Although we’re not pro road trip warriors (yet), allow me to share what I learned from our first road trip when my son was 8 months old:
- Pack enough toys – even better go grab those portable DVD players that you can hooked up in the car (some you can even attach on the headrest) – to entertain the wee ones.
- Strap a toy to a pacifier holder attached to the car-seat, even if your baby doesn’t use pacifier you will be glad!
- If your baby has a favorite blanket, stuffed toys or whatever – DO NOT FORGET TO BRING THEM!
- Do stops as often as possible and let the baby out of the car – let them crawl on the grass if they want to. Being strapped in a car-seat for a long trip might be hard especially for first timers. Babies can get cramped and uncomfortable!
- In every ‘pit-stops’ do nurse – feed – change – anything necessary.
- Sometimes it is better to travel around the baby’s bed time, chances are they will fall asleep.
- Music – plays soothing music or any kinds of music that your baby likes from lullabies to children songs to calm down the nerves. It works to calm you too, believe me!
- Sunshade – make sure your window is well covered to keep those glaring sun from blinding your baby – not to mention to protect their skins, some sunscreens for babies won’t hurt too.
- Plastic bags – from soiled diaper to dirty wet clothes, it will comes in handy.
- If your baby is formula fed it’s better to put them already measured in several empty bottles and bring lots of bottled water. All you have to do is pour the water and shake. If your baby like their formula warms maybe you can pack a thermos with hot water, mine will take any so it was never a problem although I love those one servings cans of formula – pricey but easier to maneuver in a moving car, just open and pour in a bottle.
- Just as you would if you are flying with a baby – pack your patience, plenty of them! If you stays calm and collected your baby will be most likely to quickly calm down too.
- Be flexible – very flexible that you would put a gymnast into shame! If you think your baby just had enough – pull over, find a motel/hotel to call it a night and start fresh the next day. Having a baby doesn’t mean you need to stop enjoying a road trip! Only means you have to plan it better.
Enjoy your holiday.
@ Mammia: You're so welcome. Kalo soal Mommy-nya yang car-sick aku nggak ada pengalaman nih jadi nggak bisa kasih tips hehehe.
@ Risti: Thank you for sharing your own story. Biasanya kalo masih baby, distractions works kalo udah makin gede makin susah hahaha.
good reading!!!
couldn't agree more on the statement: If you stays calm and collected your baby will be most likely to quickly calm down too.
YEPPP! kalo baby mulai bosan di tempat yang tidak terlalu luas (aircraft cabin, for instance) dan mulai nangis karna kesel, dan orang-orang sekabin mulai pada memandang curiga-iba-ksian-marah-kesel ke kita.
calm yourself, and get yourself together. peluk baby, alihkan perhatiannya (in my case, i chant plenty of zikir to his ear)
lebih cepat kita tenang, lebih cepat juga baby ikutan tenang
*based on a true story*
hi maureen...
kebetulan mau travel juga nih pas babyqu 8 bulan.
gw suka 2 kalimat terakhir hehehe.."having a baby doesn't mean you need to stop enjoying a road trip."
bener banget!
kira2 punya tips ga buat car-sick mommy?hehehehe
tfs yah:)
@ Aini: Semoga bisa ngebantu ya & semoga acara mudiknya lancar-lancar aja ntar :)
@ Sri: You're so welcome hehehe sebentar lagi lebaran sih ya :D
@ Toto: Semoga yah tapi kalau udah di biasain dari bayi biasanya cepet kok. Good luck! :)
@ Liz: Sekarang DVD player aku udah di pensiunkan hehehe tapi emang buat road trip ngebantu bener.
True DVD player is a saviour, kita pasangnya selama naik kereta sih, kl naik mobil takut bikin muntah. Lagian kita jaraaang bgt road trip.