Baby on board: driving tips for parents

Whether it’s a short drive or a long trip to visit family, driving with a baby takes more prep than you might think. Here are some ways to keep your little one safe, calm, and comfy on the road.

Planning a long car trip with your baby? It sounds exciting – introducing your pride and joy to relatives and making new memories – but the journey can quickly turn stressful when the crying starts and the miles stretch on. The good news is that with the right prep, driving with a baby on board can be smooth, safe, and even enjoyable. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make it happen.

Pros and cons of travelling with a baby

Travelling with infants comes with both perks and challenges. In many ways, newborns can be surprisingly good travel companions: they sleep a lot, usually around 14 to 17 hours a day, and spend much of that time napping peacefully, often right in their car seats.

Keep in mind that newborns are still developing their circadian rhythms, the body’s internal clocks that regulate sleep-wake cycles, so their sleep can be pretty irregular in those first few months. This means you can expect plenty of naps on the road, giving you much-needed breaks.

As children grow and start to talk, things change. Crying may ease up, but young kids develop a strong need to move, explore, and stay active. This restlessness can make long car rides tough, as fidgety toddlers often struggle to stay seated for long. Understanding these stages can help parents prepare better and make trips more comfortable for everyone involved.

What to keep in mind when driving with a baby

Here are some tips to help make your journey with your little one safe, smooth, and baby-friendly:

1) Use sleep phases to your advantage

Plan your drive around your baby’s natural sleep rhythms. Many infants find the gentle motion of the car soothing, which can help them fall asleep more easily. If your baby tends to nap during car rides, schedule your travel times to align with those sleep windows. This can make the trip less stressful and more peaceful for everyone.

2) Be aware of distractions

Even when your baby is calm, they can still be a major distraction, especially if you’re driving alone. A crying baby, a dropped dummy, or frequent glances into the back seat can dangerously shift your focus from the road. Always prioritise safety: pull over if you need to tend to your baby, and avoid multi-tasking while driving.

3) Entertainment can help

If your baby is a bit older and enjoys screen time, consider attaching a tablet holder to the back seat and playing gentle children’s videos or lullabies. This can provide a calming distraction and keep fussiness at bay during longer trips.

4) Choose the right car and equipment

Cars with ISOFIX make it way easier, and safer, to install a car seat. Some cars are definitely more family-friendly than others, but even the best set-up won’t solve every challenge. It’s always a good idea to check if your car has the right features for easy, secure installation.

There are many suitable cars with ISOFIX attachment points, but not all are ideal for newborns. In the next section, we’ll look at why car travel isn’t always the most comfortable or safest choice for very young babies, and what you can do to make things safer and more comfortable.

Infant car seats and long trips: risks and alternatives

An infant’s neck and spine are incredibly delicate, especially in the first few months. Newborns lack the muscle strength to hold their heads up, so parents always need to support their baby’s head when lifting or carrying them. But why does this matter when driving?

Infant car seats are not designed for long trips

Infant car seats keep babies in a semi-reclined position that’s not ideal for extended periods. Because newborns can’t support their own heads yet, sitting in a car seat for too long can cause their heads to slump forward. This position may restrict their airway and affect breathing. The semi-sitting posture can also put pressure on a newborn’s still-developing spine and chest, which is why prolonged use isn’t recommended.

What medical experts say about newborn travel

Pediatricians and midwives generally advise limiting car travel for newborns to short trips: around 30 minutes, such as the ride home from the hospital. Longer drives, especially those over two hours, can increase risks and discomfort. During the first six weeks to three months, avoiding lengthy car rides is best for your baby’s health and safety.

Healthier travel options for babies

The healthiest position for newborns during travel is lying flat. Special safety carrycots designed for cars can offer a better alternative by allowing babies to lie down comfortably and safely. When these aren’t available, frequent breaks are essential to take your baby out of the car seat and let them stretch and lie on a firm, flat surface.

A word on everyday use of car seats

Many parents use infant car seats beyond car travel: attaching them to stroller frames for convenience. But keeping a baby in a car seat for hours outside the car can lead to awkward positioning and discomfort. Baby carriers or slings are a better choice for carrying your infant throughout the day. Wearing your baby close helps support their spine naturally and strengthens your bond.

