Taking a 17 day old newborn on a 200 mile car trip.?

Question

My great uncle died and my mother wants me to attend the funeral with the baby. I plan to stop and nurse every two hours. I am by myself and the baby will be riding in an infant seat in my auto. Is this safe for the baby riding for a long period of time in the same position or should I decline the visit?

Answer 1

I'm sorry for the loss of your great uncle and congrats on the baby. It is safe as long as you can stop to nurse, but you may want to consider taking someone with you, maybe a good friend or a neighbor. It might be hard for you to concentrate on driving when your newborn is crying and no one to comfort her. If you are really concerned or can't get someone to go with you, it would be acceptable for you to decline the visit. Although it's safe, if you are not comfortable with it, you may be putting yourself and your newborn at risk. What happens if you are up all night the night before and don't get sleep. You don't want to drive all that way tired. Maybe consider taking a bus or a train, or having someone pick you up. Just do what feels right. Take care and don't feel guilty if you can't attend.

Answer 2

A two hundred mile trip is not a long time to be in a car. If you drive the 70 mile an hour speed limit you should be at your destination in about 2 and 3/4 hours. No hardship should be felt for either of you with this short distance.
I wouldn't nurse until the baby asked for it. You might get lucky and the baby might sleep the whole trip at 17 days of age.
Are you sure YOU can manage the trip without any bad effects on your health. That is a very short time from birth of a child to drive with a seat belt around your middle.
Be safe and good luck.

Answer 3

I'm sorry to hear of your loss.

Go! It will give your relatives a chance to see your child. Although the purpose of your visit is not the happiest of occasions it can be considered a celebration of life and the birth of a child can sometimes ease the pain of a loss of someone dear.

In regards to your trip, just prepare for all possible scenarios. Use mapquest and plan your stops in areas that are conducive to breastfeeding and family friendly. As well, place a small bag with extra diapers, baby wipes, receiving blankets and a change of clothes for the both of you in the car and leave the bulk of your personal items in the trunk. Make sure you stay well hydrated so bottled watter is a must. Some fruit to nibble on would be good to.

Plan your travel time to begin just after your baby has been fed. The good thing is that most babies at that age sleep alot especially with the movement of a car so this unexpected trip couldn't have come at a better time.

Answer 4

We took our young baby - not quite as young as yours, but still under 3 months - on a 250 mile car ride: It took about 5 hours, with 2 stops minimum. You need to get the baby out of the car seat at least every 2 hours, which should be no problem with rest areas, etc. It's a long way to go alone, but not impossible.

However, if you are not feeling up to it, stay home. It won't be a really easy trip and with all of the relatives, etc. you might not feel like your baby is getting enough peace and calm.

Answer 5

I’m very sorry for your loss. Were you close with him?
If I had to make the decision, I would not attend. The baby will be fine, infants love car rides and sleep through them, no worries there as long as they’re strapped in correctly.
BUT...
1. You're not completely healed at 17 days. Pain and sleep deprivation are not good companions on the road.
2. You're nursing, and it may not be a good idea to load yourself with all the negative emotions and sadness of the event. It is selfish of your mother to demand this.
3. Undoubtedly all your relatives would want to hold the baby, and that spells germs! The baby is too young to be among many people.
So… weigh the options, but don’t go just because your mother wants you to do it.

Answer 6

The baby will be fine. You're only taking about 200 miles. Which probably should take you no more than 3 hours. At your baby's age all they do is sleep anyway, especially when riding in the car. Your baby may sleep the entire time there.
Just be sure to feed the baby before getting on the road, change diaper and stop a few times to make sure the baby's diaper doesn't need to be changed.

Answer 7

I've read some of the answers- trying to bring someone along is a great idea-or go by train- 2nd of all baby has mommy's antibodies for up to 6mnths after they are born (its proven) my newborn was exposed to chicken pox but because I had it as a child my son had my antiobodies (Why do you think their nipples or so fat & diminish in size @ 6 mnths)- Talk to your baby's doctor about the length of the trip & your concerns- if your able to stop & nurse- it will be a long trip-its a given but baby should be alright- however if your tired & still sore- don't take the trip- it will be an experience you won't want to go through again- (babies sense stress-doubt when your worried-if someone goes with you it can also be quite enjoyable- for you to get out of the house....
and for family to coo over a new baby

Answer 8

Um..on Sunday I had to go to a funeral 200 miles away with my 1 year old. It was the hardest trip of my life. My son was cranky from having to sit the whole time and his little bottom was so sore even though we stopped and changed his diapers every 90 min. I wouldn't recommend it b/c of your baby not being able to hold its head up. Also, with the long trip you are going to get very tired driving. Me and my husband both drove and it wore us out. But with your baby being 17 days old he/she is more likely to get sick from being around the other people at the funeral. And more than likely while at the funeral/funeral home, people are going to want to hold your new baby, which will make his skin sore up under his arms. I would say no unless you was really really close to your great uncle. You have to think about your babies health. Hes so little and you are still recovering. I don't think I could do it at 17 days. I had a very very hard time with him being a year old. But if you do go, I wish you TONS of luck. I'm sorry for your loss and congrats on you new baby!!!!

Answer 9

PERSONALLY ....

You need to be and do what feels right for you.
Babies are most resilient ... and sleep and travel well .. if it is introduced to them right off the start. Want a child who can feel at home ANYWHERE when they grow?? Get in the car and drive...

If you feel confidennt in making the journey .. then go ... A family loss is hard enough .. not being with the said family to mourn .. leaves regrets and less a chance to closure....

As long as you make time for frequent stops ... and feedings .. baby should manage more than well enough.

AND make sure you take care of YOU! Baby needs the security a mom provides ... your moods transfer to your child ... when you are upset .. baby will be less than settled ...

warm hugs sent to you and congrats on baby ... and more hugs .. to console you in your loss ......

200 miles is REALLY not THAT great a distance .... not quite 3 hours ...

:)

Answer 10

I would go. I traveled alone by car (a 225 mi trip) with my first two children when they were each 2 and 3 weeks old. The baby will do just fine, they're very resilient and adaptable at that age. Plus it will mean a lot to your family to have a new life around during this painful time. A little bit of joy in a time of grief.