Car Safety Tips When Travelling with a Newborn

Being parents to a newborn is exhausting and most of the time you spend worrying about their safety and wellbeing. This is one of the reasons parents often decide not to travel with their child even though they could use some vacation or want to visit the grandparents. However, traveling with a newborn doesn’t have to be as stressful as parents believe.

With some preparations beforehand, you and your newborn will be able to travel wherever you want. To help with that, here are some car safety tips that will ease your mind and get you to your destination safely.

 

• Prepare a first aid kit

 

While carrying a first aid kit in the car is a requirement, you can add some of the things you may need for your newborn. Pack doctor approved medicines for stomachache, fever, teething, and rash, as well as bandages and antibiotic cream if they scratch themselves. Also, pack cotton balls to clean nose and ears, baby thermometer, comb, nail clippers, medicine dropper, and nasal aspirator.     

 

• Keep your baby entertained

 

If you want to keep your baby happy you will have to think about entertainment in order to avoid crying fits. This will remove stress from the equation for both you and the baby so you can enjoy a safe ride to your destination. Make sure to pack their favorite toys and even seat in the back for a while until they fall asleep.

Reading a book to your baby will calm them down, but you may consider to put on some music as well. Remember to have the same technique with toys as you do at home and that is not to give them all at once to your baby so they don’t get bored fast. Also, a portable DVD player is a nice solution to keep them occupied with their favorite cartoon or videos.

 

• Apply sunscreen

 

While car windows already have a sun protective coating, you should still take some precautions, especially if you intend to open a window. A sunscreen with the highest SPF will keep your newborn’s skin safe from the damaging UV radiation even when you make stops and go outside.

Always carry a baby hat and a parasol with you in case you travel during hot and sunny days. Additionally, when buying a car sun shade, make sure that is suitable against UVA rays since the car window only blocks UVB.

 

• Prepare the car

 

Every time you are about to go on a long ride with your child, make sure that your car is well prepared for the trip. First of all, take it to the mechanic to check if everything is working properly and to do any necessary repairs. Make sure that a spare tire is in good condition and ready to serve as a replacement in case of a flat.

Also, join a roadside assistance club you can call in case of emergency to provide on the road repairs, tows and deliver fuel. Depending on the membership plan, you will have access to a wide array of services that will keep you safe and well taken care of while traveling.

 

• Pack wisely

 

While you will pack the usual baby things like wipes and diapers, there may be some other items you will need. Pack a lovey, change of clothes and disposal bags which are a great way to store dirty diapers until you make a stop with a trash container. Bring a portable fridge so the food wouldn’t spoil and don’t forget to pack enough water to drink as well as for washing.

Buy a portable bottle warmer which a really useful device to have during the long trips which will keep your feeding schedules in check. Just like your baby, you also need sustenance so pack some fresh fruits and snacks for you as well.

 

• Use a baby car seat

 

The baby car seat is an item you should always use for your newborn, even when you drive to the local grocery store.  They are made to keep your baby safe and comfortable during the ride and some can easily fit on the stroller so you won’t have to carry a lot of equipment with you. Before you place the baby car seat in the vehicle make sure you memorised handy car seat safety tips, such as, baby seat must always go on the back seat facing the rear. Also, in order to make your child cozier, install shades on the windows to protect them from the sun.

 

• Plan regular car stops

 

Everyone needs to stretch their legs during the car ride and your baby could use getting out of the car seat as well. Therefore, plan regular stops so you can rest from the drive and make sure that your child is dry. The best way to go about this is to plan the stops according to the baby feeding time which will make it easier to organize. Of course, consider yourself when planning stops as well since as a driver you need to feel rested and ready to operate the vehicle.

Lastly

Traveling with a newborn may be challenging, but with these car safety tips, you will all enjoy a comfortable ride. After all, by eliminating stress, you will drive more responsibly and therefore have a safe trip to your destination with a baby.