If you are planning on traveling for the holidays this year and have a little one, it takes some extra effort and thought to make sure you have all of the essentials. Thanksgiving travel can be tough for families, whether you travel by plane or car. Traveling with a baby can be fun and exciting, as long as parents are prepared.
Pre-Trip Planning: What To Plan If You Have a Baby
Driving with babies can be difficult unless they’re sleeping most of the time! Some careful planning can ease road trip headaches for parents this Thanksgiving.
Some tips for your journey:
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Plan your road trip during your baby’s nap time to minimize fussiness and maximize sleeping time.
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Research your destination and plan for any potential challenges, traffic, or obstacles.
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Consider packing a portable potty seat (if you have a toddler) and a diaper bag with extra supplies.
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Bring a change of clothes – you never know when your little one might need a new outfit!
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Make sure to bring a car seat and a stroller to make traveling easier.
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Figure out rest stops so you can easily pull over and take a break when needed.
Thanksgiving Packing Essentials For Babies and Toddlers
It might sound exhausting to do a road trip with a baby – but don’t worry, everyone will survive as long as the suitcase, backseat, or trunk is filled with the essentials!
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Pack all of the essentials like diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, and a change of clothes.
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Bring a variety of snacks and drinks to keep your baby happy and satisfied throughout the drive.
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Consider packing a stainless steel flask for hot water.
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Don’t forget to bring a car seat cover to protect your car seat from spills and stains.
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Consider taking along a few new toys, books, or activities to keep your baby entertained throughout the journey.
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Bring a pacifier if your baby uses one in case they start to cry during long periods of traffic.
Keeping Baby Entertained With A Car Mirror
The KeaBabies Baby Car Seat Mirror is a great product to bring along on a road trip this holiday season!
This car seat mirror’s features include:
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Suitability for all types of vehicles, including SUVs and vans
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A 360° wide & tall crystal-clear, scratch-free mirror
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Shatterproof for your little one’s safety
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Easy to install with steady buckle straps
The KeaBabies Baby Car Seat Mirror is a road trip essential because it makes car rides easier. Don’t make the mistake of going on road trips unprepared. With the KeaBabies Car Seat Mirror, parents can easily check on their baby and stay connected with them, while staying focused on the road. With the large screen, parents can see their son or daughter with ease. Give yourself peace of mind and spend less time worrying with this car seat mirror. Even if you’re traveling at the busiest time of year, you can rest assured that you can easily check on your little one at any time during the drive.
The KeaBabies Baby Car Seat Mirror gives parents the ability to figure out the best viewing angle, with its convenient 360 degree rotational ball hinge. This mirror is flexible and easy to position both horizontal and vertical, with a convex mirror that allows for a wide-angle, ultra-clear view of the baby.
This road trip essential is also great to keep babies entertained. Babies love to watch themselves in the mirror, making faces, silly noises, and observing the way their reflection changes.
This mirror is also compact enough that you can fit it in your travel bag, if you need to take it on flights.
Preparing For Car Travel With the KeaBabies Original 2.0 Diaper Caddy
One of the best KeaBabies products for parents of kids of any age is the KeaBabies Original 2.0 Diaper Caddy! This is the perfect organizer for road trips this holiday season. The spacious caddy can take the place of a diaper bag and are the perfect way to store a few items within easy reach in the car.
The KeaBabies Original 2.0 Diaper Caddy is one of the most versatile products, because while it is useful in your house or your baby’s nursery, it is also the perfect addition to any vehicle.
With up to 4 adjustable sections and 8 side pockets, all of your parenting essentials are always within reach. From storing diapers and wipes, to snacks and bottles, to changes of clothes, to small toys and activities, this diaper caddy is a great item to take along on road trip with kids.
From small pieces to chunky blankets, this diaper caddy can adapt to your needs with removable dividers. You can create any section you’d like, and fill it with your little one’s most important items they might need access to during the course of your travel. Its storage and portability is surprisingly simple, and it even folds down when not in use.
