Planning, packing, and actually completing a trip with babies can be a challenge. But here are some tips to make the journey a positive experience.
Plan Ahead
I've become very good at impromptu day trips with my littles, sometimes even alone. But the trips I'm referring to are multiple days away from home. Maybe even hundreds or thousands of miles away in another state.
If you find yourself facing a long road trip coming up, whether it's a couple of nights or multiple weeks, start trying to come up with plans A, B, C, and maybe even D the moment a long trip seems to be on the agenda. There's always a chance you might have to scrap the whole plan at the last minute and piece together a plan Z with whatever you have left.- We were faced with a scenario like that unfortunately when we were moving cross country from California to Illinois. Maybe I'll remember to tell that story one day.
But when it comes to planning, there are various components. One of the main ones is figuring out lodging at the ultimate destination. You want a place that is relatively kid-friendly. And having a small kitchenette, or at the very least a mini-fridge, I find to be a must with kids. They always want drinks. Mine are like fish. But instead of water they down milk like we have stock in a dairy farm.
If you find yourselves a hotel and it provides continental breakfast, that's a huge plus. Getting kids fed as soon as possible in the mornings is a must for us to ward off hangry meltdowns. If not try to ensure that there are at least breakfast restaurants in the very near vicinity, or prepare to pack dried breakfast goods to keep in the room. Cereal or breakfast bars are always a good option to pack if that is the scenario, as they don't need refrigeration and can quickly be opened to eat.
When booking your reservation try to look for deals and cross-check various travel websites. Don't wait too long though. Depending on the time of the year, places can fill up very fast or even have the rate go drastically up if you wait too long. We've noticed, if you can, 2 months to 6 weeks beforehand is usually a good time to book. Especially if you are trying to get something for an extended stay.
Pack Enough
I personally love to travel light. But with kids sometimes that's not an option. However, I still try to aim for only the necessities.
When it comes to clothes and kids, I try to pack an outfit for each day. Plus at least 3 extra days worth because I know there are going to be days that a midday wardrobe change is inevitable. Sometimes laundry facilities are available, but other times they are not. And running out of clean clothes on a trip is not an ideal situation at all.
Also, make sure you pack for the weather. It might be December in Illinois and cold, but if you're traveling to Florida, you don't want to only pack long sleeves and pants. You'll be melting once you arrive. You want to pack maybe two cold-weather outfits for the return trip and have the rest be warm-weather appropriate to accommodate for that climate. And vice-versa if you're going from hot to cold.
If you plan on swimming at your destination, I would pack one beach/pool towel per person. I use to just use hotel towels, but with COVID, we've run into limited resources on occasion and you don't want to be caught without.
Don't forget toiletries and any glasses or contacts you may need! Making any additional stops on long trips is never any fun. And those little hotel soap and shampoo bottles are not the most ideal on hair and skin- especially on that of a baby.
For sleeping arrangements, we have our five-year-old and toddler share one bed, and the baby in his portable bassinet. We chose to bring that along instead of the pack-n-play because it's less bulky and folds down very easily. Even if COVID wasn't a factor, sometimes lodgings don't have a port-a-crib or run out pretty fast. So bringing your own is always better, if you can.
If you plan on walking a lot, try to bring the least bulkiest stroller you have. Umbrella strollers are the best if your baby is big enough. Joggers are my next go-to if I know most of the walking will be outside and I need to be prepared for different terrains and storage. If possible, avoid bringing travel systems. They are nice but SO bulky.
When packing a car, that is the one item my husband and I always dread bringing because it's so bulky. We can't wait for our youngest to be old enough for at least a jogging stroller. If you can scrap the stroller altogether and just bring a carrier or wrap, that really is the best way to go. They take up almost no space at all and allow you to be completely hands-free! They have to be my most favorite baby products ever!
When it comes to bathing a baby on a trip, you could save space by using a baby ring or an inflatable baby bathtub. If you don't wish to splurge on those items, don't have any more space in the car at all, or just simply forgot, you could use towels and form a cushion to bathe the baby.
I've been caught before without a baby tub and an infant on a trip. I folded up at least 2 towels to provide padding on the bottom of the tub and then bathed my baby like that. DO NOT fill the tub or put the plug down in this situation. The drain MUST be open in this scenario to prevent any chance of drowning! Simply use a cup or small hand towel to wash and rinse.
Make the Drive a Success
When packing up the car, think "Tetrus" and start with big and heavy things filling up the bottom of the trunk first. Then work your way up.
In the main cabin, keep one bag with various toys and books to keep the kids entertained. If you have kid tablets, I would suggest bringing those along fully charged and loaded with games and videos. And remember the charger! Have a second bag or small cooler filled with snacks and drinks. I find juice boxes and water bottles to be a great option as they don't have to be refrigerated and can be tossed once done.
If breastfeeding, well that's easy as you transport the milk where ever you go. But if you formula feed, measure out water needed into clean bottles so all you need to do on the drive is add the appropriate amount of scoops and shake. Bring things to clean the bottles and filtered water to refill if needed.
Also in the main cabin of your car, make sure to keep the baby bag and any medicine you might need, for easy access. And of course phones and chargers for those.
If you are traveling with a partner and there's space in the back for one of you to sit with the babies, I highly suggest this. You can help feed and entertain them this way. Once they are school age it's not so much of a problem for them to entertain and help themselves. But babies on long trips really do need help and reassurance. Try to work out when you will switch drivers. This will help the trip go faster and prevent driver fatigue.
Now let's touch on what time of day you should leave. My husband and I have realized that nighttime really is the best time to drive with babies and toddlers. We like to feed them one of their favorite meals to ensure they have a nice full tummy. I will then usually bathe them and then put them in pajamas or loose, comfortable clothes. While I do this, my husband will pack up the car. This way the kids aren't tempted to run in and out of the house and be underfoot while he's busy loading our stuff.
Once everyone is dressed for the drive and the car is packed, it's time to go! We've noticed by doing this and driving at night the babies are usually asleep within an hour or two, and stay asleep for most if not the whole trip! We just ensure to stop every few hours to change diapers and burp if needed. It usually coincides nicely with gas and restroom stops for us anyways though.
I hope this helps with any worries or concerns you might have about taking a road trip with babies! It can be done and is not as scary as it seems if you are prepared.
Best of luck and safe travels!
I'd love to hear from you. Let me know in the comments about your longest road trip with babies and how it went.
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