Roadtripping With A Baby? 5 Tips For A Stress-Free Drive
By Guest Contributor Kara Masterson
(Image: iStock)
Planning a road trip with a baby can be a lot of work! However, it is definitely well worth your efforts. If you take the time to plan and prepare in advance you can end up having a great time making a lot of memories. In order to make your journeying more enjoyable, here are a few tips to help you out.
Keep The Essentials Within Reach
A diaper explosion in a closed car with no relief can have far-reaching consequences. Don't go there. Keep the essentials handy, not in the trunk. Wipes, diapers, blankets and Binkie should ride right shotgun with you. Remember to repack these items as soon as you are finished using them. Loose items lying around in the car can become hurtling objects in a crash.
Go Minimalist
Let's face it, a car is a confined space. All the extra movers and shakers just won't fit. Basically, you need a car seat, a place for the baby to sleep, and something for transport. The stroller can do triple-time as a highchair and napper. It is also a good idea to make sure that car seat is properly installed before you leave home. Check out seatcheck.org or safercar.org for a nearby inspection station.
Change Your Mind
Not about the trip! Realize that a road trip will take longer with a baby and roll with it. Building in breaks is essential for the sanity of you and the child. Stop every two to four hours and give yourselves a change of pace. Lay the baby on a blanket and let him wiggle or crawl a bit.
Whee! An RV!
This is the perfect solution for a baby trip. RV’s can provide you with a lot of space to be able to watch and take care of your baby. However, just like in any regular car trip, safety comes first. If your RV has swivel seats and no option for forward-facing, the only safe place for baby is properly restrained on the front seat of the vehicle. The airbag MUST be switched off to use this position. Infants in rear-facing seats can never be placed in a front seat position.
Again, think small. Although the RV seems much roomier than a car, it is still a confined space. Smaller toys and a toy box are best. You also want to make sure to childproof your RV before you leave. Safety latches are great for doors and cabinets. Place all medications and cleaning products up high. Buy those little plugs for outlets.
RV Centers
Life on the road with baby can be just what the RV center ordered. Interiors of RVs are space-effective and comfortable. All the mechanical needs are as accessible as the baby swag bag. Places such as Orangewood RV Center, offer everything from bus style RVs to camper vans. You also could use something like a Pop-up. Pop-ups are lightweight and simple to manage. A Pop-up can be towed with practically any vehicle, and it sleeps an entire family easily.
Road tripping with the baby? Yes!
Kara Masterson is a freelance writer at AssignyourWriter.co.uk from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.