Road Trip Tips For Thanksgiving Travel
Timing is everything when traveling with a baby. Plan your drives around their nap times, or plan to be at the busiest point of the drive during their nap time. Bring a portable toilet and a diaper bag with extra supplies.
Consider packing a few products that you found essential for the trip, such as a snack organizer and teething crackers. Make sure to bring a pack-n-play for overnight stays, or check with the hotel at your destination to see if they have one you can borrow.
Plan for breaks! Even if you figured out the ideal route and time to drive, things come up that prove that planning is difficult when you’re a parent! Don’t race to the city you’re traveling to – you will eventually get there. Think of the drive as an adventure, and embrace the time as a family knowing things don’t always go according to plan.
Traveling with a Baby For The Holiday
When traveling with a baby under one year old, it’s essential to plan ahead and be prepared for the unexpected. If you’re taking a flight, consider swapping some of your personal items for a spacious backpack or investing in a large purse.
Bring a baby wipes and a diaper bag with essentials like diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes. Make sure to bring a car seat and a stroller to make traveling easier, whether you’re going through an airport or taking a drive.
The holiday season is typically the busiest time of year for hotels, so be sure to get as many details ironed out ahead of time as possible with your hotel. Ask what accommodations they have for families, such as portable cribs, in-room microwaves, and restaurants or food options.
Staying Entertained While Flying or Driving
One part of traveling for the holidays that can be difficult for your son or daughter is having to sit for long periods of time. At any age, whether you have a newborn, an infant, a toddler, or an older child, having to spend hours and hours sitting and not doing anything exciting can create boredom and frustration.
Here are some tips to keep kids entertained at any age:
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Bring a variety of toys, books, and games to keep your little one occupied during the trip. Window clings, fidget toys, sensory books, and stuffed animals are good items to take in the car (or the plane if you’re flying).
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Consider packing a portable USB battery to keep all of your devices charged.
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Don’t forget to bring a first aid kit with essentials like pain medication and band-aids.
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Make sure to bring a quiet car toy to entertain your baby during the trip.
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Download movies or television shows onto a tablet ahead of time to watch in the car.
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Spend some time organizing items in the trunk and backseat for easy access.
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Bring things for your little one to eat if they’ve started solid food. Be cautious when allowing an infant to eat in the car – you might opt to pull over for a bathroom and snack break so you can safely supervise your little one eating solids.
Safety and Health
When you’re going to spend lots of time in the car with a baby, make sure to keep their safety in mind.
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Make sure to bring a car seat that is safe and comfortable for your baby. Check that they are within the height and weight limits for their car seat.
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Consider packing a few products that other people have found essential for road trips. Spend some time searching parenting blogs for good information on what a person might need when traveling by car with an infant.
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Bring a baby monitor for the hotel, so you can keep an eye on your baby while they sleep.
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Make sure to bring a blanket and a pacifier to help your baby feel secure and relaxed during long car rides and at the hotels.
Accommodations and Activities
Research your destination and plan for any potential challenges or obstacles. Consider booking a hotel room with a separate bedroom for your baby. This can definitely help them sleep better!
Make sure to bring a pack n play for overnight stays or check if the hotel you are staying at has one to borrow during your stay.
Plan for activities and tours that are baby-friendly and welcoming to families.
Last-Minute Check
During the weeks leading up to your trip, do a last minute check of important travel-related items.
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Check the weather forecast for your destination and pack the right clothes and accessories.
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Make sure to bring all necessary documents, such as insurance cards, the birth certificate, and identification.
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Consider packing a few products that are essential for the trip, such as a snack organizer, teething toys, or special snacks.
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Double-check that you have all necessary baby gear, such as a car seat and stroller.
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Cal the hotel to ask if they can put a portable crib or bed in the hotel room upon your arrival.
Final Tips For Parents During The Holiday Season
Be flexible and patient when traveling with a baby or young kids. If you are driving, consider taking breaks every 2-3 hours to let your baby stretch their body and get some fresh air.
Make sure to bring a sense of humor and a positive attitude. You will be spending lots of time together, and things won’t always go according to plan. Remember, the most important thing is to create great memories for yourself and your family during the holiday season.
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