Traveling w/ baby

Cassandra - posted on 12/31/2010

I'm not sure if anyone mentioned this, but adjust his carseat straps before you leave, so he doesn't have to wear a coat or snowpants. I only have a 6 month old, but I know if we go on trips longer than a half hour, he HATES being in his snowsuit. It's bulky, and hot inside a warm car.

Vereena - posted on 12/19/2010

When I travel with my son, I but extra diapers and bottles of water in a large size bag. Then I put his formula in a large plastic container so that I can make bottles in the car while traveling. As far as diaper changes, I always stick to the Interstates, that way there are many places to pull over to change the diaper. By the way, putting a little bit of cereal into the formula helps keep baby's tummy full a little longer.

A - posted on 12/19/2010

hi dear!
u r gonna have fun...and will enjoy it..we moms just need to be little relaxed...
i have travelled by air/road/rail with my son since he was 6-8 months! the only thing that i took along with me during these trips was ..some of his favourite stuff -music (& additional possible variety)/blanket/stuff toy/book/food/drink...they r useful especially when u need a break or wanna keep ur cool!
also used to carry basic medicine and nappies and some powder/lotion to keep him comfortable...

hope its helpful :)
have great time...and wonderful trip!

Whyttney - posted on 12/18/2010

Its possible! I took a road trip with my 7month old from Ca to Tx. And he slept 75% of the time and he's not much of a sleeper! Have snacks,andToys.I don't know how your child is but I could sit back with him while he was awake because he wud want me.but this is the time when u make your child as comfortable as possible.!! Take the drive slow mommy!

Keneesha - posted on 12/07/2010

First I'll say it'll be okay. If you're taking turns driving you shouldn't have to worry about much. My son has been taking road trips since he was 2mos old and I don't know if its just how he is, but he always, even now, sleeps the whole way through. As typical with any outing you want to plan and pack for feeding and changing times. Keep baby's fav snack or toy that keeps him quiet handy. Depending on how many days you all plan on taking to drive, pack all the sensible clothes, pjs are prob best in the diaper bag, just in case. And of course keep everything in reach and to a minimum for space sake. Not sure about NC, but I'm thinking you may be going to a place where it gets cooler at this time of year than CA so check the weather and be ready to change accordingly as you get nearby.

Michelle - posted on 12/06/2010

A couple of years ago we traveled from S. Georgia to Michigan for Christmas. We thought that we'd travel at night while our 3 year old slept in her carseat. Boy were we wrong! LOL. She cried all night to get out making a 14 hour trip 18 hours. Needless to say, we drove home during the day and she slept the whole way home! LOL

Ashley - posted on 12/06/2010

THat's all very helpful! thank-you!
I forgot to mention that my husband has to check in w/ his unit,so we have a limited time to get there, but not so limited that we can't make extra stops. I wish we were doing this in wamrer weather so we could stop for pic-nics!

Laura - posted on 12/06/2010

The best advice I can give is to take frequent breaks by stopping every hour and a half to two hours. Get out and walk around a bit, both of you. Don't rush the breaks either; use the time to take little walks, get a snack or meal, or let your son play if there is playground equipment nearby. Yes, all of this adds time to travelling, but the activity at rest stops will help your sanity in the long run! Time in the car gets boring, especially for an 11 month old, so build in the time for activities into your overall schedule. Mapquest or Google maps can help you plan out your route, including family-friendly places to stop along the way.

You might even consider stopping at some tourist sites along the way! These don't have to cost any money either--there are plenty of monuments and attractions that are free. You can build longer stops at these places into your schedule as well.

Finally, perspective can make a world of difference in one's attitude about things: You and your child are going on an adventure! Don't view this as a burdensome chore that needs to be tackled; view this as an opportunity to see some neat parts of our country as you adventure across this great land of ours! Understand that some travel days will be better than others, but the overall trip can be quite fun if you choose to view it that way. Hope this helps and safe travels!