Infant Road Trip Packing List and Tips

Road trips with a baby definitely require more planning and patience than your pre-mom days, but they are possible! This checklist will help you remember all the things your infant needs to survive the open road and their vacation.

Feeding:

• Bottles

• Probiotics

• Vitamin D Drops

• Gas Drops

• Formula

• Microwaveable Sanitizing Bags

• Bibs

• Burp Cloths

• Nursing Pillow

• Nursing Bras/Pads

• Nipple Care (cream, shields, etc.)

• Baby Dish Soap

• Bottle Brush or Sponge

• Bottle Warmer

• Bottle Drying Rack

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Pumping:

• Electric Pump

• Manual Pump

• Spare Pump Parts

• Milk Storage Bags

• Cooler

• Ice Packs

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Diaper Changes:

• Baby Wipes

• Diapers

• Changing Pad

• Diaper Rash Cream & Applicator

• Small tie-able bags for dirty diapers (e.g. doggie poo bags)

• Diaper Bag

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Health:

• Baby Thermometer

• Snot Sucker

• Pain Reliever (depending on age)

• Allergy Medicine (depending on age)

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Bathtime:

• Towels

• Wash Cloths

• Baby Body Soap

• Tub Thermometer

• Nail Clippers

• Hair Brush

• Lotion

• Bath Elbow and Knee Pad

• Bathtub

• Bath Rinser

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Clothes:

• Swaddles

• Day Clothes

• PJs

• Socks

• Shoes

• Hat

• Swimsuit

• Swim Diaper

• Jacket

• Baby Laundry Detergent

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Gear:

• Car Seat

• Stroller

• White Noise Machine

• Baby Wearing Sling

• Baby Monitor

• Pack N Play

• Bassinet

• Blanket(s)

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Road Trip Tips:

• The keys to a successful road trip with an infant are keeping expectations low and remaining flexible.

• The days of driving “straight through” are likely over, so it’s best to set small goals, and celebrate these victories. For example, set a goal to try driving for two hours before pulling over again. Maybe it will turn out to be an hour and a half, maybe it’ll be three hours. Either way, it’s okay!

• Keep extra pacifiers in easy to reach places like the middle console or sunglasses holder. The pacifiers with small stuffed animals attached are much easier to find in a panic as well.

• Fill up any and all drink holders in the backseat with extra wipes and diapers so that there are always some accessible without having to hunt for them.

• Keep a paper towel or toilet paper roll handy, along with some small wash cloths to clean up inevitable messes.

• If you can’t throw a diaper away right away, tie it up into a doggie poo bag to contain the smell.

• Add sun shades to the back windows.

• Add a mirror to the headrest.

• Use a variety methods to distract baby when fussy:

  • Crinkle books

  • Toys

  • Portable White Noise Machine

  • Shows on your phone/tablet (e.g. Kipper, Cocomelon, Sesame Street)

• Take turns sitting in the back seat with your baby.

• For multi-day road trips, try getting baby into a routine:

  • Feed and change diaper (while pulled over)

  • Buckle into the carseat

  • Entertain with toys/books/music

  • Nap (hopefully)

  • Entertain again

  • Pull over and take a break for another feed, diaper change, and to get some fresh air.

• If baby is hysterical, do not take them out of the car seat while driving. Pull over and take a break. But, if a break hasn’t helped:

  • Check that the car seat angle and straps are adjusted correctly. Refer to your car seat manufacturer for proper installation and use information.

  • Check if baby is too hot (sweaty neck) or too cold (cold hands or feet). If so, try adjusting the temperature in the car.

  • Try changing baby’s outfit. Some clothing items have scratchy decals or tags that may be bothering them.

  • Consider stopping for the day or at least for a few hours.

Disclosure:

• Always consult with your doctor before taking any medication or giving any medication to your baby.