Road tripping is always an adventure, and when you have an (almost) 8 month old in tow… it can be it’s own type of adventure. Recently, our little family packed up the car and set off from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Tampa, Florida. It’s about a 620-mile journey, typically 9 to 10 hours, but with a baby and a dog, we knew it may take us longer. Here’s a glimpse into our trip…
Prepping for the Journey
Preparation is everything when it comes to road tripping with a baby. To get ready for our big adventure, I read a few blogs, watched a few TikToks, and studied the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines on how much time a baby should spend in a car seat. (According to the AAP, babies shouldn’t be in car seats for more than two hours at a time, as prolonged periods can lead to decreased oxygen levels and an increased risk of developing positional plagiocephaly, aka flat head syndrome.) With this knowledge, I knew we needed to plan for plenty of breaks.
We packed thoughtfully, ensuring we had everything we might need within easy reach. Here’s what our prep looked like:
- Feeding Supplies: I brought along a passive pump and a hand pump for the car — along with a few bottles and nipples. This setup was incredibly helpful during long stretches on the road. I also had frozen milk stored in a cooler, just in case.
- Comfort and Entertainment: We used a Nuby baby bib with a teether on it (I love these), which helped keep her dry from teething drool and soothed her gums. We brought some of her favorite soft toys (in the event of an accident, you don’t want sharp toys in the car). Water was a must, and we had a few straw cups ready for her. We also used window cling sunshades to keep her out of direct sunlight, and a cozy blanket to keep her warm since we kept the AC on quite cold.
- Car Seat Safety: Obviously, baby needs a safe and non-expired car seat. We used the Cybex Aton G Swivel Car Seat because it’s SO EASY to get her in and out of the seat. I love it for everyday, or for road trips.
- Changing Supplies: For diaper changes at rest areas, I packed disposable baby medical bed pads. Public changing tables are known to be pretty gross, so these were perfect for creating a clean space for her. And then you just toss them when you’re done.
- Organized Packing: I used a few totes to keep us organized. Our cooler tote was filled with snacks and pumped milk, one tote was for toys and books, and our diaper bag had all the diapering essentials. Additionally, I brought extra water for drinking, cleaning, our dog, or just to have in case we got stuck. Paper towels were also on hand for any inevitable messes. This organization meant I knew exactly where everything was and could avoid rummaging around for items.
On the Road
Our journey began early in the morning, aiming to cover as much ground as possible while our little one was still in a sleepy mood. Here’s how we managed the road trip:
- Regular Stops: Knowing the AAP guidelines, we made several stops at rest areas and travel centers. These stops were perfect for letting our baby stretch her tiny legs and our dog a chance to run around.
- Backseat Buddy: Even though our daughter is almost 8 months old, I sat in the back with her. This way, I could keep her entertained, feed her easily, and be there for her if she was upset. Plus, it made her really happy.
- Entertainment: Singing along to our favorite songs, playing peek-a-boo, and making funny faces kept the baby entertained. Her favorite stuffed toys also made the journey more comfortable.
Tips for Road Tripping with a Baby
If you’re planning a similar adventure, here are some tips to make the journey smoother:
- Plan for Extra Time: With a baby, you’ll need more breaks, so factor in additional travel time.
- Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your schedule based on your baby’s needs.
- Pack Smart: Bring along all essentials, and consider items that serve multiple purposes, like a bib with a teether.
- Keep Baby Comfortable: Comfy outfit, fuzzy blanket, and window shades can make all the difference.
- Stay Entertained: Music, games, and a positive attitude can turn even the longest stretches into fun family time.
- Ride in the Back: Sitting in the back with your baby can make the trip easier and more enjoyable for everyone.
- Changing Supplies: Make sure your supplies are easily accessible and not under other luggage.
So, all in all, the driving time for us was about 12 hours. I’m glad we broke it up a bit and I’m pretty proud of our first trip with baby. Before baby, my husband and I were all about getting to our destination as quickly as possible. We’d drive straight through, limit stops, and plan everything out to maximize efficiency. Now that we have a baby, we’ve learned to be flexible and embrace the unexpected. We may be late or get derailed, and that’s okay.
She did even better on the drive home, and now we can’t wait for our next trip with baby girl.
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