Seven Tips for Traveling with Infants
by Emily McKinley
It’s PCS time again. You load up the car, travel across the country and attempt to live comfortably on the few items stowed in the trunk. You may have driven the exact route (in the opposite direction) a time or two before, but this time it’s different; this time you are bringing with you your new bundle of joy.
Whether you will be traveling while pregnant or with an infant, you will likely face challenges that you have never encountered before. However, a little preparation and know-how can make your trip much more pleasant.
1. Allow extra time when traveling while pregnant or with baby. Pregnant women are advised to stand-up, stretch and walk around every one to two hours depending upon gestational age of the fetus. Movement increases comfort and stimulates circulation, which in turn, protects an expectant mother from developing blood clots in her lower extremities.
2. Try to make stops before the baby starts crying. Baby will also need breaks from his car seat to be cuddled, changed and fed. Waiting until baby (and the family) is miserable will teach everyone that getting out of the car rewards fussing. During stops, allow baby some tummy time to relieve pressure from his back and bottom. Give baby a light massage and stretch all of his limbs. When you place baby back in the car seat, try to shift his body weight and supports to avoid putting constant pressure on any one area.
3. Be sure to tend to baby’s mind as well. While older children and adults may be able to engage in games and other activities, it may be more challenging to keep baby content. Encourage activity via the use of quiet car toys such as stuffed animals, fabric books and vibrating toys that can be hung using Link-A-Dos or ribbon from the infant’s carrier handle or the vehicle’s clothing hook. Mirrors and enlarged, brightly colored pictures, attached with Velcro or taped to the seat facing the child, also provide stimulation for baby. Pack several pictures and switch them with each stop to re-interest your little one.
4. Remember to talk and sing to baby. He always loves hearing the voices of family as well as other familiar sounds, such as his favorite animal noises and musical recordings. If you must drive through baby’s fussy period of the day, consider recording his favorite soothing sound. The white noise of a heartbeat or vacuum may be preferred to cries from the backseat.
5. Remember to include a cooler with special treats for every family member. Include plenty of water and other decaffeinated drinks, healthy snacks and items for meals on the go. Frozen teethers and a damp washcloth may soothe baby’s gums and mom’s hot flashes.