Are you afraid of a road trip with your baby? Does your baby or toddler fight to go into a car seat? Do they cry during car rides or road trips? You are not alone!
I mean, who knew that strapping a tiny human into a car seat could be akin to wrestling an octopus, right? And let’s not even get started on those meltdowns that start the moment the wheels roll. I’ve been there, and I’ve got your back.
Car rides with your baby or toddler don’t have to be a stressful ordeal. In fact, they can be (dare I say) enjoyable! So, grab your latte or that cold brew, and let’s dive into these tips to make your journey just a tad bit easier!
What are the tips for a road trip with your baby?
1. Timing is Everything
Start the journey right after a good nap or early in the morning. A well-rested bub is less likely to get grumpy in the car. And if you’re traveling during nap time, the hum of the car might just lull you into a peaceful slumber.
We find it works best to leave early morning, like 5 am, for a long road trip (8hrs to 12hrs). The kids are still sleepy. Even if they don’t fall back to sleep during the transition from bed to car, they stay calm and quiet for a couple of hours of travel. Then, when the peacefulness ends and the noise begins, it’s a great time to stop for breakfast.
We usually fail to follow the same routine on our way home from vacation. After packing, cleaning, and wishing we could just never leave the bed, we managed to check out around 9 am to 10 am — as you can imagine the car rides back home don’t go nearly as smoothly.
Every child is different. You know your kids best. Trial and error to find out the best time for your family.
2. Comfort is Key
Ensure that your car seat is comfortable. It’s their throne for the journey! Check that it’s the right size, and maybe even add some cushioning or car seat liners. Also, make sure the straps aren’t digging into their tiny shoulders.
If your car seat reclines, make sure it is at the most comfortable angle for your child. If you are going for a longer ride that he or she might nap in it, you should consider reclining the position — tilting it back a bit for comfy naps.
In the hot summer, make sure the AC works well for your precious little ones. For some cars, the AC doesn’t work that well at the back of the vehicle. Check out the Noggle car air vent extender to quickly get cool or warm air (in the winter) to your backseat passengers in the second or third-row seating of your car.
3. Try Switch to a Rotating Car Seat
Have you heard about rotating car seats? It’s a game-changer for both parents and kids. The rotating car seats can turn to face the door, making it a breeze to get your little one in and out without a fuss (or a backache on your end!). Once they’re safely in, just swivel the seat back to its rear or forward-facing position.
Pro-tip for fussy kids: When you are out shopping with your kids, once you strap your little one in the rotating car seat, leave them facing the door while you are loading the car. It is more entertaining for them to look outside than stare at the back of a seat. It really worked with our daughter who enjoys the couple extra minutes of interaction.
4. Snack Attack!
For toddlers, snacks are life (as they are for us, let’s be honest). Having a variety of bite-sized, non-messy snacks on hand is like having little pieces of gold. Some great options are freezer-dried fruits from Trader Joe’s and Made Good Crakers. Those are healthy snacks!
I know some of you might disagree with me on this. It might get your car dirty. I completely understand. We end up cleaning the car and their car seats frequently, but sometimes it is worth the sacrifice to avoid a crying baby or toddler. If they’re munching, they’re not fussing!
5. Entertainment Central
Bring a stash of their favorite toys, maybe even some new ones (ace up the sleeve). The novelty might buy you an extra 20 minutes of peace. An activity travel tray is a great idea for older kids to keep them busy during the car ride.
And don’t forget the tunes! Sing-alongs or baby lullabies can be very helpful. We would ask our 2-year-old daughter to sing for us when she gets frustrated in the car. The goal is to redirect their attention to forget about their little “issue” (typically the dropping of one of the toys we discussed above).
6. Break it Up
Long journey ahead? Break it up. Plan stops at parks or places with open spaces where they can run around. It’s like hitting the reset button for them (and for you).
Our oldest loves dogs — most rest stops are packed with puppies. I try to let her watch the dogs from a distance, making sure we keep our distance and don’t trek any doggie waste on our shoes.
7. Keep Essentials Handy
Ensure that the diaper bag with all essentials – wipes, diapers, an extra set of clothes, and maybe even a pacifier – is within arm’s reach. Because, honestly, who wants to dig around in the trunk during a meltdown? We even keep an extra smaller version of the diaper bag that just lives in the car permanently.
8. Mirror, Mirror
Invest in one of those baby mirrors that let you see your rear-facing baby. It’s comforting for them to see you, and for you to see them. Plus, you can play peek-a-boo at red lights!
9. Talk to Them
Sounds simple, but just talking to your baby or toddler can be a huge distraction. Narrate the journey, point out the big trucks, or the cows in the fields. Sometimes, just hearing mommy’s voice is all they need.
10. Stay Calm
Okay, easier said than done, especially when the wailing starts. But remember, Your emotions will impact your babies and toddlers.
If you can’t calm down yourself, it can only make their emotions worse. And if you’re calm, your little one is more likely to calm down too. In the worst case, just ignore them, sooner or later, (mostly sooner than you expected) they will stop crying. And if you do this consistently, it will only get easier and easier.
Wrapping Up
In the end, every baby and toddler is different. What works wonders for one might not do the trick for another. But hey, we’re all in this beautiful, messy journey of motherhood together. And if all else fails, just remember: this phase too shall pass. One day, you’ll be driving around with a chatty pre-schooler telling you all about their day. Until then, let’s embrace the chaos and find joy in these little moments.
Here’s to smooth rides, endless giggles, and the pure magic of watching the world through their wonder-filled eyes.
Stay fabulous and drive safe, lovely parents!
