A road trip with a baby is very doable. It just runs on baby time, with more stops, more snacks and fewer miles per hour than you'd drive alone. A little planning turns it from stressful to surprisingly pleasant.
Plan the drive around sleep
- Leave at nap time or just before bedtime, so your baby sleeps through part of the drive.
- Break a long trip into shorter days if you can.
- Build in extra time. A four-hour drive can easily become six with a baby, and that's fine.
Take regular breaks
Many car seat makers and child safety experts suggest taking a break from the car seat at least every two hours, especially for young babies. Use stops to feed, change, stretch and let your baby lie flat for a while. Always stop to feed or comfort your baby. Never take them out of the car seat while the car is moving.
Set up the back seat
A mirror, fitted properly
If your baby rides rear-facing, a back seat mirror lets you see them in your rear-view mirror. The Glance car mirror has a soft plush animal frame and loops around the posts of the back seat headrest. It attaches to the vehicle headrest only, never to the car seat. Check it's snug before each drive, peel off the protective film for a clear view, and only glance when it's safe. Driving always comes first. See our car mirror guide for setup tips.
Keep the car clear
Loose, heavy items can become dangerous in a sudden stop. Pack heavy bags in the trunk and keep only soft things within reach of the back seat.
Shade and temperature
Use window shades, and dress your baby in normal layers rather than a bulky coat, which can leave car seat straps loose. Lay a blanket over the buckled harness if they need extra warmth.
Pack a car kit
Keep a small bag within reach of the front passenger seat so you don't need to open the trunk at every stop:
- Diapers, wipes and a portable changing pad. The Robin changing pad folds small and has a wipes pocket.
- Feeding supplies and extra for delays. The Swift diaper backpack has three insulated bottle pockets.
- A spare outfit for baby and a top for you
- A couple of soft toys and a few board books
- Trash bags and a roll of paper towels
For the grown-ups
- Share the driving if you can, and swap at every stop.
- A comfortable neck pillow helps the passenger rest. The Nap memory foam pillow is adult size, for older kids, teens and grown-ups only, and not for use in car seats or booster seats.
- Bring your own snacks and water so a hungry driver doesn't have to stop as often.
Car seat safety, always
- Buckle your baby in snugly on every trip, however short.
- Do the pinch test: you shouldn't be able to pinch any slack in the harness at the shoulder.
- Never leave a baby alone in the car, even for a minute.
Questions parents ask
How often should I stop on a road trip with a baby?
Many experts suggest a break at least every two hours, plus stops for feeds and changes.
What's the best time to drive with a baby?
Nap time or early evening, when they're likely to sleep for part of the trip.
How do I keep my baby happy in the car?
Plan around sleep, stop often, keep them comfortable and sit in the back with them on longer stretches if there's a second adult.
Heading to the grandparents? Here is what grandparents need at home for a visiting baby.
Flying instead? See flying with a baby, or shop On the Go.
