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.
Related Links
- Article: Invite Grandma: The Benefits of Multigenerational Travel
- Advice: Managing Toddler Car Sickness
- Slideshow: How New Airport Security Rules Affect Flying with Your Baby
- Quiz: Test Your Family Vacation Destination IQ
- Poll: Would you travel through Europe with a baby in tow?
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