I have never traveled this long with our baby before. We are going out of town for the holidays and will be staying with my husbands family for a week. Any tips on what to pack, how much of it to pack, how to cope during the drive, etc.... I have a bad feeling this trip could really suck if I dont prepare right. Im afraid I'll forget somehthing important...Also im worried about her getting her days and nights mixed up again ( she JUST started sleeping all night) becasue of the long ride there.Any ideas from experienced travelers???
2006-12-15 14:15:07 · 7 answers · asked by chicwitpurpose 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I took my 4 month old from CT to Chicago on a 17 hour ride... it was long but she was easiest passenger :) I also frequently go on a 3 hr trip to my family with her.
I'd bring a whole package of diapers, a wipes container, enough outfits for how many days you will be there - plus bring 3-4 spares of different types ni case she pukes or gets dirty etc..) Bring any burp clothes or rags with you that you'll need. Don't forget socks either, and bibs if you still use them. Bring her bath items (baby wash, face cloth, lotion - don't go overboard or bring toys - just added space) if you plan on bathing her there - put in a ziploc bag so they won't explode on stuff. Bring diaper rash cream and teething gel if she's teething. Pack some toys - teethers as well as other stuff she can hold on to.
If you are breastfeeding then be prepared to stop at least once or twice to nurse. Otherwise if you are pumping, bring a manual pump and pump in the car and feed her the bottle if she's awake. If you are using formula I'd just bring a whole can of formula and enough bottles - I am nursing but when i pump i love the playtex nursers cause you can re-use the bottle by just putting a new liner in it - easier to clean.
Just basically picture your day at home and figure out what she needs and bring enough for how many days you will be there.
As fo her days and nights being mixed up - if you leave durnig the day - maybe have one of the adults sit in the back with ehr to entertain her for a few hours to keep her awake until it's nap time. Then she naps and then you arrive and all is normal.
Good luck :)
2006-12-15 15:07:00 · answer #1 · answered by Rae T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yikes! I've been through a trip like this. Be sure to check your route for good places to stop for some out of the car time. Malls, rest stops, and so forth are good to know about. Also, try to pack your car so that one of you can be in the backseat if the baby gets upset. (I know, it's easier said than done!) But here is the rule that must not be broken. If the baby isn't crying, don't stop. No matter how badly you have to go to the bathroom, how hungry you are, etc...if the baby is happy, keep going and get as many miles as you can behind you. (I have broken this rule, much to my sorrow, and been rewarded by a baby who does not want to return to the carseat!) If you're worried about days and nights, maybe you could leave at night, if your in-laws wouldn't mind you arriving very late.
2006-12-15 22:55:18 · answer #2 · answered by snowberry 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We go camping all the time and it is a 3 to 4 hour trip. When we visit my in-laws it is a 9 hour trip. Your baby will be fine. When my kids were that age they would sleep. You can sit in the back with her play and talk with her. Plan on stopping about 1/2 way through the trip for an hour or so. Hold her and walk with her.
If your in laws do not have a crib take your pac in play.
Toys (if she plays with any at this age)
formula
favorite blanket
I used to take anything I could think of. Relax and have fun with your in-laws!!! :)
2006-12-15 22:27:18 · answer #3 · answered by luv3dbb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just don't panic, you will get through it. Just make a list and check it off before you leave. Bring a car bottle warmer, it plugs into the cigarette lighter. Bring lots of bottled water for making bottles. Bring relaxing classical music tapes and even maybe bring a portable DVD player that you can play Baby einstein tapes on. Don't worry about the sleep pattern, he'll get back on schedule, this is all part of life. Just don't let it get in the way of having fun.
2006-12-15 22:42:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We took our youngest from the US to England when he was four months (along with older siblings), so unless you are going somewhere really remote get your husband's family to do some of the work for you! Get them to get diapers, wipes, her food, etc and concentrate on taking only the big stuff (the travel crib - unless they have one already), the stroller, the car seat and clothes. Again, ask your husband's family if you can wash clothes there, so you do not need to take so many. (This also includes washing your clothes if your child is a sicky baby).
Then once there allow everyone to have their time with the baby, but stick as close as possible to the routine you have with her. Our baby was used to the bedtime routine and despite the five hour time difference he got settled into his routine very quickly and it was fairly easy.
As for the journey itself, make sure your stops tie in with the baby's feeding times (to stick to the routine) and stop as necessary to change her in between. In the car have familiar objects (a car seat amusement bar toy is good) and make sure you keep any favourite toys with you. Good luck!
2006-12-15 22:29:12 · answer #5 · answered by The Git! 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have an option of inviting your in-laws to your house instead of travelling with a 5 month old baby. Your in-laws will be happy to have a holiday with you. It will make them happy to be in their sons house for a few days. You will be skipping lot of hassles by doing this. Think over it.
2006-12-15 22:27:15 · answer #6 · answered by rams 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lot's of Bennadryl
2006-12-15 22:17:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