With some parents feeling scared or anxious about driving with their baby in the car, the thought of a road trip can be extremely daunting for some however, many parents have clearly risen above this initial fear. It is estimated parents drive an average of 27,000 miles just driving their kids around. Whilst this statistic includes driving teens, most parents become content with driving their babies and younger children around in the long-run.
But if you are still feeling a little apprehensive about a long drive with your baby, it’s totally normal! Every parent moves at their own pace and it’s no secret that accidents do happen on the roads. So if you’re looking for some top tips and extra reassurance for hitting the road with a little one, here are some important pointers to take on board!
Make sure you have enough space
Especially for long journeys that require hours, if not days, of driving, being comfortable and having the right amount of space is essential for both you and your baby. You’ll likely have luggage with you so make sure to pack efficiently instead of just throwing everything in at the last minute.
And, where your baby is concerned, you’ll probably have a plethora of diapers, wipes and changes of clothes that need space too – not to mention the car seat! The most obvious solution for this would be to invest in a large, family-friendly vehicle like the Dodge Journey which is ideal for long road trips.
But, if your current finances won’t stretch to a new car, make sure to take whatever space you have and don’t over-pack, as being uncomfortable and cramped for hours on end won’t be good for your baby (or you!).
Take snacks
There’s nothing worse than a hungry child screaming in the backseat when you’ve got no food in the car (especially when you can’t just turn up the Saker Racing car speakers and drown them out!). And, as the driver, it’s vital that you keep your energy levels up as you don’t want to feel lethargic behind the wheel for safety reasons.
Make sure to pack plenty of snack options for both yourself and your child. If your child is too young to eat solid foods, ensure you have plenty of pre-prepared bottles ready to go as the last thing you want is to make your baby uncomfortably hungry just because you didn’t plan ahead.
Bring toys or blankets
Being stuck in a car for hours on end is likely to be somewhat distressing for your baby no matter how much you plan ahead. But, if you bring some of their favourite cuddly toys or soft blankets along, this will create a sense of familiarity for them and will likely calm them down if a tantrum arises.
Road trips can be stressful at the best of times, especially if you have a baby on board and have never driven long distances with them in the car before. But as long as you plan ahead and ensure everyone is as comfortable as possible, your journey won’t seem half as daunting!
