Summer seems to be the season of road trips. With the kids off from school, a lot of families will be hitting the road this summer to visit friends, family and new places across the country. For new parents and even, seasoned parents a road trip can seem overwhelming. With a little preparation, you can take the anxiety out of traveling by car.
Here some tips for when traveling with little ones.
Car Seat Safety first:
Make sure your car seat has been installed properly and that you are using the best seat for your child’s age, weight and height. Children under the age of 2 should be using a rear-facing car seat and stroller. A properly installed car seat should not move more than one inch in any direction.
Tune up your car:
Before your road trip take necessary precautions. Make sure your vehicle is up-to-date with any oil changes and scheduled maintenance. Check tires and keep a roadside emergency kit in your car filled with medicines, a flashlight, and other useful tools.
Sync driving with routines:
Think about when your kids usually eat and sleep. If you leave on your road trip around lunchtime, let your kids eat in the car and take their nap while you tackle some miles. Some parents begin their travel at bedtime. This can be great if you’re not too tired and you think your child will stay asleep during the drive.
Keep essential items within reach:
Keep plenty of drinks and snacks on hand. Pack wipes, diapers and plastic bags in case of any accidents. A blanket and a toy for baby are also good to have when traveling in the car.
Do you have plans to road trip this summer? What are your traveling tips?