A road trip can be a fun family holiday. Compared to flying somewhere, road tripping is less expensive and often easier. Spending time together in the car can also be great for family bonding. However, all that being said, roading tripping isn't without its challenges! You still need to get the family packed and in the car, and even though schedules may not be as tight as they would be with air travel, people are still keen to get on their way. Add a baby into the mix, and a road trip can be difficult.
So, to stay ahead of things, it's important to plan when doing a road trip with a baby. If you plan, then things should go more smoothly.
That creates the question: what should you plan for? Let's explore planning a road trip with a baby, what to consider, and what to look out for.
Plan Your Route and Know It Will Take Longer Than Expected
One big challenge when it comes to family road trips is that people get impatient. Parents may have an expectation that a trip will take a certain amount of time, and then get frustrated when delays happen due to things like babies needing a feed, change, or just a break from the car. Remember the trip is part of the holiday and it's supposed to be fun. Take your time and don't rush.
With this in mind, plan your route and plan plenty of stops. As mentioned, babies need to be fed and changed frequently, and they can get fussy if they're in a car seat for too long.
Take a look at your route and consider:
- What are the best places to stop. Are there major towns that will be more comfortable for a stop?
- Where can parents and older children use the toilet?
- Although it's possible to feed or change a baby in the car, it's easier to find a place to change the baby while on the road.
- Don't forget that you may need to stop to eat!
When planning a route, though, be sure to plan multiple possible options for stops and breaks. Babies can be unpredictable and may need a stop earlier than expected. With that in mind, the baby may be happier than expected, decide to fall asleep, or just enjoy looking out the window. If this is the case, it may be a good idea to not take a break right away and continue your journey for a bit. So stay flexible!
In summary, when planning your route, consider the following:
- Allow more time than you think you'll need.
- Plan more stops than you think you'll need.
- Be prepared to change plans.
- Remember that adults need breaks as well.
Make A List of What to Bring
When trying to get out the door, it's easy to forget things. That's why it's important to make a list of everything that needs to be packed.
When at home, you know where all the baby's things are, and you may not even think of everything you use day to day. Imagine getting to your destination and realises you forgot a favourite toy! Because of this, make a list and have your partner review it as well; a second pair of eyes can make sure nothing is forgotten.
We're not here to give you an extensive placking list, but a to make sure you bring everything you use day to day, try:
- Making a note of everything you use over a couple days. Even obvious things like the baby's crib or cot.
- Ask friends what they forgot the first time they travelled with a baby.
- Ask your partner for help.
Don't Just Pack for the Destination, Pack for the Trip
With packing in mind, remember that when you stop, you'll need supplies for the baby. Make sure the important stuff isn't buried too deep in the packing!
You probably already know the frequently used items, and you may already have an every day bag with all of these things, but make sure the following is easily accessible:
- nappies
- change mat
- wipes
- spare clothes
- feeding supplies
- hand sanitiser
What you'll need will depend on your baby, and sometimes the length of your road trip.
Plan Where You're Going To Stop Carefully
When travelling with a baby, there will be a lot of different reasons to stop and, if you're taking our advice here, you've already planned a route, plan to take plenty of time, and also have an idea of where to stop. Maybe you've even used our family facilities map to find good places that have baby change facilities. But remember, there's a lot more to planning a stop than just baby change facilities. Check the map for:
- Places to eat
- Places to stop for older children; they need a break too!
- Places for the driver to rest
- Comfortable places to feed the baby; this may be a dedicated parents or feeding room, or just a more comfortable place for feeding like a public park.
Plan all of this beforehand, don't just plan the route you're going to drive. Also don't just say "we'll stop after X amount of time," or "we'll stop in this town." Make sure the stop has the facilities you need.
Baby Road Trip Checklist
It can be difficult getting out the door with the baby while also packing the car and trying to get moving on time.
Here's a quick checklist of everything to consider before going on a road trip with a baby:
- Check your route
- Identify several possible stops
- Check stops for available family and baby change facilities
- Allow extra travel time
- Make sure changing and feeding supplies are easy to access
- Check traffic conditions before leaving
- Have backup stops in mind
And most importantly, have fun on your road trip holiday with your family! It's supposed to be a fun adventure with the family, and it may be the first big adventure for the little one. So importantly, enjoy it!