On the Road With an Infant

How Can You Keep Babies Happy and Safe on Long Car Trips?

By Melinda Copp

Packing for travel takes on a whole new meaning when you are a parent, especially for families like the Pauls, who have three kids under 3 years old. But like everything else in parenting, preparation is the key.

"We haven't traveled too far with our boys yet; our longest trip has been to my in-laws' two and a half hours away," says Dara Lee Paul, a mom from Alberta, Canada, who has 1-year-old twins and a 2-year-old. "We always bring a prepared bottle for each of the twins, and lots and lots of toys and books."

And the Pauls always bring more formula, wipes, zinc and diapers than they will ever need. "We travel to a lot of small towns; sometimes finding enough or the right size or brand is tough," Paul says.

Whether you're hitting the road for a first trip to Grandma's house, or just getting away for the weekend, traveling with baby in the car raises a number of questions. How can you ensure safety on your trip? What should you pack? Will Baby be comfortable in the car for that long? How can you keep Baby entertained?

The most important safety issue related to car travel is correct child restraint. That means making sure your baby's car seat is the right size and that it's properly installed.

"Only 80 percent of child safety seats are installed correctly," says Dr. Christopher Ryder, author of Take Your Pediatrician with You: Keeping Your Child Healthy at Home and on the Road (John Hopkins University Press, 2007). "I strongly recommend that all parents learn how to install car seats correctly."

Want to see more?

• Check out our Article Library.
• Over Land, Air and Sea: Traveling with Baby on Board
• Parents' Essential Packing Guide: What to Pack When Traveling with Children
• Car Seat Conundrum: Keeping Toddlers Safe on the Road
• Talk about it!