Here are some tips for buying a baby car seat:

• Try before you buy: Test different seats in your car if possible; choose a retailer with trained staff.
• Check for ISOFIX: Most modern cars have ISOFIX connectors – check between seat cushions.
• Multiple cars?: Make sure the seat fits any other cars your baby will regularly travel in.
• Use fit guides: Some manufacturers provide online compatibility tools for specific car models.
• Match your baby: Choose a seat suited to your child’s current height and weight.
• Avoid secondhand: Don’t buy used seats unless you know the full history and it comes with instructions. Please replace your car seats if you get into an accident, no matter how minor it is.
• Consider convenience: For frequent lifting, a lightweight seat with a stay-in-car base is practical.
• Check safety approval: Look for the EU “E” mark label to confirm the seat meets safety standards.

Other essential tips for driving with your baby

We’re not done yet. Here are other quick tips and tricks for travelling with a baby on board:

1. Limit car seat time: 2-3 hours is okay occasionally, but try to keep seat time to a minimum during the first few months.
2. Take breaks often: Stop every couple of hours and let your baby stretch and lie down for 30 minutes.
3. Create a sleep-friendly space: Use window shades to block sunlight and keep the car calm and dim. The rear middle seat is usually the safest spot.
4. Dress smart for comfort: Skip bulky jackets – use a blanket that’s easy to remove if the car gets too warm.
5. Consider a lie-flat option: For longer trips, a car-safe carrycot or bassinet lets your baby lie flat, which supports better breathing and spine health.

Give children entertainment and fun

Remember when we suggested attaching a tablet holder to keep your kids entertained? If you want to limit their screen time, consider using toys that attach directly to the car seat or the side of the car door. These keep your little one entertained without the hassle of toys constantly dropping to the floor.

When traveling with a newborn and two adults in the car, having one passenger ride in the back seat with your baby can make all the difference. Newborns need constant care and attention, especially in those early weeks, and having someone nearby helps keep your little one calm – which means the other can focus on the road.

Meanwhile, if you’re driving solo, you can pop the infant car seat in the front passenger seat – in fact, some cars come with front-seat ISOFIX. However, make absolutely sure the airbag is turned off for your baby’s safety. Check the owner’s manual for details on how to switch it off.

The right timing is everything

Newborns don’t have a fixed day-night rhythm or predictable hunger, but patterns emerge. The best time to start a car ride is right after feeding, when your baby is full and content. Avoid beginning trips during “playtime,” when your little one is active and less likely to settle.

Also, plan your drive to avoid rush hour and busy travel periods such as school holidays, since young children don’t have fixed schedules yet. If you’re heading to a hotel or appointment with strict check-in times, leave early to avoid rushing. Schedule rest stops ahead of time – taking breaks is important for everyone’s comfort.

Make sure they have sufficient food

Breastfeeding on the move isn’t safe, so pump milk or prepare formula beforehand. A car-friendly bottle warmer, plugged into the cigarette lighter, can keep milk at the right temperature. For older babies accustomed to purees, pack jars of store-bought or homemade baby food; fruit purees are especially convenient since they can be served at room temperature.

Change nappies regularly

Babies quickly become uncomfortable in wet nappies and let you know by fussing or crying. Regular nappy changes keep your baby happy and help stop messes in the car seat, since sitting in a full nappy can cause leaks. Bring a waterproof changing mat and a pee pad for easy, hygienic nappy changes on the go.

Finally, don’t forget these essentials!

Make sure to pack these essential items in a bag you can keep handy inside the car. After all, nobody wants to have to stop just to dig around the boot for a few toys! While having a car with a big boot is handy for families, especially for the pram, it’s always best to have the following items within easy reach:

1. Toys
2. Replacement dummy or soother
3. Milk bottles and warmers with adapter
4. Porridge jars
5. Wet wipes
6. Nappies
7. Changing mat
8. Change of clothes for the baby
9. Plastic bags for full nappies and dirty clothes
10. Travel first aid kit

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