Planning for your first drive with your little one? Then see to it that your first car journey with the little one is safe and hassle free.
Here are few tips to make the travel a memorable and tension free:
Prepare the car: First see to it that your vehicle is safe. Check for brakes, petrol tank, vehicle air conditioner and tyres. In case you are planning for a long journey then see to it that your petrol tank is full as there is no need for you to halt at petrol pump stations and waste the time. Check for the tyres pressure, change the oil if necessary as you will never want your vehicle to breakdown with the baby inside.
Pack wisely: Carry all the usual stuff that your baby requires daily – be it nappies, sipper bottles, teethers, baby milk powder, clothes, diapers, wipes, blanket and trash bag for disposing dirty nappies and empty cups.
Carry a first aid kit: No one wants to experience mishap and with baby one does not want to dream about any unforeseen situation on road. But for the safer side carry a first aid kit that has daily medicines of your baby, prescriptions of medicines that baby requires in case he fell ill, diaper rash ointment, bandages and first aid ointment.
Focus on entertainment: Babies have their own mood swings. Even you as a parent will not know when the baby is happy and when it is sad. You certainly want to keep the baby happy during this trip to avoid on road meltdowns. Bring the favorite toys of baby with you, the picture books that it likes and do not give all these things together at one single time. Instead, give them one at a time so when baby gets bored with one toy, you can simply hand her a new one. Cartoon movie will also entertain your toddler on a long journey drive.
See to it that the baby is comfortable: Give 100% comfort to the baby as the baby which is comfortable will have enjoyable journey and will cause less trouble in the car. Strap the little one to the car seat to ensure a safe and comfortable ride. If the day is sunny, get window shades to protect the baby from sun.
Chalk out your rest stops: No one likes to be shut in car for very long hours, so be prepared to stop every couple of hours in some hygienic destination; so that the baby has the chance to get out of the car seat. Also you also want to schedule your stops around for nursing the baby, so plan accordingly.
Seat covers and music: Have at least two car seat covers as there are chances of blowouts. Also play soft music in the car as long noise can affect the baby and make it cranky.
Stock pile all the baby stuff within arm’s reach: Pile up all the baby stuff within the arm’s reach so that you can easily reach them as and when needed.
Keep your own stuff handy too: Of course you will also feel hungry and may need something to eat as soon as your baby sleeps. So keeps some snacks and drinks nearby so that you will be able to tide yourself with till you pull off the road for some proper meal and fresh air.