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Over Land, Sea and Rail
Exploring the World With Your Newborn in Tow
By Jamie Moore
Driving Route 66 and Beyond
The most important start of any road trip is to double-check the fit of your baby's car seat before you go. If you're not sure it's a proper fit, reread the instructions and owner's manual. Keep in mind that some seats work better in certain types of cars, and it's important to find the right one depending on what kind of car you drive, says Brian Moody, father of a 10-month-old son and road test editor at www.edmunds.com. Next, make sure your baby is seated properly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires that infants less than 1 year old and less than 20 pounds be seated in a rear-facing position. Their harness straps must be at or below shoulder level.
Keep your baby comfortable throughout the trip with these tips from the Division of Child Life and Recreational Therapy at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center:
- Pack fun things to do. Introduce one toy at a time so the baby isn't bored easily.
- Always be prepared to make a stop. Make sure the stop includes a place where everyone can relax.
- Offer frequent snacks (or bottles).
- Play family traveling games and point out roadside animals or attractions.
- Talk to your baby. "The key to helping infants be more comfortable and more willing to stay in their car seats is to always tell them ahead of time how long the trip will be," says Sally Goldberg, Ph.D., Florida-based professor of early childhood education and parenting specialist. "While babies and toddlers don't speak a lot of words, they understand many."
Want to see more?
- Parents' Essential Packing Guide: What to Pack When Traveling With Children
- Safety First: At Home and on the Road
- Flying With Babies and Toddlers
- Immuniz ing Children for International Travel: Exploring the World Safely With Your Children
- A Safe Ride: 10 Tips for Keeping Baby Secure in the Car Seat
- A Baby Abroad: International Travel With Infants Series
- Talk about it!
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