Helpful Tips for Going on a Road Trip With Your Baby

Whether your going out for a quick shopping trip, weekend vacation, or on a long drive with your baby it’s good to be prepared. Here are some helpful tips for going on a roadtrip with your baby.

Like many new moms, I was afraid to drive anywhere with my newborn baby, especially alone. She would scream and cry as soon as we put her in the car seat making driving even more stressful.

When she was about 3 months old I felt more comfortable taking her out to eat with friends and family, going to Target, and getting out of the house with her for short trips. The older she was the more comfortable I felt driving and going out with her. 

Just before out daughters first birthday we moved to Texas.

We drove from Los Angeles, CA. all the way to Houston, TX. with our baby and our cat. It is a 24-hour drive so we split it up between 3 days and 2 nights. I used the Roadtrippers app to decide which hotels to stay at on the way there.

The road trip wasn’t perfect but by preparing for our road trip ahead of time we avoided a lot of stress and meltdowns.

We visited my cousin lives about 5 hours away several times before our daughter turned 2.

The first time I drove my daughter to Dallas she was almost 1 year old. She would throw things and yell when she wanted something. (normal toddler behavior) We had to make more stops than expected and ended up staying an extra night because didn’t want to make that long drive the next morning. 

Road trips are suppose to be fun but they can be stressful and exhausting with a baby. After our many road trips I want to share some of the helpful baby road trip tips we learned along the way.

Tip #1: Road Trip Packing List

The most important tip for traveling with your baby is to pack everything you might need and more.

Breastfeeding moms will have a different packing list than bottle-feeding moms. Infants will need different things than newborn babies. 

Make a list of items you use every day and items you might need in an emergency. 

Here are the baby road trip essentials to pack:

• Cooler with ice or ice packs
• Food, Breastmilk, or Formula (depending on baby)
• Bottles or Sippy Cup (depending on baby)
• Water
• White Noise Machine
• Pack n Play
• Carrier/ Wrap
• Stroller
• Spoon
• Bib
• Bathtub
• Baby shampoo/ body wash
• Extra Diapers and Wipes
• Burp Cloths-depending on your baby’s age.
• Teething Toys
• Toys
• PJs
• Extra Clothes- especially for newborns!
• Bathing suit, floaty, and sunscreen-if your going somewhere hot.
• Jacket-if you’re going somewhere cold.
• Swaddle, lovey, or blanket
• Pacifier (optional)
• Socks
• Shoes-For walking babies
• Baby First-Aid Kit-baby thermometer, bandaids, snot sucker, etc…
• Car Seat Mirror 
• Sun Shade

 

Your road trip packing list will change depending on the age and needs of your baby.

Tip #2: Prepare Your Route

Before you go on a long road trip you need to plan your route. I used the FREE roadtrippers app to plan our road trips. You can add stops like gas stations, restaurants, and landmarks to your route and find out the distance and directions to each stop.

Tip #3: Check The Weather

You will need to pack different items depending on the weather and your road trip destination. You may even need to plan a different route if the weather is bad.

When we drove home from Dallas we were glad we watched the news that morning because we found out there was heavy rain and the streets were flooded on our way home. We decided to take a different route to avoid traffic and flooded streets.

The alternate route we took was beautiful, we even stopped to see the Magnolia Market Silos from Fixer Upper, and completely avoided the storm.

Tip #4: Leave at the right time

Try to plan your road trip around your baby’s current eat, play, sleep schedule.

My daughter usually wakes up around 8 am and takes her first nap by 10 am. We left right after my she finished eating breakfast so that she was full and happy. She took her naps on the way there. 

If you’re going on a long distance road trip I suggest leaving after breakfast. If you have a short trip I suggest leaving after the first nap.

Always change your baby’s diaper right before leaving the house and at each rest stop so you don’t have to make even more stops along the way.

Tip #5: Plan Meals

You will need to pack food and snacks if your baby has started eating solids. My daughter loves to eat so I brought many snacks. I thought we were going to get to the hotel much soon than we did so I didn’t have enough food.

Nothing is worse than a hungry baby on a long road trip. She was crying as we got closer to dinner time. I felt terrible because she ate fruit for dinner that night. (mom guilt) 

Before driving back we went to the local grocery store and stocked up on her favorites for the drive home.

Baby Road Trip Food and Snack Ideas:

• Sandwiches
• Banana
• Cheerios (I get organic Toasted O’s from HEB)
• Organic Baby Food Pouches– Great for travel! I like the trader Joes fruit crushers, Once Upon A Farm, and Kirkland brand from Costco.
• Chips
• Freeze-Dried Fruit
• Banana Muffins

Tip #6: Entertainment

Bring enough entertainment to keep your baby from meltdown central. 

You can make a baby playlist on any music app on your phone or tablet ahead of time. I like the Baby Shark & More Kids Songs Playlist on Spotify and Apple Music. If you find a playlist you like download it to your phone so you don’t need to be connected to wifi to play it. You can also use the radio or just sing to your baby.

Bring old toys for comfort and new toys for fun. Toys that move, make noise, or light up may keep your baby entertained longer.

If you’re traveling with someone else, one of you should sit next to your baby to play with her and calm her down when she is upset. 

Tip #7: Take Pictures

Chances are your baby won’t remember going on a roadtrip. Take pictures and videos at stops and landmarks. Your baby will appreciate it later on and they make great instagram photos! 

Tip #8: Be Patient

Don’t forget your baby isn’t use to sitting in a car all day and relies on you for everything. Try to stick to your baby’s current eat, sleep, play schedule but don’t fret if your baby eats or sleeps a little later than usual. You can always get back to your normal routine when you get home.

You will need to stop for diaper changes, feedings, and meltdowns.

It is more important that you get to your destination safe than fast. Road trips will take longer with babies but they are also a great way to bond with your baby and make memories that will last forever!

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