How to Road Trip With a Baby

Planning for a road trip with your newest little passenger? Whether you’re taking planes, trains, or automobiles, traveling with a baby may be a bit different from what you’ve been used to. Undoubtedly, it also requires a bit more planning and luggage. Since you’ll likely need to make some stops, you’ll want to make a plan to ensure you have what you need for a smooth road trip. From feeding to changing diapers on the go, it’s good to think ahead about how you’ll execute these activities outside of the comforts of your own home.

Here’s our advice on how to road trip with a baby and some tips to consider to make your next road trip with a baby even better.

Tips for Road Tripping With a Baby

Table of Contents

What to pack for a road trip with a baby
Plan for several stops on your road trip with a baby
Plan for itinerary changes
Plan driving around naps
How to feed a baby on a road trip
How to change a baby on a road trip
How long can you go on a road trip with a baby?

What to pack for a road trip with a baby

Road-tripping with a baby can be a fun way to explore many different places, but as with any outing with a baby, it will take some preparation. Here are some items to bring on your next road trip with a baby:

Changing pad
Wipes, diapers, spit rags
Formula or pumping necessities
Snacks
Blankets
Special toys or lovey
Small cooler with ice packs
First-aid kit
Window shade
Toys to entertain baby
Stroller
Baby carrier
Plenty of clothes
Baby silverware
Baby bathtub (pro tip: get an inflatable one)
Thermometer
Sunglasses
Hat
Pack and play
An active go-bag like The Pack, the perfect fanny pack bag that fastens across your chest, back or around your waist
and more!

What you’ll need to pack can vary depending on the age of your baby and the destinations on your agenda, so always check the weather ahead of time. You’ll also want a roomy diaper or tote bag to carry these items in, like our buttery vegan leather Totebaby diaper tote. It even has a removable organizer for your convenience on the go and a removable divider pocket—perfect for stashing your Tushbaby when not in use..

Plan for several stops on your road trip with a baby

As you prepare to go on a road trip with your baby, you’ll want to plan your path to travel as best as you can to avoid any surprises along the way. You’ll also want to know if you’ll encounter long stretches of rural areas; planning stops ahead of time, whether pit stops or overnight stays, can provide comfort and increased confidence, especially if you have a newborn that needs diaper changes around the clock. Be sure to have your diapers, wipes, and a clean changing pad at the ready for these moments. Our foldable changing pad makes it easy to grab and stow away for each stop, and it fits comfortably in our diaper tote bag along with your other baby essentials.

Plan for itinerary changes

Surprise storm? Road closures? Change of heart? Detours happen on road trips. While you may feel the need to stick to a more rigid schedule when traveling with a baby, be prepared to be flexible if plans change. Perhaps you decide to take your baby to the movies while bad weather passes, or you heard about a must-see view that inspires you to take a hike with your baby. Packing a baby carrier for active parents can help ensure you are ready for all itinerary changes. The Tushbaby is easy to put on and take off alone when you’re on the go, and offers storage pockets to keep essentials close whether hiking a trail or just walking the neighborhood.

Plan driving around naps

Babies need naps, and you will too. While you’ll want to set aside time for the whole family to enjoy good sleep, driving naps are bound to happen. Planning long stretches of driving around your baby’s naptime can help you enjoy a more pleasant drive. Additionally, you may want to lull your baby to sleep while driving before stopping at a hotel.

It’s also smart to have baby’s binky handy for those long-distance naps. Using a Paci Pod to keep it clean and in arm’s reach when not in use can lessen your chances of that pacifier falling on the floor or getting lost between the seats.

How to feed a baby on a road trip

Feeding your baby during a road trip can be a challenge, and finding a safe spot to stop before feeding is essential. Road trips might not always offer the convenience of a designated feeding area, so it’s important to bring along the proper gear to ensure you're prepared to feed your baby anywhere—sometimes, you just have to make it work on the side of the road.

But, feeding your baby on a road trip can be a breeze with the Tushbaby carrier, since its open-style seat sets it apart. It easily fastens with Velcro and a buckle around your waist, allowing you to place your baby on and take them off the carrier effortlessly. You can use it while seated or standing in any of the four positions, which comes in handy when you need to feed on the go. Its versatile design features a feeding position so you can quickly transition from side carrying to nursing, and back. And with five storage pockets, you can keep feeding essentials close at hand.

Tushbaby is easy to fold up and store on the go, making it one of the best baby carriers for active parents who want to streamline how they carrier their kids.

How to change a baby on a road trip

To change a diaper on a road trip, you’ll need all the essentials in one place, like diapers, wipes, baby powder, and something to keep dirty diapers in. To level up your on-the-go diaper changes, bring along your foldable changing pad to make things easier. This vegan leather changing pad wipes down easily, and can be used anywhere…even the backseat or trunk of your car (we know places to change a baby can be limited on the road!).

How long can you go on a road trip with a baby?

Ultimately, this will depend on your baby and what you’re comfortable with. Some babies love the car, while others might even get sick. Try taking your baby in the car for 20, 30, then 60-minute stretches before considering a longer trip.

Road trips with a baby can also be easier with an extra set of hands since babies require a lot of attention. It helps if one person can drive while the other is on baby duty, as you may be able to road trip longer. As your baby gets older, you may also be able to take longer road trips. Another important tip: you’ll want to consider car seat manufacturer suggestions for how long a baby should be in a car seat before hitting the open road.

Here are some things to consider when road-tripping with a baby at various stages.

Road trip with a baby 1-4 months: When traveling with a baby that’s 1-4 months, you will need to take plenty of breaks. Plan to take a break every two hours, and check safety guidelines for long-distance traveling with your car seat.
Road trip with a baby 5-8 months: As your baby gets a little older, you may be able to travel with fewer stops. Again, you will want to check recommendations for their car seat to ensure they are safe.
Road trip with a baby 9-12 months: With a 9-12 month-old baby, you may need to return to more frequent stops. As babies become more curious and mobile, it can be harder to keep them comfortable in a car seat for long distances. Additionally, once again, you will want to be mindful of car seat safety recommendations.

Planning a road trip with a baby? Avoid any speed bumps with essentials for mom, dad, and a happy baby available at Tushbaby!