Whether you are taking a summer road trip to visit family or simply to get away, the planning process becomes a bit more complicated when you add an infant to the mix. While summer road trips have the potential to be fun, it is important that you pay special attention to details you may otherwise miss when you are bringing your baby along for the ride.
While you are probably aware of all the items you will need to bring with you on your summer road trip. Especially because traveling with a baby usually calls for pretty much packing up the kitchen sink for your travels, there are a few safety considerations you may not have thought of.
Make Sure the Car Seat is Installed Properly
Prior to setting off on your summer road trip with your infant, you will want to ensure that the car seat is properly installed. It is a good idea to make sure that you get it checked by a car seat installation professional before setting off on your adventure.
Car Seats Get Hot
Car seats generally have heavy padding designed to keep your little one safe, but it can also trap the heat, making it hot. On a really warm summer day, especially if your baby is rear-facing, they may not benefit quite as much from the air conditioning. If possible, travel in the morning to avoid the high temperatures, cool down the car before leaving, dress the baby lightly and keep an eye on your little one’s temperature as you go. If you need to make stops to cool your baby down, it is a good idea to plan those.
Be Flexible
Babies aren’t designed to spend several hours in a car seat, so make sure you are flexible with your timeline. Take plenty of breaks whenever possible. It is a good idea to bring a baby play mat that can be used on the ground if you stop at a park. This will give your little one a fresh air break and some time to stretch, eat and have a diaper change. Your little one shouldn’t have to remain cramped in a car seat for hours at a time.
Check Out: Road Trips: 7 Ways To Survive The Journey With Extended Family
Get Plenty of Sleep the Night Before
If you are driving, you need to ensure that you get plenty of sleep the night before. It is incredibly dangerous to drive when you are suffering from a lack of sleep and you don’t want to put your precious cargo at risk. If you didn’t get a good night’s sleep before leaving for your road trip, reschedule your plans. They can wait. Safety comes first.
When it comes to summer road-tripping with an infant, there are several things you need to know. While you are aware of the basics, there are still some safety consideration to consider. Always make sure that the car seat is properly installed, your baby remains cool, you remain flexible and you are well rested before leaving on your adventure. If you plan your road trip with all of these things in mind, it will go much smoother and safer.
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