quick clicks

home style today articles

home style today q&a

traveling today articles

traveling today q&a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Tiny Travelers, Lots of Questions

Experts Answer New Parents' Travel Questions

Fortunately traveling with a newborn is easier than traveling with a toddler, according to Robarge. "First consult with your pediatrician to be sure that the child is healthy enough to travel in a car seat for long distances," she says. "In some cases infants cannot be at that angle for long periods of time. Buy a good quality car seat that fits your car well and have it installed by a car seat technician. To find a seat that fits well in your car, you are going to have to ask the store to allow you to try the seat in your vehicle before you buy it. In my area, Babies 'R Us is very helpful to parents who want to try the seat first. If you can, take the child with you and try the seat to see if the child fits, and if the seat is comfortable. After you find a seat, have it installed by a professional."

Once you have your seat in nice and safe there are a few things to remember when traveling with an infant. "Even though it may seem easier to just feed or change the child when the car is moving do not ever do this," Robarge says. "Take the time to stop the car, feed and chnge the baby, then put [her] back in the car seat before you move the car again. It is never safe to have a child unrestrained in a moving vehicle. The baby should sleep most of the trip, but even sleeping, this is going to be a difficult transition. If possible take the trip slowly, stop for the night early and allow the baby to stretch and sleep comfortably before starting out again. This will also help make the trip safer for everyone if the driver is well rested and alert."

Want to see more?

• Over Land, Air and Sea: Traveling with Baby on Board
• Travels and Tribulations: Surviving Travel with Small Children
• Car Seat Crying: When the Buzz of the Engine Doesn't Lull Your Baby to Sleep
• Check out our Article Library.
• Talk about it!

Post As:
Enter your comment below:
Title
Comment Text
CAPTCHA
Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection.