Preparing for your first road trip with a baby can be daunting. You are going to overpack and by overpack I mean you are going to take 75% more stuff than you could possibly need, but this is just what new moms do. I know because this was me!
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How to prep a car for baby’s first road trip!
- Window shades to protect your baby from the sun and create a darker, nap-inducing atmosphere.
- Cooler
- Toys
- A rear-view baby mirror to keep an eye on baby.
- Tape brightly colored pictures of toys on the back of the seat that your baby faces.
Baby music for the road trip
I highly recommend playing some stimulating music for your baby along the way, and of course, singing to them. Here is a playlist for a baby road trip.
Keep the bedtime routine the same!
It will be easier on everyone if the bedtime routine stays the same. If your child isn’t feeling the situation you could easily end up listening to your baby cry all night and get no sleep. If possible, book a suite, or something with two separate spaces. Also, try to book a baby-friendly hotel. You would be quite surprised by the number of amenities a hotel can offer your baby!

Complimentary baby gear at Grand Velas
When it’s your baby’s regular bedtime you should already be in your hotel room and situated. Then proceed with your regular routine, a soothing bath with the same baby product you use at home, singing a lullaby, reading a bedtime story, baby massage with the lotion you use at home, and do whatever else you usually do.
I love aromatherapy and always used JOHNSON’S® baby bedtime lotion for and JOHNSON’S® baby bedtime bath products on my 3 when they were babies. Nowadays they have a 3rd lavender product available that I probably would have used, the JOHNSON’S® Baby Oil Gel Calming Lavender.
Be Prepared for Potential Issues
A lot of various problems can creep up when road tripping with a baby. I kind of had to learn all this the hard way since back when I had babies internet was still in dial-up mode, but lucky for y’all you can be prepared ahead of time with these items!
- Teething tablets or gel: If your baby begins to teeth you will want these immediately, so just keep them on hand.
- Nasal aspirator: Traveling can be hard on a baby, especially if you are changing climates. Keep your baby from getting too stuffy with a nasal aspirator.
Listen to Books
A great way to pass time during a road trip is to listen to audible books. There are plenty out there that will entertain a baby! You can even score a few for free on Amazon. Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks Here are a few we recommend:
Best of luck on your first road trip with your baby! Let us know how it goes and if you have any tips of your own to share!
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That’s the cutest baby I’ve ever seen!! Great post!