If you think road travel with your baby is impossible, let us jog your memory really quick. Think about those long car rides you took with your parents as a child just to go to your nana-nani’s place every. single. year. Your parents have done it before you. It’s challenging, yes; but totally doable!
As a parent myself who has taken their child on 8-hours-long road trips to see their grandparents more times than we can count, even before their first birthday, we can assure you it’s totally doable. Just the first (and the second and third) trip will be a little hard.
Deciding what to pack on the other hand… now that’s intimidating. What if you forget to pack that toy your little one really likes and they make you go nuts for it the entire ride. Don’t worry, we’re here for you and we’re rooting for your success.
Here are five road trip baby essentials that will make your road trip smooth, convenient, and most importantly, safe.
1. Baby Feeding Essentials
Be sure to pack all the necessary feeding essentials to keep your baby happy and full throughout the journey. Remember, a well-fed baby is a happy baby (a well-fed baby also sleeps a lot, less anxiety for you and longer trips without stops)! And also, remember this too, a hungry baby can ruin the fun road trip in minutes. Some feeding essentials:
• Formula, bottles, cleaner brush
• Burp bags (God, we used up a lot of them we first introduced our baby to solids! So, pack lots of them)
• Breast pump (if needed)
• Pacifiers
2. Diapering Station for Your Baby
To make diaper changes a breeze, create a dedicated diapering station within your vehicle. Keep it organized with all the essentials you’ll need for diapering emergencies. Keep these things handy:
• Several diapers!
• Snuggy anti-bacterial wet wipes
• Changing pads (We can’t express how grateful we’re for changing pads. A poop-dirty car is stuff of our worst nightmares.)
• Rash cream
• Trash bags (Pack multiple rolls!)
• Hand sanitizer
3. Travel Emergency Kit for Baby
No baby essentials kit is complete without a travel emergency kit. Safety always comes first when you’re traveling with your baby. A well-stocked travel emergency kit can save the day in unforeseen circumstances. Prepare a kit that includes essential items such as:
• Thermometer
• Baby-safe bandages
• Antiseptic wipes
• Baby-safe antiseptic ointment
• Baby-safe pain reliever
• Dropper
• Any prescribed medications
4. Baby Clothing Essentials
The key here is to pick clothing for every weather you may encounter along the way. This is how the clothing essentials go:
• 2-3 outfits a day (or more, who knows?)
• Sun hats and sunglasses
• Long sleeved shirts and pants made from UV protected fabrics (Search it up, these UV protected clothes can be a lifesaver.)
• Sweaters and lightweight jackets
• Socks and shoes
• Umbrella
• Swaddles and blankets
5. Car Seat Organizer
An essential to store other newborn baby essential items within arm’s reach. How do you just create a station for diapers!? Car seat organizers! These organizers typically come with multiple compartments and pockets, making it easy to store diapers, wipes, bottles, toys, and other necessities without making a clutter.
8 Baby Essentials for Road Trips
As we mentioned before, the list of essentials can go on and on. But you can’t miss these on a road trip either:
- Baby car seat (Don’t even bother planning a long road trip without these)
- Sunshades for car windows
- Baby safety mirror to see baby
- Baby carrier
- Ziploc bags (for dirty clothes)
- Snacks (Pro tip: Don’t introduce a new food during the road trip, trust us on this one)
- Baby’s favourite toys or books for entertainment
- A great attitude and tons of patience
That’s a wrap! One final piece of advice before we part: Start small. Start with smaller trips and work your way up to longer trips and baby outings so that your baby can gradually get used to travelling. A long trip for your baby’s first trip (or second or third for that matter) can deeply scare them of cars and travelling.
That’s it. Bon voyage and have a fantastic time on your road trip adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a kid bring on a road trip?
Here are a few key items you should bring to a road trip with your kids:
- Entertainment: Bring their favourite toys, books, games, or electronic devices to keep them occupied and entertained.
- Comfort items: If your child has a special blanket, stuffed animal, or pillow they rely on for comfort, be sure to bring it along.
- Extra clothing: Pack extra clothing in case of spills, accidents, or changes in weather.
- Snacks and drinks: Pack a variety of healthy snacks and drinks to keep them fuelled and satisfied during the journey.
- Personal hygiene items: Don’t forget to include toothbrushes, toothpaste, and any other personal hygiene items your child needs.
How do you occupy kids on a road trip?
Here are a few strategies to keep kids occupied and entertained on a road trip:
- Play interactive games: Engage in classic car games like “I Spy,” word follow up, counting cows, etc.
- Play travel-friendly games: Pack small, portable games like travel-sized board games or card games such as UNO.
- Create a travel activity kit: Prepare a special activity kit with colouring books, stickers, markers, and puzzles to keep them engaged.
- Plan rest stops and sightseeing: Break up the trip by planning stops at interesting locations or landmarks along the way, allowing kids to stretch their legs and explore.
What are the safety tips for traveling with children?
When traveling with children, prioritize their safety with these tips:
- Use appropriate car seats or booster seats for young children based on their age, height, and weight.
- Ensure everyone in the vehicle is securely fastened with seat belts or appropriate restraints.
- Plan rest stops to allow children to stretch, use the restroom, and prevent fatigue.
- Pack a travel emergency kit with essential items like a first aid kit, medications, and emergency contact information.
- Never leave children unattended in a vehicle, especially in hot weather conditions.
How do I keep my child happy on a road trip?
Keeping your child happy during a road trip is important for a smooth journey. Here are some tips:
- Let them help choose destinations or activities along the route to build excitement.
- Bring their favourite toys, books, or comfort items to create a sense of familiarity.
- Take breaks at interesting places or scenic spots for them to explore and enjoy.
- Engage in fun and interactive car games or sing-alongs to make the trip more enjoyable.
