How To Prepare For A Long Journey With Your Baby

Long journeys can be complex at the best of times. However, when you have a baby in the family, careful preparation is invariably necessary. Keeping your little one safe, comfortable and entertained during long car rides and flights can be tricky - babies are notoriously unpredictable, and a meltdown could be seconds away at any point. That said, preparing for every eventuality will give you the upper hand. Here is an essential guide to preparing for long journeys with your baby. 

Plan Your Route

To plan a successful journey with a baby or young child, you must consider various factors, such as the time of day you will be travelling, the distance you need to cover, and the potential stops you can make along the way. For example, it may be worth adjusting your route to include plenty of facilities, such as gas stations, toilets, cafés and rest areas. It may also be worth checking the traffic report shortly before your departure - if there are any delays, you can adapt your route accordingly. 

Pack Your Changing Bag

A well-packed changing bag is essential to any family journey or outing. Ensure your baby’s changing bag is well stocked with all of the essentials, including diapers, wipes, creams, snacks and medication. Opt for a lightweight, ergonomically-designed changing bag with various pockets and compartments for your travel necessities. You may also want to pack several changes of clothes so you can keep your little one clean and dry without having to rifle through your suitcases. 

Ensure Your Baby Is Comfortable

A cranky baby is one surefire way to ruin a pleasant journey for the whole family. Before you set off, ensure your little one is fed, hydrated and dressed in comfortable, breathable clothing. Ensure your baby’s car seat straps are snug but not overly tight. Furthermore, if the weather is cold, avoid dressing your baby in bulky clothing, as car seat guidelines fervently warn against children wearing coats in car seats. Instead, keep them warm with blankets placed over the top of the car seat restraints. 

Bring Snacks

It is always wise to bring plenty of snacks to keep the whole family going throughout a long journey, particularly if your route involves significant distances between rest stops where you can purchase food. Pack a picnic basket or cool box with a selection of snacks to keep everybody satisfied between meals, including baby-appropriate snacks for your littlest family members. If your baby is still very young, it may be advisable to pump milk or prepare formula before you go so that you have enough for the journey.

Invest In A High-Quality Travel Stroller

Not all strollers are suitable for travel. Some models are heavy, bulky and difficult to stow on public transport. If you enjoy travelling as a family, it is definitely worth investing in a high-quality travel stroller, such as the Ergobaby Metro+ Compact City Stroller. Buggies such as this one are designed specifically for everyday convenience with innovative features to make family travel a breeze. Select a lightweight, compact model that can quickly and easily fold to fit in car boots and aeroplane overhead storage compartments.

Bring Entertainment

Car rides can be fascinating for babies and toddlers; however, longjourneys can quickly become tedious. Keep your little ones occupied by packing books, toys and puzzles. Even if you’re eager to limit screen time, allowing your kids a little longer to play games on their tablets may help to pass the time. You may even be fortunate enough to own a state-of-the-art family vehicle with a built-in entertainment system, in which case, you can play your kids’ favourite TV shows and movies. 

Take Regular Breaks

Travelling can be exhausting and overwhelming for young children. Be patient and avoid driving for extended periods without stopping. Your baby needs to stretch their little legs as regularly as you do yours, so take advantage of rest stops whenever possible. Find safe locations for your little one to crawl around and explore - with any luck, they’ll wear themselves out just in time to nap for the next leg of the journey. Furthermore, ensure you plan plenty of restroom breaks for diaper changes to keep your little one clean, dry and comfortable.