Road Trip! Tips for Traveling | Sarah Healy Baby Sleep Expert

 

Planning a trip with baby in tow is not the same as the spontaneous road trips of the past.⁠ It takes preparation, planning and a fair bit of flexibility.⁠

Below are some hot tips for planning and preparing for a road trip that includes ENJOYMENT!⁠ ⁠

With many of my clients taking trips, I thought it might be helpful to give you a list of reminders for your trip!⁠ ⁠

~Try to schedule a long drive during your baby’s nap time. ⁠ If you can get an hour on the road with an awake baby, and then have them soothe to sleep for a nap, that might buy you some mileage while baby sleeps!⁠ ⁠ 

~Don't overdo it. If the drive is longer than 4-5 hours, it might be best to split the travel day into two days. ⁠ ⁠

~If your baby bottle feeds, this allows for feeds on the go with less stops.⁠ ⁠

~Get in the backseat for playtime. Bring a few new toys and activities to entertain with.⁠ ⁠

~Plan to make stops every 1-2 hours for feeds, diaper changes and fresh air.⁠ ⁠ ~Keep an eye on traffic patterns and plan your drive around them. If this means an evening drive, that is fine. Be sure to put your baby in their pajamas for the final leg of the drive so that when you land at your destination, all that needs to happen is a quick transfer to the travel crib.⁠ ⁠

~ Listen to good music! Happy parents make a happy baby so enjoy yourself with your favorite artists.⁠ ⁠ Above all, enjoy the drive. Figure in that it may take twice as long as it normally would so set your expectations on that and be willing to pivot and change the plan if needed.⁠ ⁠