy when packing for the long car ride.  Only take your child’s favorite toys and favorite books. If you are unsure what to bring, tell your child to go pick the toys they want to take with. 

Weather is always a key factor in planning for your trip. Be sure to check the weather forecast for area you are traveling to, bring clothes that will match the temperature and keep your toddler comfortable. Also, if your toddler is breastfeeding, remember to bring a blanket or cover up, for privacy.

Choose car snacks carefully. As you pack your food, consider what will be easy and least messy.  Sliced soft vegetables and fruits make for a great healthy snack.  Crackers and dry breakfast cereal work well. They are easy to eat and easy to clean up.

Remember to cut your child’s snacks into small pieces to prevent choking.   

A little planning goes a long way to making road trips with your toddler fun.

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