Having a baby and surviving plenty of time in the car with an infant go hand-in-hand. During the first year of your little one’s life you’ll be driving to and from the doctor’s office at least six times; that doesn’t include any other must-do outings or long trips out of town. Here are some tips on surviving car rides with baby.
Plan ahead: Nothing is worse than leaving the house when your child is hungry or too energetic to sit still. This will only lead to crying fits that cause a driving parent to become anxious and stressed. Plan travel times to coincide with naptime or bedtime for a smoother ride.
Pack for every situation: While it used to be easy to go from place to place with a minimal amount of items, having a baby on board turns the minimalist into the over-packing specialist. Whether it’s a short trip or long journey, be sure to bring everything you and baby need. Pre-made bottles, diapers, a pacifier, a change of clothes and a favorite toy are always a must when baby leaves the house. So make sure that diaper bag is stocked for every situation.
Keep baby company: Sitting in the backseat alone is no fun. Have an adult or older sibling sit in back with baby. Keep her company with toys, books and games of peek-a-boo. The extra interaction will keep baby content for longer spurts of times and will make the time pass more quickly.
Go with the flow: If there’s one thing having a baby will teach you it’s to learn to go with the flow. Every day is different when you have a child, so be flexible. A typical one-hour car drive may turn into one that lasts two hours, but don’t get discouraged. Stop when you need to stop. You will get to your destination eventually.
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