Road Trip Tips for Young Families

While traveling with kids can be a challenge, taking vacations within driving distance shouldn't become a thing of the past for your family. The following suggestions and strategies can help you make your next road trip a success.

If getting there is half the fun, then road-tripping with a young child makes your journey an adventure! While traveling with kids can be a challenge, taking vacations shouldn't become a thing of the past for your family. The following suggestions and strategies, culled from numerous car trips with my daughter and from a few wise friends, can help you make your next road trip a success.

Planning Your Trip

• If you're visiting family or friends, find out what baby equipment they have or can borrow, so you don't have to pack everything. Contact rental centers that may carry big-ticket or bulky baby items such as cribs and high chairs.
  
  
• Reserve a crib at your hotel. Many hotel cribs are smaller than standard, in order for them to fold to fit through the doorway, and may not include a baby bumper. You may be more comfortable bringing your own portable playpen or crib.
  
  
• Schedule an oil change, tune up, and other vehicle repairs/maintenance at least a week before your trip. Don't forget to check the condition of your tires.
  
  
• If you've been putting it off, now is the time to get a free child safety seat inspection. For locations and helpful safety information, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.
  
  
• Install a mirror so you can see your baby sitting in a rear-facing car seat.
  
  
• If possible, plan your trip around feeding and nap schedules. Avoid rush hour and heavy traffic times. Consider driving at night if your baby sleeps well in the car.
  
  
• Allow extra time for your trip because no doubt you'll be making more frequent stops along the way. Babies need to stretch and move about, especially after being confined in a car seat for a while. Stops will help relieve boredom and allow for more personal interaction.
  
  
• Don't get lost! Plan your route down to the last detail.