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Surviving Car Trips with a Crying Baby
Picture it - you’re sitting on the interstate, stuck in traffic that hasn’t moved in almost an hour, you can’t see
just how far up ahead this traffic jam lasts, but it is certainly farther than the eye can see, and you’re watching
your gas gauge go down, and down, and down. Now, picture that fun scene in your mind again, and this time, add a
screaming baby to the equation. Are you ready to pull your hair out just thinking about it? If you have a baby, and
you need to make a car trip, you are probably pretty concerned about the prospect - and rightly so.
However, a road trip with a baby doesn’t have to be Chinese water torture. The trick is to stop the crying and
screaming fits before they happen. While there certainly is no way to guarantee your baby won’t have an off day and
scream their way to your destination, there are certain things you can do to help up the odds that your trip will
go off without a bang. With the proper planning, your car trip with your baby can be (almost) enjoyable.
Before you even think about what to do with your baby, think about what to do with your car. Do you want to be
stranded on the side of the highway waiting for your roadside assistance program to get a driver out to you? Didn’t
think so, so you should make sure everything in your car is in working order before you hit the road. Check your
tire pressure, make sure your oil changes are up to date, and make sure all of your other fluid levels have been
topped off. If in doubt, get it checked. No one wants to deal with mechanical troubles when there is a baby on
board.
When you car is up to snuff, now it is time to turn your attention to your baby. Before you go on your trip, make
sure you have everything you need to take care of the baby in the car. Pack a bag that stays in the car with you
with baby wipes, diapers, bottles, snacks, pacifiers, blankets, and anything else you think will make your baby
comfortable. If they have favorite music or a favorite toy, make sure that all comes along with you as well. Make
sure the car seat you have is properly installed in your car, in the back seat where it belongs, and if anything
this broken on the seat - for instance, if the cushion is ripping away or the straps are frayed - get it fixed
before you leave for your baby’s comfort.
Once you have prepared all you can with you baby, the success of your trip rests on timing. It may not be so fun
for you to drive at night, but you may find it helpful to travel during times that your baby is usually asleep.
This will increase the odds that your little one will nod off during the journey so you don’t have to worry about
the crying. If you can’t travel at night, try to set off for your journey right around one of your baby’s normal
nap times; the car may help lull them into falling asleep if they are used to getting some shut eye during that
time. It may also be helpful to give your child a relaxing bath and dressing them in their pajamas before putting
them into the car. Making sure they are calm and relaxed before taking off on your trip will make your journey
smoother and hopefully will convince them to sleep until you get there!
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