Baby's First Road Trip

A car ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles used to be fun and exciting when it was just you and your traveling companion, your favorite music blaring from your tape deck or CD player, and the wind in your face as you headed down the 5 Freeway with your convertible top down.

Now that you have a baby on board, those carefree days are long gone. However, you can still enjoy the classic road trip. All it takes is a little planning to ensure your tiny passenger’s comfort and safety.

Here are some helpful suggestions—many taken from Elizabeth Pantley’s book Gentle Baby Care—to make a long car ride a pleasure for all.

  • If your baby generally sleeps in the car, try to travel during his nap time or bedtime. If you can’t travel then, leave as soon as your little one awakens so he is in a pleasant mood. 
  • Little ones need to move and explore, so schedule opportunities for short breaks during the trip.  It may take longer, but you all will be much happier.
  • Speaking of “taking longer,” figure in time for unexpected delays, including diaper and wardrobe changes.
  • Bring items that will make your little one more comfortable and safer: window shades to protect your baby from the sun and create a darker, nap-inducing atmosphere; a cooler filled with cold drinks; snacks for your baby, as well as for you and your traveling companions; books and soft toys; familiar cuddly items, such as blankets; and a flashlight or two.
  • Use a rear-view baby mirror to observe your baby easily from the front seat.
  • Hang ribbon or yarn from the car’s ceiling, or string it from one side of the car to the other. Attach some toys or other interesting things to it. Change the hanging toys every so often to keep your baby interested. But be careful not to obstruct the driver’s view!
  • Tape brightly colored pictures on the back of the seat that your baby will be facing.  If you are visiting people your baby has not yet met, tape their pictures to the back seat so she will become accustomed to their faces.
  • If no one will be sitting next to your baby, and if she is old enough to reach for toys, set an upside-down box next to the car seat with a shallow box or a tray with ledges on top of it. Fill it with toys he can reach on his own.
  • If someone is sitting next to the baby, provide that passenger with a variety of items with which to entertain the little one: books, as well as cloth napkins and string that can easily be made into puppets and simple dolls. 
  •  Play quiet music and adult books on tape. They are nice for you, and they might also be calming for the baby.
  • Take frequent breaks and stop when needed—that is, when your baby is fussy.  It can be very distracting to drive while he is crying and in distress. 
  •  Pull over to nurse your child. Refrain from doing so while the car is in motion.
  • Never leave a baby in the car alone—even for a few minutes.
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